The Fame Reporter interviewed incredible performer Jennifer B. Ashley. She is starring in Miraball Productions ‘Wondered‘ playing at the Ron Hurley Theatre from 5-6 April. Jennifer will be playing Ches – The Cheshire Cat in the unique production.
We had the exciting opportunity to sit down with Jennifer and talk about her role in Wondered, the Brisbane Theatre scene, the challenges of this production, and more.
Wondered has been described as a fast-paced thriller with a gothic twist on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. How does your character, Ches (The Cheshire Chat), fit into this reimagining?
Ches is the kind of character who always knows more than she lets on. In this version of Wondered, she’s less of a mischievous guide and more of a calculated observer. She’s sultry, sharp, and just a little dangerous—like a cat who’s playing with her food.
She still has that signature grin, but here, it’s laced with something darker. Instead of just vanishing into thin air, Ches slips in and out of conversations, weaving between the chaos like she’s always one step ahead.
The original production of Wondered was a sensation. What has it been like bringing this show back to life in 2025?
It’s been an incredible experience stepping into a world that already has such a strong legacy. The original production set the bar high, and we’re bringing it back with fresh energy while staying true to its dark, twisted heart.
What makes Wondered so gripping is how relevant it still feels today. At its core, it’s a story about power, control, and identity—about people trying to hold onto a sense of self in a world that’s constantly shifting around them.
In an age of social media, deepfakes, and AI, we’re all questioning what’s real and who we can trust, just like Alice does in this version of Wonderland. The psychological games that play out between the characters mirror the manipulation we see in real life—whether it’s in politics, the media, or even our personal relationships.
It’s eerie, thrilling, and, at times, unsettling in the best way possible. And I think audiences will see parts of themselves in this twisted Wonderland.
Ches, inspired by the Cheshire Cat, is such an iconic and enigmatic character. How have you approached playing the role in this darker version of Wonderland?
I’ve leaned into the idea that Ches is always in control—she may not be the one pulling the strings, but she definitely knows who is. There’s a feline quality to how she moves, but she’s more human than cat in this version, which makes her all the more unnerving.
I wanted to bring a blend of sultry charm and quiet menace, like she could either help you or completely ruin you, depending on how she feels. She enjoys the game more than the outcome.
Wondered has a strong psychological thriller aspect—does that affect how you prepare for or embody the role on stage?
Absolutely. The tension in this play is constantly simmering, so I have to be mindful of pacing and intention in every scene. Ches isn’t just a passive observer—she’s calculating, manipulative, and always three moves ahead. At least she believes she is.
She represents the logical side of Hatter’s brain. While he spirals into madness, she’s the one who keeps things sharp and grounded. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t dangerous—she knows exactly how to play him, how to push his buttons and get what she wants. The problem is, he’s playing her right back and she hates feeling out of control.
That power struggle is at the heart of how I approach the role—it’s a constant game of chess, and the moment Ches realizes she might be losing, the stakes get even higher.
How would you describe the dynamic between Ches and the Mad Hatter in this version of the story?
It’s a game of cat and mouse—except neither of us is quite sure who’s who. Ches was once Hatter’s right-hand man, his closest confidant, the one who always had his back. But now, he’s choosing Alice over Ches and that stings.
She’s wary of this new dynamic—this younger, fresher presence coming in and taking over what used to be her territory. She doesn’t trust Alice, but more than that, she doesn’t trust what she represents.
Ches has spent years perfecting the game, learning every rule, every trick. And now, suddenly, she’s being replaced? She won’t go down without a fight.
What has been the most exciting or challenging part of performing in this production?
The most exciting? The people I get to work with! WOW. Honestly, that’s been the most refreshing part. The cast is so open, so willing to play and explore, and that makes you want to dig deeper, push further, and try things you might not have considered before.
It’s such a gift to be in a room where everyone is up for the challenge—where the energy is constantly feeding into something new and unexpected. That kind of environment is rare, and it’s what makes this production so thrilling to be a part of.
The most challenging… well, it’s also been a long time since I’ve done a straight play, and my personal inhibitions have kicked into high gear. There’s a vulnerability in stepping away from musical theatre and into something so text-driven.
Having Elodie from Miraball Productions at the helm—her absolute trust, kindness, and the safety she creates in the rehearsal room—means we feel completely comfortable and able to play.
That kind of support is invaluable, and it makes all the difference in how far we can push ourselves creatively.
You have an extensive background in both performance and choreography—how does that influence your work as an actor?
