Marylebone Theatre, London – until 31st August 2025
Reviewed by Ava Clarkson
5*****
The Marylebone Theatre just off London’s West End, is the location for the internationally acclaimed production of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale Alice in Wonderland. The Marylebone Theatre opened its doors in September 2022 and has since been awarded the Off West End award for Best Production and received numerous five and four star reviews.
This well loved story of Alice, sees her go on a magical adventure, falling down a rabbit hole, meeting strange and whimsical characters, guided by the grinning Cheshire Cat into mischief, following the scurrying White Rabbit and avoiding the scary Queen of Hearts who is determined to chop off her head…
The audience is made up of mainly parents with children aged between 5 and 9 years old. The contagious laughter fills the theatre as the children remain spellbound throughout the 60 minute feast for the eyes.
The stage is awash with bright colours and oversized props, we are truly in Alice’s dream world. The quintessential stop watch, giant mushrooms and playing cards bring Wonderland to life. Alice (Charlotte Bradley) bounds around the stage, shrinking and growing and tumbling down rabbit holes before us. In every scene, she is a joy to watch.
The White Rabbit (Clare Brice) moved around the stage with both grace and urgency, leaping energetically and portraying the anxious white rabbit as we know and love him.
Throughout the show, a selection of enchanting puppets are used designed by Chris Barlow to great effect. The giant orange and blue grinning Cheshire Cat displays his feline prowling so well, we forget he is indeed a puppet. Dodo and Dormouse (Sean Garrat) are also portrayed in puppetry with just as much effect as the human cast. Sean Garret also plays both the Caterpillar and Dormouse. The laid back caterpillar smoking his pipe on his giant mushroom, fills the room with smoke until he eventually turns into a beautiful, illuminated butterfly.
Tweedle Dum (Skye Hallam) and Tweedle Dee (Katriona Brown) are a riot of fun as the bumbling, nose picking, clown like double act which were a true hit with the younger members of the audience.
Daniel Page was outstanding in his portrayal of The Queen of Hearts. Fearsome and funny, the imposing frame and booming voice, bought a pantomime dame likeness to the character. Owning the stage on her throne and launching hedgehogs into the air with the flamingo croquet mallet. Double entendre’s abound throughout making for an abundance of adult laughter, which leant nicely alongside the slapstick humour for the younger audience.
This production is bright and vibrant and bursting with energy and colour. It truly recognises the chaos of Lewis Carroll’s storyline whilst bringing a modern energy and style. Whether you are looking to wander down a nostalgic rabbit hole or take along a younger audience member for the first time, this will not disappoint. Magical eerie lighting, original score, colourful costumes and larger than life characters will leave you captivated in wonderland.
A must-see over the summer holidays.