Neon-bright, fast-paced and generally faithful to Lewis Carroll’s original, Penny Farrow’s version of Alice in Wonderland is a joy. It’s somehow simultaneously fresh and modern while remaining a classic. There are very convincing puppets for some of the characters (think Avenue Q meets the Muppets) but director Nate Bertone has not been tempted to shoehorn in any of the current theatrical gimmicks like digital screens and steadicams to distract from the action.
All the favourite characters of this beloved tale show up, portrayed by a terrifically talented ensemble who give it their all and then some, with on-point comic timing. Bored Alice is feisty, curious and played with the perfect degree of sweetness by Ailsa Erskine. When she chases Clare Brice’s energetic White Rabbit, who’s of course running late, and ends up tumbling down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, she meets the crazy cast of characters that populate this fantastical land. She drinks the shrinking potion, goes to the Hatter’s tea party, plays flamingo croquet and is threatened with having her head cut off. They are all there – the Queen of Hearts (Daniel Page playing her just the right side of panto dame with a very scary edge), the Hatter (Honey Gabriel), the Dormouse (Sean Garratt), the March Hare (Tom Giles), and the terrible twins, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee (Sophie Wilkinson and Skye Hallam), all talking abject nonsense while throwing in a few subtle topical references and the odd corny joke. The puppet Cheshire Cat (brought to life by Kate Malyon) is all spooky smile and sinuous motion.
The costumes are exceptional and reminiscent of John Tenniel’s drawings from the original publication of the story.
This is a surreal tale, told here with great verve and exuding all manner of positive vibes. There’s a symbolism about following your dreams, staying curious, but in essence it’s a bright, fun and joyous show to be enjoyed by the young and the not-so-young.
Alice in Wonderland is at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith until 2nd August then at the Soho Theatre, Walthamstow from 5th – 16th August.
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 21st July 2026
North West End UK Rating: