This new adaptation of the classic novel by Lewis Carroll (and a couple of his other works) is described as an attempt to reimagine the story as “a vivid, immersive dreams cape bursting with colour, shape, and play.”
Writer Penny Farrow and director/designer Nate Bertone have developed a charming and chaotic story that intrigues from the moment you see the set of playing cards, mushrooms, and unusual shapes.
Alice (Charlotte Bradley) finds herself in a mad world populated by talking animals and a larger than life Queen of Hearts (Daniel Page with his best and most scary pout on). Her changing size is conveyed by the switch of ever-growing drink bottles, and her encounters with the familiar characters crackle with contemporary jokes and impersonations to amuse adults while entertaining children.
With a smattering of songs, composed by Evan Jolly, and characters including a laid-back caterpillar (Sean Garratt) and quarrelsome pair Tweedledum and Tweedledee (Kathiona Brown and Skye Hallam), and top notch puppetry for the Cheshire Cat, nervous hedgehogs, and the dozy dormouse, Alice in Wonderland is fun from the off.
This new version keeps the best part of Carroll’s vision from the twitchy White Rabbit (Clare Brice) to the gardeners struggling to disguise the white roses with red paint. Eddie Ahrens gives a lot of vocal personality to the Cat, with Honey Gabriel’s Hatter and Matthew Heywood’s Hare making an amusing comic duo.
Chris Barlow designs a wonderful set of puppets, while Jack Weir’s lighting adds atmosphere. This is a clever show that will appeal to those who know the books well and to those new to Wonderland.
The children in the audience seemed to enjoy themselves and an hour’s running time keeps boredom at bay.
Alice in Wonderland continues at Marylebone Theatre until 31st August 2025: https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/alice-in-wonderland
Reviewer: Louise Penn
Reviewed: 20th July 2025
North West End UK Rating: