Alice in Wonderland, Theatre on Kew Review
Written by Jenna for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Nestled on picnic blankets under some trees in the beautiful setting of Kew Gardens, a colourful, simple yet effective set allows this charming and energetic cast to bring Lewis Carroll’s timeless novel to the open-air stage. I have never seen a performance quite like this one, an interactive mixture of pantomime and musical theatre suitable for all ages. We all know and love the tale of Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole and through Wonderland, and the show incorporates all important elements of the plot, including the iconic characters, even those less well-known, such as the Duchess and the Cook.
Effective use of audience participation, song, puppetry, props, and costumes really brought this beloved story to life. The actors managed to engage the diverse audience, both adults and caterpillars (children), most notably during the 'croquet match’ in which adult volunteers dressed as playing cards and most of the children gleefully participated in a croquet match for the queen of hearts, played by the very talented Alice Imelda.
The original songs performed were child-friendly with clever lyrics, often inviting the audience to sing along. Imaginative use of puppetry for the Cheshire Cat was a standout moment for me and my 8-year-old daughter. All performers (excluding Megan James as Alice) played multiple roles effectively and with great attention to detail in their costumes and characterisation (even if we could see them changing in the wings at times!). Rupert Sadler as the Mad Hatter and Tom Whalley as the March Hare/Caterpillar were particular audience favourites with excellent comic timing and infectious energy.
The performance overall was very fast-paced, with all cast members using an exaggerated, pantomime style, and this, coupled with the frequent plane take-offs from nearby Heathrow Airport, did feel a little overstimulating at times. I think that sensitive or neurodivergent children may have found the performance overwhelming. I also felt that the show could have been simplified to remove some of the less familiar scenes from the book, which felt superfluous and made Alice’s adventures feel a little rushed.
Nonetheless, there were some highly entertaining moments such as topical humour during the tea party (including an Elvis impersonation and a very mad rendition of ‘I’m Mr Brightside’). Another moment I enjoyed was meeting the caterpillar, which can be seen poking out of the top right of the set, with an additional cast member’s feet poking out at the bottom left to create the illusion of the caterpillar’s long body – an example of the simple but effective stage techniques used throughout the production. Another example is Alice ‘growing’ inside the White Rabbit’s house with giant inflatable arms poking through the set’s windows.
In summary, this is a wonderful way to introduce children to open-air theatre whilst allowing them the freedom to move around, and to enjoy the delights of Kew Gardens before and after the show. It is also an opportunity to allow a new generation to discover the classic story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. My 8-year-old and teenage daughter both enjoyed the production, although I feel it is best suited to pre-school age children. However, with well-hidden adult jokes, fun songs and plenty of slapstick comedy, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Alice in Wonderland performs at the Kew Gardens until 31 August
★ ★ ★
