Find out what is being said about the UK premiere of Penny Farrow’s adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story.
WhatsOnStage: *** “Perhaps it’s overly whimsical, a little too reverent to the source, and could certainly lean more heavily into opportunities for reinvention. However, the pantomimic jokes that pepper Farrow’s script (targets include Keir Starmer) are at least a welcome attempt to add some levity, and the musical (Evan Jolly) and design elements contribute to a slick and accomplished telling, which makes for a decent introduction to a much-loved story for young audiences this summer.”
Everything Theatre: **** “Visually, this is a very strong production. Designed by Nate Bertone, the set is one big rabbit hole painted on flats with huge mushroom stools able to move around. The directing, also by Bertone, primarily uses props, puppets and physical theatre to fill the open stage. The costumes are amazing, big, bright, structural pieces that fill the stage when set pieces are sparse. Costume is used really well to make the iconic characters easily identifiable. On top of that, they do not shy away from wigs and makeup. This elevates the show to a spectacle that was clearly really enjoyed by all the children around me.”
Broadway World: ***** “Highlights arre abundant, including a fabulous moment where Alice increased in size during the trial in an epic sea of her blue dress, intensely clever tableaux, a humorous lobster quadrille and a wonderfully clever playing card ensemble sequence, choreographed and timed to perfection.”
The Upcoming: *** “But at the end, it is Daniel Page’s pantomimically villainous Queen of Hearts that not only steals the show but saves it. A towering tour-de-force in crimson, the design and performance seem to leap from artist John Tenniel’s illustrations of the original novel. It’s a veritable crowd-pleaser, raising the energy and humour with each bellow of “OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!” Only Skye Hallam and Katriona Brown’s Tweedle brothers come close with their playful physical comedy and audience interactions.”
Theatre Weekly: **** “The cast is led by Charlotte Bradley as a very likeable and whimsical Alice, Clare Brice is suitably strung-out as the White Rabbit, while Eddie Ahrens is magnetic as the Cheshire Cat. Katriona Brown as Tweedle Dum and Skye Hallam as Tweedle Dee brilliantly capture the childish competitiveness of the portly twins, and Daniel Page steals the show as the “Slay Queen” of Hearts.”
The Spy in the Stalls: *** “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.”
Alice in Wonderland continues to play at the Marylebone Theatre until the 31st August. To book tickets visit: https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/alice-in-wonderland