REVIEW: Alice in Wonderland, Liverpool Playhouse
AN imaginative twist on the classic tale hits a sweet spot for younger theatregoers in this all-new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.
We first see Alice (Paislie Reid) in her 90s bedroom tinkering with an old stereo - brand name Wonderland. Falling into a tape deck rather than a rabbit hole, her quest begins - and it’s a deeply personal one. If she can’t fix the stereo, she’ll never be able to hear her late dad’s voice again.
Part panto, part family drama, part gig, this production is faithful to the tale we know and takes care with its modern twists, courtesy of a collective from London-based writer’s hub Stockroom.
The creatures she meets along the way are physical manifestations of the buttons of the stereo; and there’s a pivotal role for a robotic Jaberwock. In one of the strongest scenes, Alice outsmarts the Caterpillar in a hugely enjoyable rap battle. Reid is a former member of Young Everyman and Playhouse (YEP) and familiar to viewers of CITV’s The Worst Witch. The production is given a Liverpool setting but this is not central to the story.
Mark Bailey’s set shrinks down the audience, like Alice, into the inner workings of the old boom box. The Queen of Charts (Leanne Jones) is out to thwart her, and gets to ham it up in a sibling rivalry with the Queen of Clubs (Natasha Lewis) - they have good chemistry and get to belt out some big tunes together.
The songs, by musical comedian Vikki Stone, are strong and lively and the cast perform with relish, often playing instruments too. Tomi Ogbaru’s irresistibly funny take on the Cheshire Cat is a highlight.
This Alice is a fantastic, creative and welcoming piece for young audiences that has real potential to inspire. High energy, colourful and heartfelt, it plays with so many styles and influences - from cellos to keytars - it is the sort of work that really is a pleasure to share with children. It’s recommended for ages 7+ but did not feel too much for my five-year-old companion, who enjoyed it from start to finish. The theme of bereavement is age appropriate and handled in a way similar to Pixar’s Onward.
