This summer, the whimsical Lewis Carroll tale of Alice in Wonderland returns to London at both Riverside Studios and Soho Theatre Walthamstow. The story features Alice, a young 7 year old girl who ends up traveling to the magical world of Wonderland. We had the opportunity to ask Alice herself, Ailsa Erskine, to discover more about what this wonderful production has in store for audiences!
1: This production marks your Off-West End and London Debut. What was your reaction when you found out you were playing Alice?
I was so excited. As soon as the audition came in my inbox I knew this was something that I really wanted to do. So, when my agent called me to say I got the part I didn’t believe her at first I kept asking her if she was sure that this was true haha.
2: Has there been any significant moments which stood out to you during the rehearsal period?
My favourite part of the rehearsal process was probably learning the croquet scene. It was the first day of having Daniel in the rehearsal room as well. He is the queen of hearts and he is just so fabulous – so learning that scene with all the action as well as playing off his humour for the first time was really fun.
3: Has your Scottish heritage influenced your storytelling and what advice would you give to our young Scottish performers who wish to perform in London?
I am extremely proud to be Scottish. The hardest thing sometimes about this role is not slipping into my Scottish accent during the show, ha ha ha. I’m so grateful to be working and living in London and doing what I’ve always dreamed of doing. The advice I would give to any young Scottish actor wishing to perform in London would be just go for it, be brave enough to chase it, visualise it, work hard for it and you never know it might just work out. It’s a big city and I think often you feel like you can get lost in the crowd, but you are an individual- go into audition rooms and give them your best one man show!
4: What aspect has drawn you to this show specifically?
The thing that has always drawn me to Alice in Wonderland and Alice in particular is how magical it is. Alice isn’t afraid to question authorities that are higher than her and she stands up for what is right. Through her journey down the rabbit hope she faced with many challenges but faces them with either curiosity, confidence and she’s also pretty brave for a seven year-old.
5: How do you feel that your past experience acting helped shape your portrayal the iconic role of Alice?
So Alice is my fourth professional job that I have done since graduating drama school and each job I have done I have learnt so much. There are things from every job that I take into the next. However, leading a show in London is the biggest responsibility I have faced yet. Something I have really tried to focus on while preparing for Alice is playing and having fun because that’s what it’s all about really – especially in Wonderland. When I’m on stage with her, I go through the same feelings she is, exploring the same way and trying to treat every show like it’s the first time I’ve done it because for Alice and for that audience, it is the first time. Also playing a child has its challenges but it’s so fun and I try and bring a little bit of stroppy 7 year old Ailsa to the role too!
6: What do you hope children in the audience will take away from this production?
Many things to be honest. I think Alice’s curiosity and courage is something to be admired. The main lesson that I take from the story is that sometimes when we lose our way, it can be how we find ourselves. With every hurdle that is presented to Alice in the story she ends up finding out more and more about herself each time it happens. By the end of the show she grows in height yes but it’s also metaphorically showing how much she’s grown as a person. I hope that kids can take away Alice’s courage and to always question, explore, be brave and of course always have good manners haha.
7: If you could take one thing from Wonderland to have in real life, what would it be and why?
One thing I would take from Wonderland into real life that is a very difficult question … because there are so many things I would like to take. I think the bread and butter butterflies in the tea party scene are pretty cool but then I also love having a flamingo to cuddle during the croquet match. The French mouse also makes me laugh. I suppose the main thing would be is how colourful it is. It would be amazing if our world could be as colourful as Wonderland is.
8: What has been the most enjoyable experience of this production so far?
I’m sure they’ll be lots exciting experiences to come throughout the run. However, my first family member that came to see the show was my auntie Judy. Looking out into the audience and seeing someone that has watched me grow up on stage – from orphan number 46 in Annie in the community centre in Dunblane (when I was 7!) to being centre stage in London was pretty surreal. I caught her eye during the epilogue and I think we both were a bit emotional.
We wish Ailsa and the cast of Alice in Wonderland the best run as they finish at Riverside Studios and venture to Soho Theatre Walthamstow later this August. Book your tickets here!
Many thanks to ANRPR for organising the Q & A and Ailsa for taking time out of your day to answer our questions and all the best with the rest of the run!
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