A DUNDEE University student has found herself at the centre of a press and television mini-storm after being cast in a role inspired by one of her relatives more than 140 years ago.

Rachel Arksey is to step on stage in the title role of Alice In Wonderland just months after learning that the little girl who prompted Lewis Carroll to write the story was her great-great-great aunt.

Rachel (19), from Newcastle, said that the family link to Alice Liddell was only discovered by her uncle at Christmas, while researching the family tree.

Alice was in a rowing boat on the Thames when she asked Charles Dodgson—pen name Lewis Carroll—to entertain her and her siblings with a story.

He told them a tale about a little girl called Alice and her adventures after she fell into a hole. Alice begged Charles to write it down.

Months later he presented her with Alice And Her Underground Adventures. It became Alice in Wonderland, one of the best loved books in the world. A second book, Through The Looking Glass And What Alice Found There, was published in 1871.

Now Rachel is delighted to be playing the part that was inspired by her relative.

“I’m really excited to be playing a role that has a personal connection to me,” she said.

“I don’t think many other actresses get a chance to play characters actually inspired by a member of their family.”

Alice is Rachel’s largest role to date, but she has no plans to take up acting professionally.

Instead, the second year anatomical sciences student hopes to embark on a career in medicine.

For the moment, though, she is looking forward to her parents’ arrival to see her in the spotlight.

Director JD Henshaw said Rachel’s famous relation was not the only reason she was cast in the role.

“Rachel was always in the frame for the part because she is an excellent actress and she has the right look—we wanted an old-fashioned Alice,” he said.

This interpretation of the story will include puppets, film and animation.

The Lip Theatre Company’s show show is in the Bonar Hall, Dundee, from Friday to Sunday at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5, £3 for concessions, and are available on the door.