Set against the captivating backdrop of Kew Gardens, the Australian Shakespeare Company presents a vibrant and charming rendition of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland—an open-air theatrical experience that is as delightful as it is inventive. With a colourful yet simple set, this energetic cast breathes fresh life into the timeless tale, crafting an interactive blend of pantomime and musical theatre that captivates audiences of all ages.
From the outset, the children in the audience are invited to become caterpillars, eagerly joining in gentle call-and-response routines that evoke the playful rhythms of traditional pantomime. While the production remains largely faithful to Carroll’s original narrative, it introduces a handful of new characters, including a wonderfully cheeky Bill the Lizard, reimagined as a West Country gardener overseeing the caterpillar chorus. The show is rich with engaging song and dance numbers, ensuring that the energy never flags, even before Alice herself makes her grand entrance in her classic blue frock and pinafore.
Rather than depicting every moment literally, the production employs clever theatrical touches—a giant pair of Alice’s arms protruding from a window, for instance, or the quirky puppetry that animates the Cheshire Cat—to ignite the imagination. The Dodo and a flamboyant Cockatoo flit among the audience, adding layers of mischievous fun from the very start. Familiar favourites such as Humpty Dumpty, the Mad Hatter, and the March Hare all appear, each brought vividly to life by a cast adept at juggling multiple roles with remarkable attention to detail.
Costume design is a highlight, particularly the towering Queen and King of Hearts who stride the lawn on stilts, lending an air of fantastical grandeur to proceedings. The show’s interactive spirit shines brightest during the imaginative croquet match, where adult volunteers don playing card costumes and are led, along with eager children, to the grass behind the audience. This charming twist transforms the traditional croquet game into a joyous crawling race—delightfully chaotic and thoroughly entertaining.
The show sparkles with moments of genuine warmth and wit. The tea party is enlivened by topical humour, including a memorable Elvis impersonation and a spirited rendition of ‘I’m Mr Brightside.’ Ingenious stagecraft abounds, from the caterpillar’s segmented body cleverly suggested by an actor’s feet protruding from the set, to Alice’s “growth” inside the White Rabbit’s house.
Above all, this Alice in Wonderland offers a wonderful introduction to open-air theatre for young audiences, encouraging freedom of movement and engagement within the idyllic surrounds of Kew Gardens. With well-placed adult jokes, lively songs and generous dollops of slapstick, it is a joyous occasion that delights children and adults alike.
Running until 31 August 2025, this production is a must-see for families seeking a whimsical summer outing steeped in classic storytelling and imaginative fun.
For tickets, please visit Theatre on Kew
