Alice In Wonderland

Scene One:- The Riverbank

(Armchair to the side where the Storyteller is seated when play begins)
Storyteller: Good evening friends, and welcome all, upon this special night, I have this book,
to share with you, that will, I'm sure, delight. It has been lost for many years,I found it
recently, it is the main part of our play, so please pay heed to me. If you look on this first
page, A note is written here, nn ancient script and faded pen, I'll read it, please draw near.
"For you who find this special book, the contents may surprise, for it is just some odd ideas,
to lay before your eyes. It is an outline that I have, a story of a lass, called Alice, lost in
Wonderland. Seen through a Looking Glass. So here is where the story starts. It's written on
these pages"
For Lewis Carroll wrote this book that has been lost for ages.
(To Audience) When you were growing up I'm sure. You used to sit and read, about
enchanted fairytales of princes, pirates, greed. Perhaps you read of magic worlds The
Princess from the Palace, well, here I have a tale to tell, of a young girl called Alice.
For she appears within this book Look you can see her too.
(Lights up on a sleeping Alice)
(Storyteller points to Alice who is asleep on the Riverbank)

Storyteller: She lies there on the riverbank, I'll share her tale with you.

Alice: Oh dear, I think I've been asleep It must be all this sun. Or all the games I've played
today, for they, were really fun

Storyteller: Quick! Look at yonder bush right there!Its' leaves seem to be moving.

Alice:If you can see that, I must say, Your eyesight is improving

(Enter White Rabbit looking at his pocket watch)

Rabbit: Oh no, oh dear, what shall I do, I need to check the date. For I believe that
yesterday, has really, made me late. For yesterday has been and gone. Today is now, my
dear. Tomorrow you will find my girl, Refuses to appear.

(Enter Clock)

Rabbit: I need to check the time at once,

Alice:see a ticking clock

Clock:There is no need to mockI'm laughing, for look over there. It really is a crime. I stand
upon this spot each day. The way that I am treated for one that offers time. They give one
glance,then hurry by, they rush upon their way. If I should stop they'd soon complain, I think I
will one day.

Rabbit:Oh don't complain.

Alice: He's got a point. It's hard to be ignored.

Rabbit: He should try doing other things, to stop him being bored.

Clock:I beat out time, my hands just crawl, with, every tick, and tock.

Rabbit:Remember please, just who you are, an old, grandfather clock. Your hands are
pointing at the three. I wish it had been two. I'll just adjust this watch I have

Alice:Oh hurry up, please do.

Rabbit:Now, let me see what is the time?I'm sure I will be late.

Alice:Can I please come along with you?

Rabbit:Be quick!

Alice: I will. That's great.

Rabbit: I need to find my rabbit hole.

Alice: There's one right over here.

(Alice points to Rabbit Hole)

Rabbit:That's the one, now don't delay. Please hurry up my dear. If I am here, I can't be
there. That surely is a crime. Never being sure, of course, about the day or time.

Alice:You really don't talk sense you know

Rabbit:My life is just a whirl. You really haven't got a clue. A typical, young girl.

Alice:Now, now, quite rabbit be aware.

Rabbit: Oh stop complaining, hurry up,Please will you come along?

Alice:Oh how exciting, I'll be gone, and follow in his wake, it is a strange adventure,How
much time will it take, I have to be back home for tea but I can't miss this chance.

(Goes through bush)

Storyteller:So Alice follows through the bush without a second glance.

Clock:You see, I'm left alone again, the rabbit and that lass. They never spared a thought for
me, I'm left to watch time pass.

(Lights fade on Alice and White Rabbit. Clock exits.)

(The Rabbit Hole, perhaps stage in darkness except for a torch beam on Alice.
Rabbit there as well. The Rabbit hole could be mimed or could be represented by a
hoop attached to a cylinder of cloth. Alice and the White Rabbit will step into the hoop
and work the cloth over their heads.)

Storyteller: So Alice and her Rabbit friend, jump right into the hole, there is, of course, no
light at all, it is as black as coal. Alice doesn't realise the burrow's like a chute. Enjoying it
immensely.

(Alice miming wind movement.)

Alice:A claim I would refute!

Storyteller:She finally gets to the end, The rabbit speeds away. Still concerned, with being
late. Don't lose him now

Alice:Okay.

Storyteller:So Alice hurries quickly off, The Rabbit's well ahead. Let's see what plans they
have tonight. We'll start Act Two instead.

