The classic tale of a girl lost in Wonderland was retold in a spectacular manner at the Liverpool Playhouse.
Everyone familiar with the story will expect all of the pivotal characters to be prevalent: the Queen of Hearts, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and so on. While they all are, they’re nothing like you’ve ever seen before.
Our protagonist, Alice, is a 15-year-old girl from Toxteth, struggling to manage her feelings after losing her father. On her birthday, while trying to rewire an old-school stereo radio belonging to her father in order to send herself back in time to an easy period of her life, she finds herself sucked into it.
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This is where the tale forms a personality of its own. Aside from the names and traits of characters, the play is essentially a brand new story. It won’t alienate new audiences but there are a few aspects which can feel confusing if you don’t know the source materials.
Alice finds herself sucked into her father’s stereo, on a mission to reconnect the broken buttons and get back to reality. On her way she meets Eject, Volume, Fast Forward and Rewind among others who help her find her way through musical banter and shenanigans.
Throughout the show, you’re treated to a range of varied, engaging, and honestly impressive new music. There’s enough whimsical comedy that younger audiences are entertained throughout - from puppetry and ridiculousness to gestures and references. Although the show is geared towards kids, older audiences are kept fully engaged because of lines, quips and comments only older generations would understand and raise a wry smile.
At its core, it’s a story about a girl needing to express herself but without knowing how to do so. The Alice in Wonderland tie-ins are only a foundation for what is essentially a brand new production.
Applause needs to be given to the cast who assume multiple roles throughout, from trumpeters and dancers to key characters we won’t spoil for new audiences. Visually, the setting is impressive and blends in well with the new direction the show is aiming for as larger than life speakers, wiring and stereotypes cover the stage through the evening.
Absolem, the caterpillar, was introduced with flair, albeit down to the actor's presence, but the stage hands responsible for moving pieces on and off stage felt a little bit too comfortable doing so.
There are massively unexpected and impressive moments in the story that will have you laughing and surprised by the standard of the production. Again, no spoilers, but the manner they’ve decided to depict the Jabberwocky is one of them.
Anyone expecting the classic tale could be disappointed because it’s so far removed from the source material but it’s far from a disappointing night at the theatre. The rap battles, dance floor challenges and emotional touches make sure of that.
The music, comedy and overall impact from the cast of characters carry it as a play on its own so if you’re in the market for a brand new story that’s easy to digest, it’s great fun for the entire family. It can be summarised by a younger audience member’s comment: “It’s sad but it’s fun at the same time.”
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