Alice in Wonderland at Theatre Peckham Review
Written by Liam Arnold for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Theatre Peckham’s Alice in Wonderland arrives as a vibrant, community-centred reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s tale, where the real magic lies not in narrative twists but in the theatre’s unapologetic commitment to placing young local performers at the heart of its storytelling. This production foregrounds imagination, identity and courage not only in Alice’s journey, but in the company’s ethos of nurturing emerging talent and celebrating grassroots creativity.
Under the direction of Suzann McLean (their Artistic Director), Wonderland becomes a shared space for professional and young performers to take centre stage together. The ensemble — drawn from the Theatre Peckham Young Company — doesn’t simply fill the background; it animates the world of Wonderland with mischief, dance, music and characterful presence. In a nearly 20-strong cast, this choice brings a thrilling sense of community ownership, even if the stage occasionally feels crowded and the pacing dips as a result. What matters most is the visibility offered to the next generation: a joyful affirmation of why local theatre matters.
Geoff Aymer’s script offers a lightly modern take: Alice is a phone-obsessed teen who must learn real-world problem-solving in a place where she can’t Google an escape route. The storytelling largely follows familiar beats, and some added sequences feel more decorative than essential, but the contemporary tone — infused with Multicultural London English, playful audience interaction and a runway-ready Queen of Hearts — roots the show firmly in South London culture. It’s a Wonderland that reflects the community watching it.
Original music by Jordan Xavier, with musical direction by Ben Christopher, adds a reggae, soul and gospel pulse that keeps young audience members clapping along. Vocals occasionally get lost in busy ensemble sections, but standout group numbers generate a panto-like buzz. Shakeil Edwards’ movement direction favours accessibility and swagger over technical complexity, allowing the ensemble to shine with confidence rather than precision. Meanwhile, Design Associate Ruth Badila helps transform the stage into a playful, layered space that both performers and audience can delight in exploring.
As Theatre Peckham looks toward 40 years of championing young artists, this Alice feels like a celebration of its mission and its future. A few structural rough edges remain, but they’re outshone by the sincerity and ambition of a show that invites its audience to be part of a creative community — not just passive spectators.
It's a lively, heart-led festive outing: imperfect, but brimming with youthful promise, local pride and spirited imagination.
Alice in Wonderland is currently playing at Theatre Peckham until 23rd December
★ ★ ★
