Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr – Z-arts

There is something truly special about watching young talent take to the stage with confidence, enthusiasm and a genuine love of theatre, and Manchester Musical Youth’s Apprentices production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR delivered all this and more during its opening night at Z-arts, Manchester.

Featuring a cast of 36 talented young performers aged between 8 and 13, this vibrant production was a wonderful showcase of the passion, dedication and creativity at the heart of Manchester Musical Youth.

Directed by Shannon Holland, with producers Dave and Kimberly Holden, musical direction by Kimberly Holden, and assistant choreography by Rose Warburton and Amelie Hassouna-Smith, the production brought Wonderland to life with colour, character and theatrical charm.

Following her return from maternity leave, Shannon Holland has done an outstanding job of bringing this production together. Coordinating 36 young performers is no small undertaking, yet the creative team delivered a show full of energy, imagination and infectious enthusiasm.

The familiar story follows curious Alice as she tumbles down the rabbit hole into a wonderfully peculiar world where nothing is quite as it seems. Along the way, she encounters unforgettable characters, including the hurried White Rabbit, the eccentric Mad Hatter, the mischievous Cheshire Cat and the formidable Queen of Hearts. Through her adventures, Alice discovers the importance of courage, curiosity and believing in herself.

In the title role, Lyra Shaw delivered a pleasing all-round portrayal of Alice, capturing the curiosity and wonder that make the character so enduringly popular.

One performer who particularly stood out was 11-year-old Rui Lau as the White Rabbit. His stage presence was phenomenal, his vocals fantastic, and his acting skills demonstrated a confidence and maturity beyond his years. He was an absolute pleasure to watch whenever he stepped onto the stage, and he is undoubtedly a young performer to keep an eye on.

Lucy Brownsword was equally delightful as the Mad Hatter, bringing plenty of character to the role while displaying some impressive vocals.

The Cheshire Cat was brought to life by three talented performers, Annie Morehead, Charlie Jones and Alice Dunphy, who added playful charm to this much-loved character. Albie Gilbert and Will Perrett made an entertaining Tweedledee and Tweedledum, capturing the pair’s familiar silliness.

As the formidable Queen of Hearts, Cleo Avanessian commanded the stage with powerful vocals and a wonderful presence, capturing the character’s domineering nature and fiery temperament with confidence and flair. Isla Cregeen impressed as the Caterpillar, displaying stunning vocals and a strong stage presence bringing her own personal interpretation to the role.

One of the production’s particular strengths was its choreography. Slick, well-rehearsed and impressively uniform, the movement helped give the show a polished feel while allowing the young performers to shine as an ensemble.

The tap dancing was a real highlight, with some exceptionally strong dancers in the cast performing with confidence, precision and infectious energy. Their impressive technique added another dimension to an already polished production.

The Flower Garden sequence was another highlight, which was thoroughly enjoyable to watch. It was a wonderful example of how imaginative staging, coordinated movement and the enthusiasm of a committed young cast can create a memorable theatrical moment.

With 36 performers aged between eight and 13, maintaining timing, coordination and consistency is no easy task. Yet the creative team made it look effortless, delivering a visual and auditory delight. Every young performer appeared to bring their heart and soul to their character.

This production carried an especially poignant dedication to Kimberly Holden’s mum, Carole, who sadly passed away this year.

Carole had always been thoroughly involved in previous productions, making this dedication particularly meaningful. Although she was not there to see this latest show, one can only imagine how proud she would have been watching these young performers take to the stage, giving their all and sharing their love of theatre.

The passion, teamwork and joy displayed by the cast made this production a fitting tribute to someone who had been such an important part of previous shows. Her involvement will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of the Manchester Musical Youth family, and her memory was beautifully honoured through this performance.

Manchester Musical Youth prides itself on igniting passion, nurturing talent and showcasing success, and Alice in Wonderland JR was another wonderful example of that ethos in action.

Youth theatre is about so much more than learning lines, singing songs or remembering choreography. It gives young people the opportunity to develop confidence, build friendships, work as a team and discover what they can achieve when encouraged to believe in themselves.

Under the guidance of Shannon Holland and her dedicated creative team, these youngsters were able to explore their individuality while working towards a shared goal. Manchester Musical Youth clearly understands the importance of creating an environment where young people feel supported, valued and able to flourish.

It was lovely to see friends and family in the audience, watching with such obvious pride. That connection between the stage and the auditorium is part of what makes youth theatre so special.

Manchester Musical Youth’s Alice in Wonderland JR was a joyful celebration of young talent, imagination and the magic of live theatre. With memorable performances, impressive vocals, excellent dancing, slick choreography and a committed ensemble, the production demonstrated what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity and encouragement to shine.

Shannon Holland and the entire creative team deserve considerable credit for bringing this production to life and helping every young performer make their mark. The heartfelt dedication to Carole added an extra layer of meaning, reminding us that theatre is not simply about what happens on stage; it is also about the people, memories and shared experiences that bring a theatrical family together.

The future of theatre depends on giving the next generation the chance to step into the spotlight, and this production was a wonderful reminder that the future is in very capable hands. May these young performers continue to dream big, find their voices and embrace every opportunity that comes their way. The magic of theatre lives on through them, and long may it continue.

Reviewer: Grace Leicester

Reviewed: 9^th October 2026

North West End UK Rating: