A WELL-LOVED children’s story with its origins in South Cerney is the centrepiece of Cirencester Dance Club’s latest production.

Alice’s Wonderland, which will be performed in the Bingham Hall in King Street next weekend (July 17 and 18), is based on Lewis Carroll’s tale, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The author made up the story to amuse young Alice Liddell and her two sisters when he visited their home in South Cerney in 1865.

With the book celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, the Dance Club is bringing its characters to life with original choreography by Jennifer Gaden and Natasha Webb. The production also features costumes inspired by the story’s numerous illustrators – over 100 English-language editions have been printed with illustrations from artists including John Tenniel, Arthur Rackham, Bessie Pease Gutmann, Mable Lucie Atwell, Mervyn Peake and Salvador Dali.

Members of the audience can expect to be transported underground to witness tales of the Caucus Race, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a perceptive Caterpillar, an autocratic Queen of Hearts, a Duchess and a baby, all ending with a farcical trial.

  • The performance on Friday, July 17, starts at 7pm, and there will be two performances on Saturday, July 18, at 12 noon and 7pm.
  • Tickets are available from Cirencester Visitor Information Centre in Park Street, on 01285 654180, or by email from cirendanceclub@live.co.uk