ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Marylebone Theatre

★★★

“a visually striking, fantastically acted, fun family show”

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is a classic and this adaptation, written by Penny Farrow and produced by Ethan Walker, Nate Bertone and DEM productions, is a stunning family-friendly take with a grown-up edge, though not without flaws.

On a sleepy afternoon, Alice follows a waistcoated white rabbit into Wonderland. She meets many colourful characters (literally and figuratively), and navigates a maze of nonsensical rules until, emboldened by confidence and frustration, Alice finally takes a stand.

Aimed at a younger audience, Farrow’s writing distils the more iconic moments and cuts others (such as the pig baby). This brings out a coming-of-age story of sorts, highlighting Alice’s transition from ingénue to self-possessed young adult, underscored by delaying Alice’s re-enlargement to later in the plot. Perhaps Carroll wouldn’t have approved, as I understand he helped end didacticism in children’s literature; but I find it more satisfying and meaningful. Farrow hasn’t forgotten about the adults either, weaving in a layer of modern parody which I think Carroll would have approved of. Though the first act could have done with more jokes and silliness to match the pacier and funnier second.

Director Bertone and Associate Director Eva Sampson lean into the more magical moments, bringing them to life without special effects. For example, Alice’s shrinking uses expertly timed sound and movement plus enlarging props. Though the stand-out is the puppets, designed by Bertone and Chris Barlow, which bring the real magic. This elevates what is already a visual feast – the second you walk in, you see the stunning Wonderland set. Designer Bertone, Associate Designers Will Fricker and Christian Fleming, and Assistant Set Designer Mauri Smith realise a fantastical space, with playing cards suspended above you as if whizzing about. The stage transforms delightfully with each scene, most impressively into the Queen of Hearts’ garden complete with throne and more in jokes (Queen, you did indeed slay). Not to mention Zoe Burt’s sumptuous costumes, including Alice’s embroidered blue and white dress referencing key plot points. Hair and make-up extend the magic, with a range of contrasting styles from Tabitha Mei-Bo Li. Lighting designer Jack Weir expertly evokes the right mood at the right time, from mysterious to matter of fact to menacing. Evan Jolly’s composition seamlessly complements the action. Ella Wahlström’s sound design perfectly punctuates certain moments too, such as the hedgehogs’ whacks during flamingo croquet and their subsequent plaintive cries.

The cast are fantastic. Charlotte Bradley is completely immersed in her Alice and executes physicality with precision. Katriona Brown and Skye Hallam as Tweedles Dum and Dee are hilarious, nailing the comic timing. Daniel Page’s (drag) Queen of Hearts is brilliant, camping up the character without losing an ounce of malice. Eddie Ahrens’ Cheshire Cat is a movement masterclass, with skilful characterisation and choreography. Clare Brice’s White Rabbit pulls off acrobatics while maintaining a nervous edge. Sean Garratt’s Caterpillar is elusive, but it’s Garratt’s Dormouse who steals my heart with his endearing characterisation and reactions. Honey Gabriel’s Hatter and Matthew Heywood’s Hare bring madness and joy to the party.

A few things are less successful. As well as the first act being slower, the pacing is a little inconsistent, spending a long time on Alice’s shrinking and crying. The narrative climax lacks punch: during the pivotal moment involving a deck of cards, said deck appears… and then sways about, evoking a convenient scene change rather than a threatening moment. With what looks like two downstage microphones and no headsets, the dialogue is harder to make out upstage and sometimes drowned out by music (or children). Given this version is abridged with some rather wordy passages, it impacts the flow and loses you at points.

That said, if you’re looking for a visually striking, fantastically acted, fun family show that children and adults will get something out of, Alice in Wonderland is a treat. Though if you’re not bringing children, it might not be for you.