production at City Hall.

The Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society is scouring the Island for the perfect Alice to take centre stage in the traditional Christmas production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

With the show only six weeks away, producer Mrs. Ora Bainbridge and Australian director Ms Davilia David are auditioning this weekend for the large and colourful cast. They will be looking for a Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and Cheshire Cat among others as well as a riotous chorus of oysters, soldiers and chessman.

But, they say, it will be Alice who steals the show.

"We are searching for the perfect Alice,'' said Ms David who teaches and directs at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in England. "The right Alice will command attention and take us on an adventure.'' But Alice wanabees, ideally aged between seven and 12, not only have to act but sing and dance as well.

Ms David says the production will be a departure from the traditional Christmas pantomime, but audience participation in singing and quizzes will be encouraged.

The show will also bring together the artistic talents of set designer and president of the Bermuda Society of Arts Mr. Elmer Midgett and costume designers Ms Elizabeth Wingate and Dr. Barbara Jones.

"Visually the show will be something a child won't be able to forget,'' said roducer Mrs. Ora Bainbridge. "They will have dreams about what they've seen.'' But will there be scary moments? Ms David admitted some characters are formidable but children should be able to identify with Alice as she encounters them on her journey. "The characters represent grown-ups who are not always very pleasant,'' she said. "They can be bossy, superior and pushy just because of their size.

"The story has always been fascinating for me,'' she said. "As a director I would like to put up for question the relationship between children and adults.'' While Ms David intends to direct the show along traditional lines, local flavours will be incorporated into the set and costumes.

"We have no preconceived ideas on who will get the parts,'' said Mrs.

Bainbridge. "We want it to be a real community effort, regardless of age or experience.'' She also appealed for help backstage to put together the set, costumes and lighting, adding that training would be provided for the inexperienced. The artistically talented are particularly welcome, she said and should contact her at: 292-1760.

Auditions will be held at BMDS on Saturday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.

"It will be big, grand and absolutely magical,'' promised Ms David.

LOOKING FOR ALICE -- Ms Davilia David is guest director of the BMDS musical adaption of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass. It will open at the City Hall on December 8.