Thirty-five years ago, a handful of people with a passion for theatre gathered in Jerry Lane’s home to form an amateur theatre group with the aim of creating some entertainment for expatriates in the Algarve.

Their first show was Puss in Boots - a typical British pantomime - and some twenty pantos later, The Algarveans are kicking off their thirty-sixth year with a panto by Tom Whalley that is sure to be this autumn’s hot ticket. Frank Remiatte is directing Alice in Wonderland, with dance director Shelley Danca and musical director Shirley Devlin.

Gracie Salter, cast in the coveted role of Alice, is thrilled to be part of the production. ‘The Algarveans is such a fun group, she says. ‘I am so privileged to be playing the lead role, and I can’t wait to bring Alice to life.’ While Gracie is new to The Algarveans, she is no newbie to the stage, having been singing and dancing since she could walk, as well as gaining two years of invaluable experience with the National Youth Music Theatre.

Together with an ensemble of thirty people, with recognisable characters such as the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, to name but a few, and five young dancers - on stage with the group for the first time - Alice will meet all the personalities of Wonderland. Remiatte and his seasoned cast and crew are working hard to deliver a musically and visually exciting show.

Alice in Wonderland will be playing at the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium, Lagoa, on November 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 pm, with a matinée on Saturday, Nov 21, at 2 pm. Tickets will be €15 and will be available soon.

By Tracey Christiansen

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