Review: WONDERLAND, Bristol Hippodrome

When we enter the theatrical world, we must suspend disbelief. That's why many of us go: in the hope that for a couple of hours we'll forget all of our real-life trials and simply immerse ourselves in a story for entertainment's sake.

Loosely based on Lewis Carroll's beloved stories, Frank Wildhorn's fantastical musical Wonderland - which ran for just one month on Broadway in 2011 - requires you to make this the pure focus of your visit, and with the theme of escapism also woven into the plot, it allows you to dispel your worldly woes and be enthralled by a sumptuous soundtrack performed by a truly stellar cast.

We find Alice (Kerry Ellis), a single mum still hankering after a life left behind, floundering as a parent and spiralling further down a hole of unfulfilled servitude. After a particular dog of a day and a plea from her teenage daughter (Naomi Morris) to grasp the bull by the horns and get on with her life, a friendly White Rabbit (Dave Willetts) materialises to take them on a journey of self-discovery.

The general theme is that we can reach rock bottom metaphysically, but be taken to a place to heal. It's what modern day fairytales should be about, a depiction of a world where our expectations are rarely fulfilled, but where, with support from others and a positive outlook, we can overcome adversity.

In this instance, we find Alice understanding that her inner strength is what will eventually save the day, rather than a knight in shining armour, as she realises her relationship with her daughter is what's most important.

Along the way we are also introduced to characters who would rather steer clear of the real world altogether as they blindly continue with a life under the tyrannical rule of the Queen of Hearts, who is played with exceptional flair by Wendi Peters. Flouncing about screeching commands as she goes, Peters plays the perfect baddie and her Act Two rendition of "Off with their Heads" is a real scene-stealer.

It's nice to see Kerry Ellis back to showing her more klutzy comedic side - something that made her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked one of the most lovable - and her Alice is infinitely relatable, while the mix of rock and pure musical theatre in the score perfectly complements her outstanding vocal ability.

It's not just the big-name stars that make this cast a delight to watch however, with Naomi Morris's angsty teen never failing to raise a laugh and Kayi Ushe threatening to take the acclaim from the more famous cast members with a miraculous turn as the Caterpillar.

Natalie McQueen is an absolute joy as the Mad Hatter; fabulous comedy acumen coupled with some stunning vocals and intuitive movements. Her duet "This Is Who I Am" with Ellis is, without a doubt, the musical highlight.

Andrew Riley's design alludes to the magical world rather than getting too bogged down with the expected aesthetics of Wonderland, resulting in a simple set, which allows plenty to be left to the imagination.

The narrative isn't hugely impactful or at times completely cohesive and the characters don't exhibit any real depth, but the messages of positivity are something we need a bit more of in theatre.

Wonderland provides a good dose of escapism with a bit of frivolous fun and a soundtrack to die for.

Wonderland at Bristol Hippodrome until 13 May

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