Movement is a huge part of who I am. I’m really in my body when I create, and that absolutely informs how I approach acting. With Ches, every gesture, every shift in weight is intentional. She’s not someone who moves without purpose—she’s precise, controlled, always aware of the space around her.
Due to my background in choreography, I think about storytelling in a physical way. Even when Ches is still, there’s something going on in her body—tension, anticipation, a readiness to strike.
As a choreographer, you’ve worked on Jekyll & Hyde, Head Over Heels, and A Night With The Villains, among others. How does movement play a role in Wondered?
Movement is everything for me – it’s how I tell a story, even in a show without choreography. Ches isn’t a character who needs big, exaggerated movements. Instead, she’s all about economy – small, deliberate gestures that say just as much as words do. She moves with an effortless grace.
When she toys with someone, she leans in just a little too close—testing boundaries, savoring their discomfort. She prowls around others like a predator, studying their reactions, always calculating her next move.
For me, it’s about creating a physical vocabulary for Ches—something uniquely hers, something that instantly tells the audience who she is, even before she speaks.
Your career spans musical theatre, gothic thrillers, and even immersive experiences like Speakeasy. Do you have a favorite genre to perform in?
I love anything that lets me push boundaries—whether that’s physically, emotionally, or theatrically. Gothic thrillers are delicious because they have this rich, psychological depth to sink into.
Immersive theatre excites me just as much because of its unpredictability—there’s an electricity to being in the moment with an audience that close.
Of course, musical theatre is where I feel most at home. I guess the common thread is storytelling through movement, no matter the genre.
Is there a particular moment in the show that you’re most excited for audiences to see?
Without giving too much away—there’s a moment where the power dynamic between Ches and Hatter shifts in a way that’s unexpected.
Up until that point, Ches has been playing the game, twisting things to her advantage, but suddenly, she’s not the one in control anymore. Watching that unravel is going to be so much fun. I think the audience will feel the tension in a really visceral way.
What has it been like working with Mira Ball Productions again after A Night With The Villains?
It’s been an absolute joy. After working on A Night With The Villains, I knew I wanted to collaborate with Mira Ball Productions again (and again and again and again).
There’s such a sense of trust and creative freedom in the way Elodie runs a rehearsal room—I have complete faith in her vision. I know that any project she’s at the helm of will be something special, so I’ll always jump at the chance to work with her and Mira Ball.
If you could step into any other Wondered character’s shoes for a night, who would it be and why?
Hatter. Hands down. There’s such an exciting madness to him—this chaotic blend of charm, intellect, and absolute unpredictability. He’s a ticking time bomb, and I think it would be fascinating to sit in that energy for a night.
The power struggle between Hatter and Ches is one of my favorite dynamics in the show, so getting to experience it from the other side would be thrilling.
Lastly, what do you hope audiences take away from this thrilling take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland?
I hope they leave questioning what’s real and what’s not. Wondered takes these whimsical, familiar characters and strips them down to their raw, psychological core. It plays with perception, power, and control—who really holds it, and at what cost? It’s unsettling in the best way.
If audiences walk away feeling a little haunted, a little exhilarated, and maybe even seeing Wonderland in a whole new light, then we’ve done our job.
Fame Reporter Word Play
Dream collaborator?
Michael Ralph, Pairs Goebel, Mandy Moore, Bette Midler
Favourite song of all time that you never get sick of?
‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel
Causes you are passionate about?
Supporting those affected by eating disorders, ending violence against women, and advocating for mental health awareness.
Wondered?
Beautifully dark, playfully dangerous
Dressing Room necessity?
Ugg boots, laundry basket and a killer playlist.
Brisbane?
Evolving
Unlimited show budget – what dream show would you do and who would you play?
The 39 Steps (Pamela/Annabella Schmidt/Margaret), Gypsy (right now, ‘Miss Mazeppa’, in the future, ‘Rose’), or Noises Off (Dotty).
Future dream?
As I’ve gotten older, my dream has shifted with reality. Right now, it’s about working with people I trust, creating work I’m passionate about, and continuing to challenge myself in new ways. As long as I’m creating, I’m happy.
Finally, favourite thing about performing?
That moment when you’re so in it that everything else disappears—the audience, the nerves, everything. It’s just you, the story, and the energy in the room. There’s nothing like it.
Thank-you Jennifer for joining us at The Fame Reporter and we wish you all the best for Wondered!
TICKETS
Playing from 5-6 April at the Ron Hurley Theatre
All photos – Supplied By Brit Creative
The Fame Reporter 