Scene Two -The Mad Hatter's Tea Party

(A table is laid with all the requirements of a Tea Party, including plates, cups,
saucers, and large tea pot. There are four chairs around the table.)

(The Dormouse is asleep at the table; the March Hare is also seated at the table)
(Enter Alice and the White Rabbit)

Storyteller: The Rabbit and his new found friendArrive within a glade, a table set upon the
grass, a banquet ready laid. Biscuits, crisps, and there's a cake a very pleasant spread, but
look a strange old man appears, a hat upon his head.

(Enter Mad Hatter)

Alice:Who are you, my funny friend?Have you got time to natter?

Rabbit:Oh please, don't be involved with him for that is the 'Mad Hatter', he sits upon his
chair all day.

(The Mad Hatter sits)

Rabbit:Just nods and gently mutters about the life he has to lead. With these two other
nutters.
(The White Rabbit points to March Hare and Dormouse)

Mad Hatter: Oh yes, it's true, I am quite mad. My life is such a mess. I carefully chose all my
clothes, it causes me some stress. Colours bright in shirts and ties, my coat is special too, I
am a fashion icon girl much better dressed than you.

Alice: But all your clothes are out of date those styles have been and gone.

Mad Hatter: Oh I didn't realise you were friends with Gok Wan! But hats are what I love of
course.

Alice:You do look prim and proper, I love the hat you're wearing now.

Mad Hatter: My celebration topper!

Alice:But as I look around this glade, It's very plain to me. That all your time seems to be
based on drinking cups of tea.

Mad Hatter: Of course, it is the only thing there is 'round here to do, I hope you feel quite
privileged, this cup, my dear's for you.

(Mad Hatter offers huge cup of tea to Alice)

Alice:But you can't spend the whole day long just sitting on that chair, I'd find it rather boring.

March Hare: Why should you even care?

Alice:But what about your breakfast? Then what about your lunch? You could try having
supper. You could try eating brunch.

Mad Hatter:Oh don't be such a ridiculous young girl you surely see, we need to spend the
whole day long preparing for our tea.

Rabbit:You see the dormouse over there.

(The Dormouse gently stirs)

Rabbit: He's sometimes in the pot he never moves much any day.

Dormouse: (Waking gently) On please, don't talk such rotI can't be bothered waking up, my
slumber is so deep, that I believe I have to spend most of my time asleep. Some say I snore,
some say I dream but you must surely see that it would take a great deal of loud noise to
disturb me.

(The Dormouse goes back to sleep.)

March Hare: I am a hare that's linked to March, some say that I am mad. I find that quite
upsetting. It makes me rather sad. We sit here almost every day, with food upon our platte
we eat and drink indulgently of course, we're slowly getting fatter.

Alice:I don't mean to intrude of course, but it looks rather fine.

Mad Hatter:You can sit here upon a chair, but not that one, it's mine.

March Hare: Now we're seated please ensureYou have enough to eat. Help yourself to all
this food, But stay upon your seat. If your manners are not good, I will make sure you get,
Lessons in how to behave. It's known as etiquette.

Mad Hatter: Pass your plate, now once again

(Passing plate routine. This routine should provide comedy value to the Scene.
Each character will take their plate, who will pass it to the next character, until they
have the same plate that they started with. The passing gestures should be
elaborate and over emphasised.)

Mad Hatter: Do it please, once more. Then once again.

Alice:The plates are back! To where they were, before.

Mad Hatter:Time for tea. Wake up, Dormouse! You need to eat some food.

Rabbit:Oh leave him, for it's plain to see that he is in a mood.

March Hare: You pass his plate,

Alice:Oh not again! You can't do this all day?

Mad Hatter:Of course we do.

Alice:A waste of time, I've nothing else to say.

Rabbit:I told you they were all quite mad now we will have to go, I'm sure we haven't caught
up time, my watch is running slow.

Alice:It seems your watch is always wrong. A Rolex would be best, that would keep you up
with time.

Rabbit:Oh 'Know-Alls' I detest I have to meet the Queen of Hearts, we must go to her
Palace. We'll find her on the croquet lawn, so please be quick, dear Alice.ç

(Exit Alice and Rabbit. The lights fade on the Tea Party)
Scene Four - The Queen of Hearts' Croquet Lawn

(The Queen and her retinue of courtiers and croquet players enter. The retinue can
be representative of birds and animals. As they do not speak, face masks, or
half-masks can be wor, to represent their chosen character. As it is Wonderland,
this will allow scope for strange creatures as well.)

