Spotlight On: A Wonderland Trip to London & Paris
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, April 2025
Written by: Chelsea Willis
Pictured: Brielle McGugan wearing Mad Hatter’s Hat at the Storytime Museum.
In January this year, 42 YPT students had the opportunity to visit England and France through our Performing Arts Overseas Tour Adventure. Just before the travellers embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, several student found out they had been cast in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. which is currently playing at YPT. Not only was this so exciting for the student to have been cast, and many in dream roles, but the trip to England and France was perfect timing as there was many Alice in Wonderland themed adventures as part of the intinerary. 
Part of the trip was visiting OxFord where Lewis Caroll, the original creater of Alice in Wonderland wrote many stories. Here we learned about Lewis’s life in Oxford, visited Christ Church College and Oxford University and even got to see the gardens where the ‘Real Alice’ played. It is believed Alice in based off the Dean of Christ Church College at the times daughter, and watching her play in the grounds of the college. It is also believed that the rabbit hole inspired by a door in the College itself. We also saw the famous stain glassed window and visited the Alice Shop in the Town Centre.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Storytime Museum in Oxford. The museum was all about storytelling, and it was super interactive, which made it even better. We had some really wholesome and creative moments there—it was like stepping into a whole world of imagination and learning about stories in all different forms. Lastly, we made it to Disneyland in Paris and were delighted by the Alice in Wonderland section, we loved the Tea Cups especially and meeting the characters.
We asked some of the students cast in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. how this experience overseas helped them prepare for rehearsals.
Q. What was it like being able to visit the home of the ‘Real Alice’ before beginning the rehearsals for Alice in Wonderland JR.
Brielle (Mad Hatter): I’ve always loved the story of Alice in Wonderland so when I found out that I was going to the sites of inspiration for the whole story I was extremely excited. I found out I was in YPT’s production of Alice in Wonderland JR. a week before we left for Europe so it made it even more special and especially that I get to play my childhood dream role the Mad Hatter.
Liam (Cheshire Cat): Visiting the places where Alice lived was amazing, being able to visit the place of the “Real Alice” gave me a different perspective of the story of Alice in Wonderland JR. I felt like I was meeting her in person and I felt the story that she put together, it gave me and understanding of the story and feeling Alice put in her story.
Daphne (White Rabbit): By learning the history and origin behind Alice in Wonderland I have been able to see the world Lewis Carrol based his novel on and the personal context he creatively moulded the dramatic characters around. By visiting Christ Church and Oxford I have been able to draw inspiration from the home of the “Real Alice” and use those memories in my characterisation of the White Rabbit. I have brought the little White Rabbit toy, that I bought at Oxford from the Alice in Wonderland shop, along to each of the performances and I now see it before each shows and is a lovely reminder about the memories we created there.
Gabe (Caterpillar): Visiting Oxford and Christ Church Cathedral before starting rehearsals for Alice in Wonderland JR. was a truly surreal and inspiring experience. Walking through the same halls and gardens that Lewis Carroll once did, and seeing the places that sparked his imagination, gave me a much deeper appreciation for the story we’re bringing to life. Knowing that the “Real Alice” lived and played in those very spaces made the world of Wonderland feel more tangible and alive. It reminded me that behind every whimsical character and curious adventure is a real human connection—and that’s something I carry with me in my portrayal of the Caterpillar. Being there before rehearsals made me feel more rooted in the heart of the story, and more grateful to be a part of a production that brings such timeless wonder to the stage
Q. How did you experiences seeing the story in different formats help you shape your character to perform in Alice in Wonderland JR.
Brielle (Mad Hatter): I really loved seeing the Alice in Wonderland themed section of Disneyland and really put me into Wonderland giving me a sense of what my character would feel like living in the really unusual world.
Liam (Cheshire Cat): The Storytime Museum helped me figure out the structure of story as well as Alice in Wonderland JR., it helped me figure out the personalities of my part in the play. Seeing experiences (especially in Disneyland) in first person really help me figure out the world of Wonderland and how it feels to be in it. Seeing these places really sorted out what was and wasn’t right for my character in the play.
Daphne (White Rabbit): One of my favourite parts about Disneyland was the parade throughout the streets, and I remember seeing Alice dancing so cheerily and interacting with other characters like the mad hatter and seeing the curiosity in their characters. At the Storytime museum in London we saw a colourful room with the dimensions warped and objects scattered in odd places demonstrating the oddness and different kind of story that Alice in Wonderland JR. is. By seeing these examples of Alice in Wonderland I have been able to draw inspiration from them and use them when I’m performing and envisioning this huge world that has been created.
Gabe (Caterpillar):Experiencing Alice in Wonderland JR. in various formats—such as at Disneyland and the Storytime Museum—allowed me to see how each adaptation brings its own unique energy and style to the characters. These differences helped me realize that there is room for creativity and interpretation when bringing a role to life. As the Caterpillar, I chose to portray the character with a bold, jazzy flair—combining a sense of sass, confidence, and a touch of diva-like presence. I wanted my version of the Caterpillar to be both fierce and memorable, using expressive movement, attitude, and vocal tone to create a strong personality. Let’s just say I wasn’t afraid to strike a pose and free from the chrysalis. Watching different versions of the story gave me the confidence to explore this interpretation and fully commit to a performance that was both theatrical and true to the whimsical world of Wonderland. It helped me realize that in a place where nothing is quite what it seems, sometimes the best way to stand out… is to lean in—antennae, attitude, and all.
You can catch Brielle, Liam, Daphne and Gabe along with 68 other cast members in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. playing until May 24 at YPT Theatre.
Tickets at ypt.org.au/bookings
