Once you’ve entered Wonderland, you never really leave.
This Christmas, go on a big-hearted, spectacular and supremely silly adventure into Wonderland. Based on Through the Looking-Glass, Alice: Return to Wonderland is a hugely fun new show written and directed by Sherman favourite Hannah McPake (Scrooge in A Christmas Carol). You will be transported from 1940s Cardiff to a breath-taking land of imagination, all from the comfort of your Main House seat.
Our cast of familiar Sherman at Christmas faces will bring the Wonderland characters you know to life. Prepare to leave the serious world behind and discover a land filled with delight and surprises at every turn.
Alice: Return to Wonderland has everything our audiences love about our Main House Christmas shows. With an epic set, stunning costumes, puppets and irresistible tunes performed by our incredible Welsh and Wales-based actor-musician cast; experience exceptional festive entertainment up close. Made entirely under our roof in Cathays, Cardiff; Alice: Return to Wonderland offers everyone aged 7 plus a truly joyous trip out with a difference this Christmas.
Five reasons to see Alice: Return to Wonderland
“You don’t stop playing because you grow up. You grow up because you stop playing.”
One. The Music, oh, the music! Get swept into a world of magic and wonder by an incredible ensemble cast of actor musicians. The whole band is on stage and ready to bring the house down in this re-imagined version of Alice Through the Looking Glass. Adding to the magic, Musical Director Barnaby Southgate conducts live onstage at every performance, bringing the score to life and placing the music at the very heart of the storytelling.
Two. The Cast. Comedy perfectly ‘eggs’cuted and performances bursting with personality. The Big Egg himself, Humpty Dumpty, Oliver Wood is a smash hit on stage this Christmas. Keiron Self as the White Rabbit brings panache and impeccable comedic timing. Rabbit GPS will have you transported behind the curtain into a mesmerising and magical world full of wonder and whimsy. Joseph Tweedale plays an unbelievable number of characters and does it tremendously well, comedic excellence at its best. Max James brings delightful eccentricity and charm, leaving you wondering where all those teacups come from. Mari Fflur dazzles with warmth and sparkle. Bringing real heart and energy to the stage. Elian Mai West has wit and character in abundance grounding the magic with playful confidence. Caitlin Lavagna commands the stage with powerhouse vocals and effortless presence creating a red queen you cannot help but root for. Alice Eklund shines as The Unicorn. A mythical creature no more, she reminds us that believing truly is seeing …baby! Zara Law makes a shining debut as apprentice actor.
Together this exceptional cast bring such a beautiful and mesmerising world to life.
Three. Don’t believe us? Look at the fantastic reviews from The Guardian, The Stage, and Theatre and Tonic. Scroll down to read what our audience and reviewers say about the show. It’s a 5-star hit!
Four. Ever wondered how to play one of the longest running games in history. The rules of chess have never been explained better! Chess has never had so many squares. Never been so colourful. Never more chess like… right? The Red Queen says so!
Five. Step into another world. The cast of Alice: Return to Wonderland do not simply tell the story, they concoct a vivid adventure through music and imagination. This festive season step into Wonderland. Embrace the magic of play and leave believing in the impossible.
What’s the story?
Cardiff, Christmas Eve 1947. Years after her first visit to Wonderland, grown-up Alice is now a town planner working for the City of Cardiff. Just as she prepares for work on her latest building project to begin, she is interrupted by the sudden arrival of an old, fluffy friend. Soon Alice will have to leave Cardiff behind and return to Wonderland in a race against time to save her daughter Carys from the clutches of the evil Red Queen.
It says the show is for ages 7+. Is it suitable for younger children?
Alice: Return to Wonderland has been made specially to be enjoyed by everyone aged 7+. Whilst younger children are very welcome attend, it’s worth noting that this is a two hour long show with lots of special effects, noises and music. In the Studio, we have created The Frog Prince / Biwti a Brogs for children aged 3-6.
Is this a panto? Or a musical?
It’s neither of those things. It’s a play where music plays a big part. Our brilliant actor-musicians act, sing and play a range of musical instruments live on stage to help tell the story. The songs and music are written by Lucy Rivers who has memorably composed for so many Christmas at the Sherman shows including A Christmas Carol, Tales of the Brothers Grimm and Alice in Wonderland.
Return to Wonderland? Is this a sequel?
It’s a re-imagining of the second Alice book Through the Looking Glass and features many of the characters from Alice in Wonderland. This is very much a stand alone play to be enjoyed in its own right.
Who is in the cast?
Our cast is full of familiar Sherman faces. Playing the title role will be Elian Mai West, who also played Alice in the Sherman’s 2018 production of Alice in Wonderland. Joining Elian in the cast will be Mari Fflur (Hansel and Gretel/Hansel a Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood/Yr Hugan Fach Goch) as Carys; Caitlin Lavagna (Housemates); Emily Ivana Hawkins (Housemates, A Christmas Carol – 2024 production); Oliver Wood (A Christmas Carol – 2024 production); Joseph Tweedale (The Borrowers, Alice in Wonderland) and making his Sherman debut, Max James. Keiron Self makes his 11th appearance in a Sherman Christmas show!
Alice: Return to Wonderland – Activity Pack
