December 18, 2011, by Fraser

18 December: Alice in Wonderland

This is a programme for a performance of Alice in Wonderland which was staged by University College Nottingham students on 18 December 1913. The programme was kept by Gertrude Devey who studied at the University between 1913 and 1917, and it is now housed by Manuscripts and Special Collections.

In homage to the festive production which took place 88 years ago, members of the New Theatre here at The University of Nottingham put on their Alice in Wonderland glad rags for a festive photo shoot. On a crisp winter’s morning, the aspiring actors re-created the famous tea party complete with Alice, the Mad Hatter and – of course – a pot of tea.

The New Theatre is continuing a long tradition of high quality productions at the University and is the only 100% student-run theatre in the whole of England. Unfortunately the curtains have already closed on this month’s productions of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But for those who are keen to indulge in a spot of student theatre, the group’s next offering is The Off-White Horse, an original piece by Adam H Wells, which opens on 15 February next year.

Photograph by Lea Tu

This is an example of the type of productions the New Theatre organise, produce and perform:

If you can’t see the YouTube video, try this alternative location or view on iTunes U.

If you’ve enjoyed this video, then there are many more on the group’s YouTube playlist.

The University has a long and distinguished tradition of student drama. A number of personal collections recording student productions have been given to Manuscripts and Special Collections and they are always looking for additional photographs and other records of students on the stage.

All of the items featured in our e-Advent calendar are from the University’s historic library holdings, held in Manuscripts and Special Collections. For more information on the wide range of materials available, take a look at their website and blog or contact the curators on mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk.

Find out more about our Manuscripts development plans and how you can support us via the Impact Campaign website.

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