“Beg, borrow or steal a ticket for Alice in Wonderland – this show is FANTASTIC, pure life-affirming joy.”
Suzy Klein, BBC Radio 3
“The show is such fun, and so well sung, that not even the youngest kids get bored… this is knock-out.”
Michael Church, The Independent
Eleven year old Alice is jolted out of her daydreams when she meets a talking rabbit who insists she follow him to a mysterious Wonderland. In this fantastical place, Alice comes across a number of peculiar characters, including a relaxed caterpillar, a happy cat, a depressive hare, a white knight, a romantic duchess, a mad hatter and a sleepy dormouse.
Will Todd’s music for Alice is a wonderfully eclectic mix of jazz, musical theatre and opera – there’s the basso profondo caterpillar’s rumbling Wonderland Blues, a coloratura diva Drink Me Bottle and a furiously flustered pantomime dame of a Queen of Hearts. Gottlieb’s witty libretto moulds Carroll’s nonsensical genius into a fun and engaging story that remains true to the original spirit of the book – and like all good children’s stories, the opera has LOTS for the adults to enjoy too!.
This reimagined production is directed by Lysanne van Overbeek and conducted by Mark Austin.
There will be two performances of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the second will be BSL Interpreted and a Relaxed Performance.
If Opera is committed to introducing people of all ages to opera and we are proud to present – as part of our main season – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Will Todd’s magical opera of one of the world’s most enduring cultural icons. Originally commissioned and produced by Opera Holland Park in promenade performances in 2013, Alice went on to be performed for the stage at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Studio. If Opera will produce a new stage version, using original costumes.
The opera features a full compliment of the best loved characters from the story, all performed by the If Opera company ensemble and a wonderful orchestra that delivers the glorious music. A successful single from the opera ‘I flew High in my dreams’ is a signature moment from the score but all the characters enjoy their own fabulous moments.
Watch Will Todd introduce this family opera, first commissioned by Opera Holland Park – with excerpts of the music and insights into the creative and collaborative process here.
Book a seat at the ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’
Audiences can bring their own chairs/blankets/tables and are free to picnic within the extensive grounds of Belcombe Court. Or why not fully immerse yourself in Alice’s magical world by booking a place at our ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’. Treat yourself to a pre-ordered picnic that will be on the table for you when you arrive. Choose ‘optional extra’ when you book to reserve your seat at the at the wondrously decorated table, which includes the chance to meet some of Lewis Carroll’s most famous characters. Discover the secrets of Wonderland at this fun and fabulous Tea Party. Don’t be late!
Book your place when you buy a ticket to the show.
