Already for several years, production house Deep Bridge has been bringing a sparkling family spectacle during the end-of-year period: witty, playful, and yet also educational. Dance and singing mixed with a dash of madness. This time the inspiration is the famous book by Lewis Carroll, ‘Alice in Wonderland’. He published it in 1865, based on stories he told to the young Alice Liddell. This vivid tale has since captivated and enchanted generation after generation and still...
Christmas holidays, the children have time off and the parents have also saved a few days of vacation. A white Christmas isn't on the cards this time, but there is magic to be found in the theatre. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ opens the gate to an imaginative universe. With tons of artistic baggage to win over a young audience, production house Deep Bridge makes use of every ingredient to turn it into a fun and engaging spectacle. Experiencing a live performance, the physical participation makes a theatre visit special and unique for children as well. It is an interactive experience space.
Alice's journey of discovery
The stage of the Stadsschouwburg has been transformed into a large cave with, stage left and stage right, a few oversized mushrooms. Alice, played by Hanne Lefever (alternating with Jeanne Herbots and Ute Bastiaenssens), has lost her way. A white rabbit (Sander Gillis) crosses her path, snatches her book from her hands and runs off with it. Alone and bewildered, she chases after it and so lands in a bewildering world. The clock, teapot, keyhole, cards… each finds its place.
An ensemble of 18 characters sings and dances away to a delight. In colorful, beautiful costumes, the performers make their characters their own. The perpetually squabbling duo Tweedledee (Charlotte Suijs) and Tweedledum (Janis Vercaempst), the caterpillar (Daan Keisse), the Hatter (Nardin De Moor), the Cheshire Cat (Line Ellegiers), the March Hare (Jozefien Grossen), and the skilled act at the piano of the Dormouse (Remi De Smet) all make an impression. It is impressive how the young Hanne Lefever makes the role of Alice her own, a natural talent. Secure both on stage and in pitch, she sings several beautiful songs to the catchy music.
The Queen of Hearts, played by radio presenter Anke Buckinx, is not entirely convincing. Among all the professionals, she makes a rather weak impression.
Kudos to costume designer Elvira Van Bavinckhove, who realized a beautiful solution for the cards. The players wear long, flowing white coats decorated with hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades. The choreography by Laurent Flament, including the card game, is lively and refreshing.
The courtroom scene is beautifully directed. A nice effect is achieved with a few mobile set pieces.
The protagonists also occasionally go into the auditorium, which of course increases the interaction with the young audience. A lovely family spectacle in which vulnerability, empathy, forgiveness and humor all come to the fore.
Performances run until 4 January in Antwerp. Afterwards, the production moves to Trixxo Theater in Hasselt from Friday 9 January through Sunday 11 January. Recommended age: from 6 years.
