THE Cheriton Players are marking their golden anniversary with an outdoor production of Alice.

The play, based on the works of Lewis Carroll, will be the first al fresco show tackled by the 50-year-old group.

Since being formed in 1961, the Cheriton Players have put on more than 100 shows.

It has included Wind in the Willows, Blithe Spirit, Outside Edge, ‘Allo ‘Allo and musicals such as Salad Days and Oliver!

The open-air version of Alice has been adapted by Jen Bartel with original music score by Neil Sands.

It fuses together Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass along with some fresh material.

For instance, the cast includes a rather baffled Lion from the Wizard of Oz who finds himself in the wrong show.

The play is being directed by Pauline Cornter, daughter of two of the Cheriton Players’ founders, Leslie and Peggy Sumner.

Performances are being held from Tuesday, June 21 to Saturday, June 25 at Cheriton Cottage in the village centre.

Gates open at 6pm and audiences are invited to bring rugs, low-back chairs and also picnics for dinner beside the River Itchen.

At the time of going to press, the Saturday show had sold out, but tickets for the other nights were available.

Entry costs between £10 and £12 and tickets are available from www.cheritonplayers.ticketsource.co.uk.

They can also be bought from The Flowerpots Inn (01962 771318) or Cheriton Village Stores (01962 771251).