Exeter College Performing Arts students are bringing to life Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in their own unique adaption of the much-loved classic.

The show is the culmination of two years hard work by Exeter College students studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts and consolidates all they have learnt with a final performance.

The week long programme sees them perform their own adaption, which has been written by the students themselves, of the children’s novel at The Barnfield Theatre from the 16th to the 22nd May.

This year’s students have devised and written their own piece, starting out with a blank piece of paper. During the writing stages of the project, the students observed that Alice is a young child with various sides to her character. This prompted a creative decision by the students to have three actresses play Alice, each representing a different personality. In this adaptation Alice flits between a childish, curious seven year old, an extremely polite and proper young lady way beyond her years and a feisty, rebellious Alice challenging the world around her.

Director Nigel Paul, Performing Arts Lecturer, said: “I can't stress, highlight and champion the fact enough that the students started in November with a blank page. Everything that an audience will see and hear is an original and bespoke piece of theatre.

“Throughout the entire process the students have been challenged to explore and develop Lewis Carrol's original text. This is perfectly highlighted in the portrayal of Alice by three actresses.

“Early on in the process we discovered that Alice has many different sides of her personality. The opportunity to develop this through rehearsal has allowed us to present a highly exciting and original adaption of the novel that celebrates imagination and creativity'”

Not only have the Performing Arts students used their creativity to write an original piece, this year the project has also incorporated the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Production Arts (Stage Management) students who have designed and made the shadow shows within the piece. The production students have also worked in partnership with Plymouth College of Arts BA (Hons) Costume Production and Associated Crafts students, who have created the costumes for the numerous Wonderland characters.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will be showing at The Barnfield Theatre from the 16th to 22nd May.

Tickets are prices at £9 adults, £7 concs, £25 family of four. They are available from the box office at The Barnfield, 01392 271 808 or online at www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk/alice