Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at the Royal Ballet – reviews
The Royal Ballet's 'dazzling' Alice revival is a visual joy mixing dance, Vaudeville and magic
What you need to know
The Royal Ballet's revival of Christopher Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ballet has opened at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The production, first performed in 2011, features a scenario by Nicholas Wright, score by Joby Talbot and stage and costume designs by Bob Crowley.
Based on Lewis Carroll's classic children's story, it follows plucky Alice as she falls down a rabbit hole into a dreamlike world of magical encounters with a cast of curious characters including the Queen of Hearts, a Mad Hatter and a Cheshire Cat. Runs until 16 January, with a live cinema screening 16 December.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What the critics like
Wheeldon's extravaganza does not shy away from Lewis Carroll's "absurdist, dark and occasionally Kafka-esque" story, says Laura Thompson in the Daily Telegraph. Conjuring the plot and its nonsense-cum-logical progression with remarkable fidelity, it's a richly impressive achievement and dazzling stuff.
It's "a visual joy" and a theatrical response worthy of every Lewis Carroll trick, says Clement Crisp in the Financial Times. The Royal Ballet's artists rally grandly to this jolly evening, staged with wit, bravura, and unfailing imaginative resource. Wheeldon's hard-working mix of skewed classical ballet, vaudeville and Victorian theatrical magic makes for "an inventive entertainment", says David Nice on the Arts Desk. You'll get your money's worth simply from the wonders of Crowley's designs and the occasional treacle quotient is fine for seasonal cheer.
What they don't like
"It's all very clever but what we're lacking is any driving force or dramatic tension", because this Alice is essentially a bystander, not the headstrong girl of the book, says Lindsey Winship in the Evening Standard. Go to be visually wowed and pleasantly entertained but don't expect a mind-altering trip.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Magazine interactive crossword - May 3, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - May 3, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - May 3, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - May 3, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - May 3, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - May 3, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published