(Enter Alice and the White Rabbit.)

Storyteller: Now it is true the Queen of Hearts, has got a temper, foul. She has been known
to be as bad as Mr Simon Cowell. When children are not well behaved, sent early, to their
bed. They're threatened with her well known phrase 'Quick, Guard! Off with Their Head!'
Now Alice wasn't really sure what they were due to find, but look, there stands the Queen of
Hearts, she is one of a kind.

(Enter Guards)

Storyteller:She stands upon the croquet lawn in this game she plays all day. Her rules are
quite peculiar, so come, let's see her play. Flamingos for the mallets, but their enjoyment
palls, when they are used to hit quite hard, the little, hedgehog balls. For it is very plain to
see they find it quite distressing, but she won't care if they get hurt, the Queen will stand no
messing.

Rabbit: You see she's looking rather grim. My loyalties are torn. I really want to keep you
safe.

Queen:Girl! JUST GET OFF MY LAWN! Rabbit, I'm afraid you're late.

(Rabbit sighs)

Queen:The Rabbit gives a sigh. Obviously the time is right, to put you in a pie. Just send him
to the Palace Cook, we'll have him for our tea,

Rabbit:I have to say it is not wise to think of eating me.

Alice:Can't you see his legs are thin, his fur is rather rough, one mouthful of that rabbit,
Queen. Would, I am sure, be tough.

Queen:How very strange, this young girl speaks, but perhaps she has a point, but Rabbit
you have come here late you're spoiling for a fight.

Rabbit:Oh no, dear Queen, it's this girl's fault,

Queen:What is it, you've just said? Blaming her for tardiness, Guard! Off now with his head!

Alice:Queen, it's true, I am afraid,I made the Rabbit late, though it is true, we did arrive,
Before, you locked the gate. I see it would be quite unwise, to argue with a Queen,
though I must admit you are the strangest one I've seen.

Queen: Who are you a mere girl? You have an ugly face.

Alice:Now, there is no need to be rude, your manners, a disgrace.

Queen:Just realise, I am the QueenEach day I always do, the things that make me happy.
I won't be told by you how to treat my subjects, for you will soon be dead when I give my
instruction, Guard, now 'Off with her Head.

(Enter Footman with paint pot.)

Alice:Dear Queen, don't be ridiculous, there is no need to fight, tell me all about your day.

Rabbit:A sound idea.

Queen:All right.You see my footman over there, a paint pot in his hand? What do you think
he's doing?

Alice:I fail to understand.

Footman:I'm painting all the roses red, I do it day and night.

Queen:A very special job you know, I hate the colour white.

Alice:But surely that's a waste of time,I'm sure that it would be. Better to grow roses red,
directly as a tree. They'd bloom and save this man a job you'd also save on paint.

Queen:Yes, it seems like a good idea.

Storyteller:(To Audience) The footman nearly faints.

Queen: So, if he isn't painting blooms, he may as well be dead. Guard -Arrest the footman,
now, quick, 'Off with his Head'.

Alice:No, no, I didn't mean that he should fall foul of your cleaver, he could do another job.

Queen:A good idea. (To Footman.) Now, leave her

(Footman exits quickly)

Queen:It seems that you are quite astute. Though you don't look too bright. Some ideas you
have are good, for one of shortened height.

Alice:Well, when you play your croquet game, the mallets that you use, seem to be
flamingos, who end up feeling bruised. Surely wood would be the best, you could cut down a
tree.

Queen:(To Guard.) Go and fetch my Woodsman he must report to me.

Alice:The hedgehogs that you use as balls, can't find the game very fun. Replace those to,
with wooden spheres.

Queen:How soon can it be done?

Guard:At once, dear Queen, can I send the hedgehogs to their beds?

Queen:Don't be so ridiculous, they all must lose their heads!'

Alice:Dear Queen, you really have to see that death can't always be the answer to your
problems, so listen, please, to me. Surely it is better that a Queen is seen as kind.

Queen:I don't think that would go down well, you must have lost your mind. I have no further
time to waste. Guards please set up my Court.

(Guards set up Courtroom)

Queen:I am the judge and jury too. See this wig I've bought. (Puts on Judges Wig)
But let's move on, for there's a beast that I will have to try, for smiling down on everyone.

Alice:Just a smiling Queen? But why Is this a court offence? To laugh or smile like
that?

