★★★

“brimming with energy, colour, music and dance”

Theatre Peckham’s ‘Alice In Wonderland’ delivers a spirited, modern spin on Lewis Carroll’s classic, brimming with festive family fun. True to the company’s mission, the production showcases local young talent, offering a lively, inclusive show that makes for a great family outing this Christmas.

Like most kids, Alice is glued to her phone – until Snowy B drags her down a rabbit hole she can’t just Google her way out of. A festive tale of wit and problem solving, will she outsmart Wonderland and make it home in time for Christmas?

Geoff Aymer’s exuberant script offers a modern spin on Carroll’s classic, exploring technology’s influence on children while encouraging self reliance and problem solving. Inventive touches add richness – from a chess savvy, catwalk stomping Queen of Hearts, to the charming ‘Chesh’ the cat – and varied audience participation creates a panto feel. The dialogue, infused with Multicultural London English and code-switching, is sharp and funny. That said, the plot largely mirrors the original, avoiding bolder departures, and some additions, such as Van Goo and the singing forest sequence, feel less essential.

With director Dr Suzann McLean MBE, Theatre Peckham’s Artistic Director, and assistant director Joe Bernstein at the helm, the production champions accessibility and representation with an ensemble of local talent. Creative staging, high energy choreography, vibrant music, and frequent audience participation create a party atmosphere, while varied use of the ensemble allows individuals to shine. That said, the nearly 20 strong cast occasionally feels cramped and the pacing dips towards the end, but overall it’s full of vitality and drive.

Jordan Xavier’s vibrant score, with musical direction by Ben Christopher, weaves in reggae, soul, gospel and more, keeping the audience clapping and bopping throughout. Infectious rhythms and standout numbers – including Ignatius’ gospel infused anthem and the Hatter’s exuberant Tea Jam – showcase musical flair. Paired with Aymer’s witty lyrics, the contemporary sound lands effortlessly.

Shakeil Edwards’ movement direction is contemporary and fun, prioritising accessibility over complexity for the young ensemble. However, standout hip hop solos and rousing group numbers – especially the Hatter’s Tea Jam – provide real highlights. The execution could be sharper, but the result remains spirited and engaging.

The set design is striking and versatile, with the checkerboard floor gaining meaning as the story unfolds. Archways and silver screens inventively create levels and movement, especially in Act 2, though more roses for speedy Van Van would heighten the visual impact. Sasha Howe’s sound design makes playful use of well timed effects, adding humour and texture. Sometimes the mix overpowers the cast, with lyrics lost in faster or ensemble sections, and occasional missed mic cues leave some lines unheard. Jahmiko Marshall’s colourful lighting design adds spark, though the blackouts at the end of each finale number are a little puzzling. The costume design is striking: the Queen’s red ensemble has the flair of a catwalk piece, while Guru Carter’s blue velvet sleeves and bubble sax add a quirky touch.

Oscar Sinclair impresses as the Queen of Hearts and other roles, offering strong characterisations, magnetic stage presence and fabulous vocals. Felicity Ison brings charm to Snowy B and other roles, elevating the material with assured versatility and an expressive singing voice. Siphiwo Mahlentle brings charisma to Chesh and other roles, delivering engaging performances and smooth vocals. Carma Hylton as Alice radiates warmth and presence, with promise in both singing and rapping, though working on breath-supported projection would allow more nuance. The Team Cerasee ensemble is endearing and energetic. Standout contributions come from Alexander Joseph’s larger than life Hatter, Theo Esson’s impressive dancing, and Flo Swann’s expressive singing.

Theatre Peckham’s ‘Alice In Wonderland’ is a joyful celebration of South London’s diversity and heritage, brimming with energy, colour, music and dance. A charming piece of community theatre, it promises fun for the whole family this Christmas.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Kew Gardens

★★★

“inventive, energetic and gives the kids an extremely good time”

If you ever considered crossing Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland with The Wiggles, look no further. This immersive, open-air production by the Australian Shakespeare Company for Theatre on Kew is an entertaining and accessible pantomime-esque take that children will love. Though it doesn’t offer as much to adults.

We start in Wonderland. After the Knave of Hearts leads a rousing warm up, the birds burst into the audience, followed by the incredibly late White Rabbit and ‘Bill the Lizard’. (I googled Bill, he does indeed feature in the book.) Bill brings us up to speed before Alice crash lands, having already arrived and cried offstage. While Rabbit and Bill are distracted, Alice sneaks a sip from a curiously labelled bottle and grows so big she bursts out of Rabbit’s house. Luckily she shrinks again and goes on to meet all the iconic characters, play croquet and stand up to the Queen, while engaging in energetic games and songs.

This adaptation by Glenn Elston turns the key story beats into an inventive and digestible format for children of all ages. We’re part of Wonderland from the get-go, whizzing between characters, songs and games. Though the real treat is the croquet game which provides lots of laughs. Although this is a children’s show, there are nods to the adults in the ‘room’, such as comparing the Duchess’ hot soup to Timothy Chalamet and referencing Oasis during a song.

Directed by Elston and Remount Director Dennis Manahan, the highlight of this production is the audience participation. There is no fourth wall, with all dialogue out the audience, characters running through the sea of picnic blankets, games throughout, and dance moves the kids can follow. It makes great use of space and timing, often demonstrating split second timing from cast members who can’t see each other.

Paul Norton’s original score is a big part of this production. The catchy nursery-rhyme-esque songs add extra energy to key moments and characters. The Mad Hatter’s ‘I’m Mad’ song is a genuine earworm. Though they don’t all land. The White Rabbit’s late song goes on a tad too long, and the Tweedles’ Dum and Dee song’s repetitive call and response structure gets old quickly.

Sue-Ellen Shook’s choreography shows range and uses clear movements the kids can follow. Though it could be more cleanly executed by the cast at points.

The high energy cast do a fab job of bringing the energy while singing, dancing and acting multiple roles. There is expert improvving from Rupert Sadler’s Mad Hatter, whose ‘I’m Mad’ song and dance number is a hit in every sense. Alice Imelda’s Queen is another standout, adding nuance and singing beautifully. The Mad Tea Party scene is so slick that Sadler, Laura Bazely (Dormouse) and Tom Whalley (March Hare) never miss a beat despite speaking (and reacting) largely in unison.

At first glance, the set design seems fairly basic though it comes to life very effectively. The costumes do the job, with the Queen sporting an impressively huge red ballgown. Make up wise, there is liberal use of face paint though it does give the non-human characters an otherworldly look. Sound design is effectively executed, punctuating key moments with extra magic.

That said, there are several elements that work less well. Firstly, the lack of plot. I know, I know, it’s nonsense literature. But because we hit every major character with new songs and games, the already thin plot is lost. The references for the adults feel few and far between, standing out rather than feeling cohesive, and lacking a clear sense of humour. The momentum stalls at the Mad Tea Party during competing renditions of ‘Twinkle, Twinkle little star/bat’, which have me scratching my head.

This production of Alice in Wonderland is very much for children who I suspect will give it five stars. It’s not the flashiest or most faithful production you’ll ever see, but it is inventive, energetic and gives the kids an extremely good time. What better way to spend a golden afternoon?

Tag Archives: Lewis Carroll

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

★★★

Theatre Peckham

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Theatre Peckham

★★★

“brimming with energy, colour, music and dance”