Alice: Return to Wonderland at Sherman Theatre Review
Written by Kay for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
There’s a certain kind of magic that only happens at Christmas theatre, and this year’s production of Alice: Return to Wonderland at the Sherman captures it perfectly. It is bold, funny, wonderfully imaginative and packed with the kind of energy that makes you lean forward in your seat.
It’s not your standard panto, nor is it a straight musical. Instead, it blends sharp writing, live music and big-hearted performances into something genuinely fresh. From the moment the story shifts from post-war Cardiff into the colourful chaos of Wonderland, the show grabs you and doesn’t let go. The world-building is clever, the humour lands for all ages, and the whole thing moves with confidence and spark.
It feels thoroughly modern but maintains the festive warmth for which Christmas theatre is so widely known. It’s clear from the outset that the creative team know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to balancing silliness, heart and spectacle.
This production is elevated by the quality of its script, which offers a narrative that is playful while also aiming to tell a story that feels timeless. There’s a strong sense of rhythm to the writing; scenes flow into one another with ease, and the emotional beats have room to breathe without slowing the pace. It’s refreshing to watch a Christmas show that trusts its audience and avoids falling back on tired panto tropes. Instead, the piece feels contemporary, lively and full of purpose.
The musical element is another standout feature. Rather than leaning on pre-recorded tracks, the production uses actor-musicians throughout, which gives the whole show a vibrant and spontaneous feel. The smooth transitions from band member to cast member are executed with precision, creating a sense of movement that feels entirely organic.
The cast as a whole are excellent: energetic, committed and clearly having a lot of fun on stage. Even so, several performances shine particularly brightly.
Max James is superb as the Mad Hatter. His guitar skills alone are impressive, but the way he incorporates them into the character makes the performance feel effortless and exciting. He is charismatic, funny and instantly engaging, bringing the right amount of chaos while still delivering clarity in both dialogue and song. His voice is strong, controlled and full of flair. Every scene he appears in is lifted by his presence.
Caitlin Lavagna is a force of nature as the Queen. She is charismatic, hilarious and fully in command from her first entrance to her last line. Her comic timing is sharp and her delivery precise. She plays the villain with exactly the right blend of menace and humour. She understands how to work an audience without ever overplaying it, which gives her performance a polished, professional edge. Her scenes were some of the highlights of the evening.
Emily Ivana Hawkins delivers one of the strongest vocal performances in the show. Her voice is extraordinary: rich, expressive and consistently powerful without ever overwhelming the moment. Whether she is singing a heartfelt solo or blending seamlessly into an ensemble number, she brings emotional weight and musical finesse. She stands out even within a cast already rich with talent.
The ensemble deserves just as much praise. Their physicality, timing and commitment create a Wonderland that feels busy, vibrant and alive. Ensemble numbers are tight, visually engaging and full of personality. They fill every corner of the stage with detail and energy, and it’s clear this is a group of performers who trust one another and understand the tone of the production perfectly.
What makes the show truly work is its ability to feel festive and fun while still offering something new. It is unmistakably a Christmas production, but it never relies solely on nostalgia or familiar pantomime gimmicks. Instead, it embraces a modern, theatre-forward approach that treats children with intelligence and adults with respect. It is funny without being cheap, heartfelt without being sentimental, and bold without losing accessibility.
By the time the final scene arrived, the audience — children, parents, grandparents and teenagers alike — were completely invested. There were big laughs, moments of awe and plenty of warm, knowing smiles shared across the auditorium. It is clear this production has been crafted with genuine care and artistic ambition, resulting in one of Sherman Theatre’s strongest festive offerings in recent years.
In all, Alice: Return to Wonderland is a sharp, joyful and wonderfully executed production with outstanding performances from Max James, Caitlin Lavagna and Emily Ivana Hawkins, supported by a talented and hardworking ensemble. It is imaginative, modern and thoroughly enjoyable, and it provides the perfect festive experience for audiences of all ages.
Plays at Sherman Theatre until 3 January 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
