Wonderland at the New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham Review
Wonderland
New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
6-11 February 2017
Reviewed by Catherine Norris
Broadway’s hit musical, Wonderland, is finally touring the UK and has now arrived at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. Last night was its opening night and introduced us to Alice as we have never seen her before!
Act one opens with an all grown up Alice, played by the amazingly talented Kerry Ellis. She’s late for work, her car has been stolen, she has just received news that her ex-husband is getting re-married and it’s her 40th birthday! Living as a single parent in a dingy high rise flat, it’s clear that life has not gone to plan. Once an authoritative teacher who dreamed of writing her own book, now, all Alice dreams of is being rescued by a hero. There is also a serious case of role reversal between Alice and her teenage daughter Ellie, played by Naomi Morris, who appears to be the grown up in their relationship. It’s no wonder she wants to escape the real world.
This utterance prompts the arrival of the white rabbit, played by Dave Willetts. The introduction of the white rabbit, and Alice and Ellie’s consequent pursue, is a little cumbersome but then there is never a good way to deal with a white rabbit in your living room. Ellie is taken off into Wonderland by the White rabbit and Alice bumps into her neighbour Jack, played by Stephen Webb. The white rabbit returns and Alice and Jack are also transported into Wonderland.
Wonderland is true to form, it is down a rabbit hole, it is vibrant, colourful and full of energy. It is always teatime, there is a March Hare, Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts who is partial to a jam tart and a beheading, in no particular order!
Alice, Jack and Ellie are taken on a journey of self-discovery which starts with some advice from the caterpillar, fantastically played by Kayi Ushi. He soulfully asks them “who are you?” Of course, they do not know who they are, or if who they are, is who they want to be. Upon meeting the Cheshire cat, played by Dominic Owen they are informed of the powers of the looking glass and the ability to change and release the characteristics that they keep hidden. Dominic Owen is sensational and has a stage presence that commands attention.
Ellie and Jack go through the looking glass and their transformations are hilarious and a fantastic contribution to an already marvellous story. Alice is reluctant to change as she is concerned about returning to her previous self, following years of ‘put downs’ from her ex-husband. Meanwhile, Ellie has met the Mad Hatter, played be Natalie McQueen and convinced her to go through the looking glass to become powerful, so that she can overthrow the queen. The Act ends with Alice finally going through the looking glass.
Act two opens with an out of control Hatter, overworking everyone, threatening to cut off heads and with an unhealthy fascination with Ellie. Alice returns from the looking glass seemingly unchanged but it is soon apparent that she is more self-assured and manages to save Wonderland from the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and ensures that her Jack and Ellie return home safely.
Wonderland is an inspirational story that will make you question who you are, who you want to be and the characteristics you hide. It is a celebration of feminism, overcoming setbacks and a perfect show for a mother and daughter night out. Fans of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass will appreciate the new direction that the story has been taken in, whilst keeping what we love about the originals at the heart of it. The music certainly adds a little something extra that will either send shivers down your spine, have you grinning like a Cheshire cat or dancing in your seat – what a fantastic way to spend a freezing cold, dreary, February evening!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £21.40 to £52.90 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Wonderland is at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until 11 February 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3011.
New Alexandra Theatre, Suffolk Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 4DS
