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By Camilla Bell, Deputy Head (Bedales Pre-prep)
Some might say Alice in Wonderland is an ambitious choice for children under eight, but we knew our Pre-prep students, with their boundless imaginations and creative spark, were more than up to the challenge. And they proved us right during this year's Year 3 Play in June.
In just under three weeks, the children immersed themselves in their characters, exploring how they might move, speak and dance. Their approach was a true reflection of our inquiry-led learning: they wondered, experimented and brought each role vividly to life.
Inspired by the original cartoon and the vibrant colours of summer festivals, the children helped transform our orchard and playground into a spectacular wonderland. From the meadow with Alice and her sister, through the tunnel of singing voices, to the flower-filled fields and the wise Caterpillar, every scene was a feast for the senses. Dancing Cheshire Cats, a delightfully chaotic Mad Hatter’s tea party, and the dramatic Court of the Queen of Hearts completed the journey.
Guided by the ever-charming Biscuit Givers, the audience was swept along on this magical adventure. It was a visual and emotional delight, brought to life by the incredible young actors of our Pre-prep School and their ringing voices.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s production!
Reflecting on the play as an audience member, Pre-prep parent Helen Martin adds:
"The event began with an Alice-themed cake stop in the Dunannie Library, which was hugely appreciated by both parents and the performers’ siblings. Families politely bagsied the best seats in the audience, only to be told this was an immersive play and we would be following the action as it unfolded across various locations around the grounds.
As we walked from scene to scene, we couldn’t quite get over the set, which was more suited to a particularly well curated festival than a pre-prep school play. The performers more than lived up to their surroundings, singing and acting like pros, and having an absolute ball. They were so confident, engaging and funny, and the script and music so good that the whole thing passed in a bit of a whirlwind. At the end we were left feeling a bit like 'Alice, did that really just happen?!' Some of us went back and watched the whole thing all over again the next day, just to make sure…"
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