Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland has been a solid favourite for both adults and children for centuries. With its quirky, colourful characters that lead Alice on a wild goose chase to get home, it seems to have the perfect ingredients to create not just a strong stage show or film, but to get even more creative and develop a ballet version. Let’s All Dance Ballet Company has a wonderful purpose here. To not only make ballet classics accessible to children, but to adapt some of these classic children’s books as a way to make the stories fun and entertaining, whilst making sure the story is easy to follow.
Having reviewed this company when we first came out of lockdown, I was excited to see which way down the rabbit hole they would lead Alice. They not only adapted the tale so that it would fit into just under an hour, but also made sure that the main points of the story were told, whilst giving it a completely fresh energy and twists and turns that would enchant everyone watching.
The costumes were a nod to the traditional outfits they may have worn back in Victorian times, but also had a hint of the Disney version and a more modern take on the tale. Combine this with some of the most precise ballet work and well-rounded characters that we connected with, and you have a Wonderland in the magic of Brighton Open Air Theatre. Alongside this, we also saw a fusion of circus and gymnastics that gave the Wonderland characters an extra edge that made them visually appealing and added an element of comedy to the whole proceedings.
The whole cast had a sense of cheekiness to how they portrayed each role and whether they were taking on one part, or several, they relished the opportunities to make sure each character was different, exciting and appealing. The clear support they had for each other in the group work was shown in the trust within the physical comedy moments, as well as when the drama evolved.
Alyssa Muller’s Alice showed a sense of innocence and curiosity as she got lost in the book all about her. Every scenario she explored became a playground to her and she was not afraid to show a more cheeky side as each character was met. Muller also highlighted the sense of connection with those who helped her on her journey, such as Hannah Smith’s Cheshire Cat. The ways they interacted with each other had a sense of respect for each other as performers, but likewise highlighted a sense of madness. Smith’s all pink cat was a clear nod to Disney’s version of the famous feline for familiarity purposes, but what she displayed was an extremely strong skill set of aerial hoop work that became her tree. Fusing this with ballet gave her leeway to play with how a cat blends into the background and toys with the power of becoming part of the madness Wonderland delivered.
Bjorn Aslund took on the nervous White Rabbit as he worried constantly about being late. The physicality skills he displayed gave us complete trust in the fact that he was not just a dancer, but fully embodied the character. It was lovely to see Aslund play with the idea of anxiety in a gentle way to make it part of the Fairytale feel of the piece. He channelled it into his physical work in a subtle way without being offensive, which created a charm in itself.
We also have to highlight the two performers who took on various roles here. Melanie Cox and James Aiden Kay really made sure each character was distinctive and fun. When they teamed up as Tweedledum and Tweedledee, their comedic rapport shone as the brothers bickered, fought and played with each other to the extent it became farcical in the best way possible. To see what they do respectively with The Mad Hatter (Kay), The Caterpillar and The Queen of Hearts (Cox), you need to experience the magic for yourselves.
An enchanting and delightful experience for children, families and those who have never grown up. Catch Alice in Wonderland on their upcoming tour before it finishes!
Reviewed by Sascha Cooper
The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company is back with this fabulous family favourite. Stunning dancing, much loved characters and super costumes bring the famous tale to life in this magical production.
Don’t be late for this very important date!
Come and join Alice as she enters the curiouser and curiouser world of the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts and Mad Hatter.
Suitable for all, especially 2 – 12-year-olds, including children with special needs.
Photo opportunity with dancers after every show!
Cast & Creative Team
Alice – Alyssa Muller
Queen of Hearts/Caterpillar/Tweedle Dee – Melanie Cox
Mad Hatter/Tweedle Dum – James Aiden Kay
White Rabbit – Bjorn Aslund
Cheshire Cat – Hannah Smith
Orit Sutton – Producer, Artistic Director and Production Manager
Jordan Morris – Tour Manager, Stage Manager, Lighting and Sound
Sofia Dore – Stage Manager, Lighting and Sound
Jonathan Freeman – Production and Tour Assistant
Jane Webster at Tutututu – Costume Maker
Lucy Webster – Props and Set Maker
Bryan Waters – Voiceover
Katie Hutchings of Bend and Snap – Photography
Ross Holdstock – Videography
Carol Cheeseman – Office Manager
Holly Moon-Griffith, Carol Cheeseman, James Pleass and Ricky Marshall – Marketing
Ricky Marshall – Website