About Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

In 2013 composer Will Todd and writer Maggie Gottlieb were commissioned by Opera Holland Park to create a new family opera based on Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s book. The opera premiered in 2014 attracting capacity audiences and stellar reviews, and has continued to delight audiences across the UK ever since. Alice’s music draws on classical, blues, gospel and jazz soundworlds, and its lyrical and witty score and libretto are accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.

Our project was designed by opera singer and educator Lynsey Docherty, who also led the music workshops and performed as the White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts in the final performances. Michael Waldron accompanied on piano, and for the performances they were joined by Nick Dwyer (Caterpillar and White Knight) and Lara Marie Müller (Alice).

What did we do?

In the music workshops the young people developed their creativity and singing skills learning songs from Alice and creating their own new songs, inspired by the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, which formed part of the final performance. Bristol-based artist Ramona Bigwood led prop-making workshops at each school where the children created Wonderland flowers, enchanted mushrooms, Alice themed masks and head-dresses, and tropical-inspired garlands to wear as they performed their calypso tea party songs.

The project culminated in a 50-minute show at each school, devised by Lynsey and incorporating an abridged telling of Will Todd’s Alice with the children joining in with songs, call and response and actions, and enriching the performance with their specially made props and new music. While the workshop participants were especially celebrated and joined the cast on stage, all children attending the show enjoyed opportunities to get involved with songs and actions.

Why this work is so important

Cuts to funding for music in schools, the impact of Covid, and the barriers to access for young people living in more rural areas, from lower socio-economic backgrounds, or with disabilities mean that the majority of children involved in the Alice project had never experienced anything like it before.  The benefits are so many—the pure wonder of attending a performance by professional opera singers in their school hall, working alongside the artists to develop their musicianship and celebrate their creativity, learning to focus and work in teams as they hone their singing skills and create their own new songs.  It is always a privilege to see first hand the young peoples’ engagement developing over the course of the project, their sense of achievement, and the growth in their self-confidence and self-esteem.  

Funding

Without the generosity of the individuals and trusts who support If Opera the Alice in Wonderland schools project would not have been possible. Special thanks goes to our individual donors plus: Anonymous Trust, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Jack Lane Charitable Trust.