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An energetic reimagination of the classic novel with a distinctly London twist.Summary
Rating
Good
Alice in Wonderland at Brixton House is an energetic, imaginative and distinctly modern reinvention of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, full of rap and spoken word, some excellent performances and with a real London twist.
We’re on the Underground rather than in Wonderland. After an argument, Alice gets separated from her mum (Cheyenne Dasri), stepping onto a tube train as it pulls away and so finds herself in a fantasy world based on the boring book she’s been reading, now brought vividly to life. The train and all its passengers are stuck in a repetitive loop, and some have been there so long they have become zombie-esque commuters. Alice tries to help end this anxious situation by stopping the Queen of the Victoria Line (Dasri again) from driving the train. There’s playful focus on language and communication to learn, involving code words, nonsensical wordplay involving Tube station and a curious Alice urged frequently to “use your English”.
Tatenda Matsvai is just brilliant as Alice (and definitely a talent to watch out for), capturing the essence of a grumpy 11 year old whilst developing the character nicely as she learns about being brave and how thinking about others can make the world a better place.
Carroll’s characters are wittily reimagined for a 21st century London audience. A committed ensemble cast (Gavin Dunn, Rosa Garland and Will Spence) share most of the roles. We meet a white rabbit who makes a speedy escape on Heelies, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee as argumentative football fans, a sleeping bag-clad homeless tortoise instead of a mock turtle, a pigeon, a rat, and – weirdly – a nose, which really adds to the eccentric feel. A special nod must go to Dunn who brings the most memorable comedy in his hilarious roles as the Rabbit and Hammersmith.
The whole cast deliver Gerel Falconer’s dynamic rap and beats with an energy that brings life to a plot that is at times patchily paced, embodying the inescapable loop. More often than not it zooms along at high speed, with few moments to catch a breath and enjoy the relationships between the characters as much as their less substantial characterisations. A few moments of audience participation also feel rather perfunctory and don’t really add much to the experience.
Shankho Chaudhuri’s set design is nicely considered, with a traverse stage suggesting the train between two tunnel exits and Tube detailing extended into the very fabric of the seating. Within this, hidden compartments allow for props and even characters to unexpectedly emerge. A descending train roof gives more interest to an otherwise limited stage space depicting carriages. Meanwhile, posters in TFL styling remind us of the many rules we shouldn’t break in Alice’s frenetic Wonderland world.
Rajiv Pattani’s shifting, urban lighting design beautifully animates the single location staging, and the use of brilliant red lights for the Jabberwocky’s ferocious eyes in haze and darkness is just thrilling.
What’s unique about this Brixton House production is how it leans in to a local audience, starting with references to nearby localities, then making its way around the Tube map. Indeed, much of the comedy comes from the relentless use of Tube names levered in to the dialogue, which is certainly funny for a while but becomes a little laboured after an hour and 50 minutes. These might also be rather obscure references for younger members of the audience, who are unlikely to have such an extended geographical knowledge.
Nevertheless, this Alice is an interesting and upbeat modern adaptation that tells a tale of overcoming frustration with bravery, leading to empowerment for all and a happy ending. Go for the wackiness and enjoy the beats.
A Brixton House and Poltergeist production
Director & Lead Writer: Jack Bradfield
Lyricist & Rapperturg: Gerel Falconer
Set & Co-Graphic Design by: Shankho Chaudhuri
Costume Design by: Debbie Duru
Music Composition & Sound Design by: Alice Boyd
Lighting Design by: Rajiv Pattani
Alice in Wonderland runs at Brixton House until Saturday 4 January. Further information and booking details can be found here.
Read our interview with Tatenda Matsvai who plays Alice, here.
