Review: ALICE IN WONDERLAND, Marylebone Theatre

Adapted by Penny Farrow based on the iconic novel by Lewis Carroll, Broadway Haus and DEM Productions have conjured up a delightfully imaginative retelling of Alice in Wonderland at the Marylebone Theatre, under the inventive Direction and epic Set Design of Nate Bertone and the sharp, playful guidance of Associate Director Eva Sampson.

This production breathes fresh life into Carroll’s classic tale, balancing whimsy and wit with a clever modern edge. The staging is ingenious without overshadowing the story’s heart, and the ensemble brings quirky energy to beloved characters, with Honey Daniel as the Hatter, Eddie Ahrems as The Cheshire Cat, and, Charlotte Bradley as Alice herself, who anchored the dreamlike chaos with charm and curiosity.

The excellently balletic Claire Brice brings a sense of joy and energy to The White Rabbit, with a thrilling exchange by Katriona Brown as Tweedle Dum and Skye Hallam as Tweedle Dee. Sean Garratt brings excellent scathing wisdom to The Caterpillar and distinguished the roles skillfully as the hilariously sleepy Dormouse.

Visually, the show dazzles thanks to add Nate Bertone's Set Designer, Will Fricker as Associate Designer and Mauri Smith as Assistant Set Designer, who have together created a stunning, immersive set filled with striking ‘eat me, drink me’ items, blurry playing cards, scattered tea cups and a giant key, each detail pulling the audience deeper down the rabbit hole.

Sophie Williams from Props London deserves a special mention, for the most impressive props I have ever seen on stage, plentiful, ever-present in multiple sizes, stunningly made and beyond impressive. 

Highlights are abundant, including a fabulous moment where Alice increased in size during the trial in an epic sea of her blue dress, intensely clever tableaux, a humorous lobster quadrille and a wonderfully clever playing card ensemble sequence, choreographed and timed to perfection. 

For my ten-year-old, her favourite moment was undeniably an epic performance by Daniel Page as the 'Slay' Queen of Hearts, which entirely thrilled her due to modern references, their commanding ‘Diva’ status and a hilarious game of croquet. 

The jokes come thick and fast throughout, with several musical lyrics, quotes and dual layered humour for the adults. This is a modern yet timeless version of Alice In Wonderland, where the journey remains enchanting and thoughtful, appealing to both nostalgic adults and wide-eyed children. Alice In Wonderland is a vibrant, vivid and vivacious tale, taken to a new level.

A visual feast, this is a Wonderland which feels enticing, playful and newly minted, yet recognisable and respectful to the classic. This is a rabbit hole well worth falling into.

Alice In Wonderland at Marylebone Theatre runs until 31 August 2025.