Queen:I just dislike true happiness. Bring on the Cheshire Cat.

(The Cheshire Cat's face appears in a tree. Guard moves forward)

Alice:But I can only see the face, appearing in that tree.

Queen:It really upsets me. I know it is annoying. Guard, just tell the Cheshire Cat
that now he's out of bed, it's time he had his punishment. So please sever his head.

Guard:But that is not an easy thing, I'll end up getting scratched.

Alice:Can't you see you stupid Queen, his head is not attached, to any body, it just floats
as if it were at sea. Isn't it quite obvious, to anyone but me?

Queen:Never mind that, Guard, at once, please carry out my task. Get rid of that strange
grinning fool, I shouldn't have to ask.

Guard:But Queen, you see each time that I Seem to be getting near, the grinning cat within
that tree, just starts to disappear.

(Cheshire Cat disappears)

Queen:Oh very well, forget the cat, there is a matter grave that I will have to deal with now,
tart stealing by the Knave.
Rabbit:The Knave, dear Queen?

Queen:A traitor, yes.

Rabbit:(To Alice) She means, the Knave of Hearts, the crime that he is charged with?

Queen:He stole my plate of tarts

(A Trumpet sounds)

Rabbit:A trumpet sounds!

Alice:Oh who is that?

Rabbit:The King of Hearts is here.

Alice:This trial must be important.

Rabbit:The birds and beasts must fear the verdict they will have to give, for it is surely true,
no one will get a fair trial here. There's nothing we can do. For if the Queen does not agree
with what the jury finds, she'll lose her temper once again.

Alice:Well I don't really mind, surely it is plain to see that innocence must win.

Rabbit: Not in this Court, Alice dear. It's viewed as quite a sin.

(Enter King of Hearts with Guards)

King of Hearts: I'm here to help with sentencing the Knave must suffer so, For acting like a
glutton, we cannot let that go.I've heard he's stolen a plate of tarts. He's always after food.

Alice:I hope the trial he gets is fair, his innocence be proved,

Rabbit: I cannot see that happening. They'll both remain unmoved. Though you may argue
all day long, until it's time for bed, one thing that I'm sure will pass. Is that he'll lose his head.

Queen:Rabbit please convene the court, to try this robber, here. You may call up the jury.

Rabbit: (To Alice) Please stand aside, my dear.

(Enter the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Dormouse. They can make up the Jury,
or other animals - the Queen's retinue - can be used.)

Rabbit:For when the Queen convenes her court, she will not be advised that anyone is
innocent.

Queen:Put the prisoner over there. He's guilty, hear his plea, Rabbit, please conduct the trial,
for I have got a hunch, the evidence has disappeared, he's had them for his lunch.

Alice:Then I'll be his defence. You don't know much about his crime. It doesn't make much
sense. Stealing just a tray of tarts is just a minor crime. With all of you against this man,
It's like a pantomime. What colour jam was in the tarts?

Rabbit:I think that it was red.

Alice:Strawberry, or raspberry?

Queen:The colour of the jam is not important, I just need to make this very foolish Knave,
suffer for his greed.

Alice:He hasn't been found guilty yet this trial must be deemed fair.

Queen:He's just a common criminal, I don't know why you care.

Alice: Knave, I say this is your chance, for you, to have your say. The Queen will listen.

Queen:Okay.

Rabbit:You're clearly in the wrong. We know that you are guilty. You don't need to talk

Queen:That hasn't taken long.

Rabbit:Do you admit you stole the tarts?

Queen:That's what he has just said. There's only one conclusion.

Rabbit:Correct. 'OFF WITH HIS HEAD

Queen:Rabbit don't you realise. That only I can say, an order, for the loss of heads I shout it
every day.

Rabbit:So dear Jury you can see. He's guilty, so now Knave, we can put you straight to
death. We know you are a criminal.

Jury: Guilty.

Storyteller:They all cry.

Queen:It seems to be quite obvious. The Knave will have to die.

Alice:But wait, this trial has not been fair The Knave has no recourse to give his valid point of
view.

