Review: Inverted Wonderland is A Circus Adventure Down the Rabbit Hole
This inventive retelling of a classic tale combines aerial artistry and a cool soundtrack to captivate audiences of all ages.
On a cold and dreary Saturday afternoon, the Aberdeen Arts Centre transformed into a welcoming neon-lit haven for Inverted Wonderland, a family-friendly reimagining of Alice in Wonderland with a circus twist. The venue, buzzing with excited families, set the stage for an hour-long journey through a fantastical world brought to life by acrobatics, aerial performances, and a touch of levity.
The show opened with Alice, played by Grace Fromknetch, perched high on ribbons, lost in the pages of Alice in Wonderland. Like the source material, the performance invited the audience to tumble down the rabbit hole alongside her. Notably, the production rejected spoken dialogue in favour of expressive movement and a soundtrack featuring songs from The Lumineers, Joanna Wang, Muse, Billy Eilish and Woodkid, adding an edge to this timeless story.
What unfolded was an hour of breathtaking circus artistry. Each character brought a unique flair: the Caterpillar’s (Inverted Studio Co-Director Elsie Liontou) transformation into a butterfly on silks was mesmerising. The Cheshire Cat’s fluid movements on a striped rope were hypnotic. The Mad Hatter’s chair routine showcased impressive strength and agility, culminating in a lively tea party scene.
L-R: The Butterfly, played by Elsie Liontou. The Mad Hatter, played by Dave Shaw and Alice, played by Grace Fromknetch
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum provided comic relief with th eir slapstick antics and trapeze skills, earning big laughs from the crowd. The Queen of Hearts, played by Sakshi Sircar, made her grand entrance on an aerial heart, commanding attention with a threatening regal poise.
The performers’ strength and grace were extraordinary, holding the audience spellbound. While some scenes may have felt slightly long for younger viewers with shorter attention spans, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise enchanting production. The one-hour runtime struck an ideal balance for families, ensuring the show remained engaging without overstaying its welcome.
As Alice awoke from her dream and the cast took their well-deserved applause, it was clear that Inverted Wonderland had left its mark on everyone present. The Aberdeen Arts Centre proved again that it’s great at hosting unique and memorable productions. Often overshadowed by larger venues like His Majesty’s Theatre, this charming space offers an affordable and diverse programme worth exploring.
If you’re seeking something fresh and imaginative for your next theatre outing, check out what’s happening at Aberdeen Arts Centre. You might stumble upon your very own wonderland.
