THE members of MADS, aka Mere Amateur Dramatic Society, and their audiences, will be paying tribute to the memory to Eric Kincaid when they perform Alice in Blunderland at the Lecture Hall from 28th to 30th November. They have chosen Eric’s own pantomime, written with his friend Chris Wood and first performed in 2007.

Eric, who died last year at the age of 92, was internationally known as one of the UK’s finest children’s book illustrators. He illustrated over 200 titles which sold worldwide and included classics like Peter Pan, Wind in the Willows, The Jungle Book, poetry anthologies and Alice in Wonderland. He moved to Dorset on retirement in 1990, where he continued to paint and exhibit his work as well as enjoying amateur dramatics with MADS.

As well as his beautiful and detailed artwork, Eric performed in many shows, especially in pantomime. The memory of his characterisations is cherished.

Alice in Blunderland has a cast of more than 20, great costumes, music and a wonderful Cheshire Cat, and will be a fitting tribute.

The poster for the MADS 2024 pantomime features Eric’s detailed artwork depicting many of Lewis Carroll’s well known characters including Alice, the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts.

Performances are in Mere Lecture Hall on Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th November at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday 30th at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from Mere Library, Sprout & Flower or The Angel Corner Tea Rooms, or by telephoning 01747-861257 or 07539-3299798