Queen:He'll only make it worse. For it is clear, my tarts have gone, my patience, he will tax.
Guard, come here, it's time for you-. Now prepare your axe.
Guard:I wish that you would please decide who's head, I have to lop. It seems that everyone
today, Will now avoid the chop. That girl has used her clever words. My axe remains unused,
we used to have a lovely time, it kept the crowd amused. By lopping heads off, right and left,
I loved to hear them roar, when I chopped off a villain's head and it rolled on the floor. But if
you're sure, then I'll prepare, my axe is sharp you know, Knave, put your head upon this
block,

Alice:No wait, please let me show, how mercy should be claimed for yes, it was a clear
mistake, I'll make him promise that next time, he'll not be quick to take anything, that is not
his, there will be no confusion let him live, is all I ask.

King Of Hearts: I think that in this special caseWe'll take the girl's advice.

Queen:Oh blow I've been foiled twice.(To Alice) It's time you left. Just go away, or else you'll
lose your head.

Storyteller: The Queen turns 'round, and in a huff, proceeds to go to bed.(Exit Queen)

Rabbit:(To Alice) There's no doubt, you were lucky, I think, we'd better go, you missed the
axe, a miracle, quite risky.

Alice:Yes, I know. Now Rabbit please show me the way, I need your help, you see, it must be
time to go back home. It's nearly time for tea.

Mad Hatter: Tea! Dear girl! I heard that word, a very good idea. You can come along with us,
we've cups to spare, my dear.

Alice:Oh no, I am not coming back, dear Rabbit lead the way. I've had enough excitement,
to see me through, today.

Storyteller: So Alice and the Rabbit, were lucky to survive, The Queen of Hearts, and her
foul mood we move into Scene Five.

Scene Five - The Chess Board

Storyteller: If you've ever read the books you see that they address a problem with the King
of Spades Involved closely, with chess. So if you look upon the floor, you see a chequered
board, a box is Lying over there. In which the King is stored.

Alice: (To Rabbit) Rabbit do you think that I Should open up this box? Perhaps it holds some
brand new clothes, a bright new dress, some socks.

Rabbit:On please don't be ridiculous, why do girls show such passion? For anything to do
with shoes, new dresses, general fashion? Of course, there's nothing in that trunk.

Alice:I'd find that a surprise.

Rabbit:Well, go ahead and open it, you know I don't tell lies.

Storyteller:So Alice opens up the lid, a figure lies inside.

(The King of Clubs climbs out of the box)

Storyteller:It seems to be the King of Clubs.

Alice:You're wrong Rabbit, you lied.

Rabbit:Oh now we are in bother for this King is in a mood, with anyone who can't play chess,
or else he thinks is rude. Now Alice is plain to see. You upset all you meet, we won't escape
from here so fast, unless we learn to cheat.

King of Clubs: Who disturbs my evening nap? (To Alice) it must be you, I guess,
Obviously, it's plain to see you want a game of chess.

Alice:Oh, sorry King, I didn't mean to wake you from your sleep. My friend and I were
passing by, of course, we tried to creep.

Storyteller: The King at once calls all his friends.

(Enter Chess pieces)

Storyteller: They stand upon the board, Alice doesn't know the rules.

King of Clubs: Stand over there!

Storyteller:He roared. But Alice knew she must escape so ran this way and that.
(Alice pushes over the Chess pieces)

Storyteller:The pieces fell upon the floor, I'm not impressed with that. She reached the edge
and smote the King Then slipped out of his way, She left with Rabbit leaving all of them, in
disarray.

Alice:I knew that if I played the game, I'd end up in a scrape, I've heard that playing with the
King. Leaves no means of escape.

(Exit from Stage towards Tunnel. Darkness, followed by light on Alice again)

Storyteller:The Rabbit and dear Alice run Towards the tunnel mouth, I hope she finds the
proper route, she must be heading south. Finally she throws herself into the darkest space,
the tunnel wind lifts her at once, it's cold upon her face.

(Reprise of Tunnel Routine from Scene One)

Storyteller:The abbit stays and waves goodbye.

(Exit Rabbit)

Storyteller:For now her trip is done

(Blackout - Alice moves to Riverbank)

Storyteller: She'll have to come another day, I hope she found it fun.

(Lights up on Alice, who is asleep on Riverbank)

Storyteller: But now we see her on the bank, asleep or so it seems, her eyes tight closed,
she's been asleep, her slumber full of dreams. Her sister calls, she slowly wakes,
then rises for her tea She looks around then scampers off.

(Exit Alice)

Storyteller:Now you're just left with me.It's time I think to close the book,For now our tale is
told, You've seen sweet Alice and her friends And one day when you're old, You might
remember from your youth Good cheer to you I'm sending I'm glad it's worked out for the
best, I love a happy ending.

(Curtain)