We’ve just been to see Shakespeare North Playhouse’s modern take on Alice in Wonderland and what a treat it was.
The intimate, round-stage setting creates an immersive experience, with the audience surrounding the action on all sides. It’s a design that brings a unique energy to the performance and makes you feel like you’re part of Wonderland itself. The four talented performers do a fantastic job of telling a lively and engaging take and their chemistry is absolutely delightful.
In this version of the classic story, Alice is all grown up – now a stressed mum of two, racing against the clock to get everything done before Christmas. But her life becomes a even more chaotic when she finds herself back in Wonderland. Amid the absurdity, Alice learns some important life lessons about what really matters in life, while also helping the quirky characters of Wonderland to fight back against the evil Duchess, who has banned Christmas. Yes, you read that right—Christmas has been banned! The stakes are high, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of humor, heart, and acrobatics to keep everyone smiling as Alice and the inhabitants of Wonderland try to bring Christmas back.
The show is definitely family-friendly, but younger children might find it a little tricky to follow due to its fast-paced plot-line.
However, for our group – which included two eight year olds – the mix of comedy, interactive moments, and physical theatre was a massive hit. The children loved being involved in the action, whether it was a simple wave, a bit of playful banter with the character or an all out snowball fight – those little moments brought big smiles and lots of laughs.
As for the venue, Shakespeare North Playhouse is a wonderfully welcoming space, though I did find the seats a bit uncomfortable (I have a connective tissue disorder, so that’s just a personal observation). The unique stage layout more than makes up for it, providing a truly engaging and dynamic experience that will keep everyone hooked. Though it’s a festive show, Alice in Wonderland is definitely more of a play than a pantomime, and it’s full of enough magic and whimsy to appeal to families looking for something special to do over the Christmas period.
Overall, Alice in Wonderland at Shakespeare North Playhouse is a must-see this Christmas. If you’re looking to make some magical memories with your family, grab your tickets now—you won’t regret it!
