Alice in Wonderland
****
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 27 Dec
Alice in Wonderland is the last Christmas shows delivered to us by the Sherman’s Creative Direcot, Rachel O’Riordan – since taking up the post in 2014, the Sherman has gone from strength to strength, with audience numbers on the rise and a bulging trophy cabinet. On this basis, it’s safe to say that O’Riordan will be leaving on a high.
Adapted by Mike Kenny, this version of Alice in Wonderland is truly mesmerising and carries a powerful message to carry into the New Year. When I asked my nine-year old niece what she took from the show, she said, “just be you.”
Alice in Wonderland is a timeless story; when will getting lost in an ‘imaginary’ world ever become outdated? Yet O’Riordan and Kenny have connected the story with modern audiences, from young to old, themed around the sense of pressure we so often feel today. In a world where we are always striving to be better, faster and stronger, the show offers more than giggles; it offers a grounding experience for both adults and children.
After a period of ever-increasing stress and worry, Alice enters the rabbit hole when she has just sat down to take her school exams. Getting lost in the imaginary world seems a metaphor for getting lost in adulthood. With the pressure to succeed, Alice finds herself lost. Who is Alice after all?
Along the way Alice meets the traditional characters from Lewis Carroll’s novel. Despite its meaningful message, the show is laced with humour. I don’t remember Alice in Wonderland ever being quite so funny. The whole production and cast have done a fantastic job in bringing this show to life. The acting is electrifying. The script witty and punchy. The cast put their heart and soul into the song and dance which adds a magical element to the show. In this adaption, the characters from the novel have more of an impact upon the audience because they also play a modern-day character at the beginning of the play.
The production is fantastic. The costumes are stunning, and the stage is transformed by an optical illusion. A feast for the eyes, there isn’t a dull moment. The show will uplift you with its song, dance and humour. Touching on thought-provoking themes, this adaption will ground you in knowing that life is a journey to be enjoyed; a suitably heart-warming message for this festive period.
words Yasmin Grant
Alice in Wonderland is on at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, until Sat 29 Dec. Tickets: £16-£26. Info: www.shermantheatre.co.uk