Cirque Alice: Spectacular Circus Reimagining of Alice in Wonderland Coming to London's Royal Festival Hall

London theatregoers are in for a treat this festive season, as a brand-new circus spectacular inspired by Lewis Carroll's beloved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland prepares to tumble down the rabbit hole and onto the stage of the Royal Festival Hall. Cirque Alice will receive its European premiere in December 2026, promising a two-hour extravaganza of aerial artistry, acrobatics, contortion, puppetry, and live music that brings Wonderland's eccentric inhabitants to vivid, gravity-defying life.

What Is Cirque Alice?

Cirque Alice is the latest creation from producers Simon Painter and Tim Lawson, the team behind the internationally acclaimed Circus 1903. Drawing on Lewis Carroll's timeless 1865 novel, the show reimagines familiar characters such as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and Alice herself through the lens of contemporary circus performance. Rather than a straightforward theatrical adaptation, the production uses Carroll's story as a framework for a series of breathtaking circus acts, weaving narrative and spectacle into a seamless whole.

The show has already enjoyed sell-out seasons in both Australia and Singapore, earning rave responses from audiences across the globe. Its arrival in London marks the first time European audiences will have the chance to experience it live.

Speaking about the creative vision behind the project, Simon Painter said: "The tales of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland provide the perfect backdrop to create a magical narrative about a cirque show. Filled with some of the most eccentric and larger-than-life characters and creations, the original stories have provided such amazing inspiration for this groundbreaking new production."

Tim Lawson echoed that enthusiasm, describing the show as "spectacular entertainment that dazzles audiences of all ages," whether you are planning a date night or a family outing.

Aerialists, Acrobats, and a Wonderland Soundtrack

At the heart of Cirque Alice is a lineup of world-class circus performers. Audiences can expect aerialists soaring above the stage, acrobats performing feats that defy belief, contortionists bending the laws of the human body, and elaborate puppetry bringing Wonderland's more fantastical creatures to life. The production also features musical acts accompanied by a specially commissioned soundtrack of newly arranged remixes of classical favourites, giving the score a contemporary edge while honouring the timelessness of the source material.

The combination of circus arts with storytelling and music places Cirque Alice in a rich tradition of narrative-driven circus that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Shows like Cirque du Soleil OVO, which has thrilled London audiences at the Royal Albert Hall, have demonstrated the appetite for this kind of immersive, visually stunning performance. Cirque Alice looks set to carve out its own distinctive niche by anchoring everything in one of literature's most imaginative worlds.

The Creative Team Behind the Production

Cirque Alice boasts an impressive creative team assembled from across the international circus and performance world. Creative directors Ash Jacks McCready and Kirsty Painter lead the artistic vision, shaping the show's narrative arc and visual identity. Choreography is by Dane Bates, while Angela Aaron has designed the costumes, a crucial element in bringing Carroll's wildly imaginative characters to the stage in circus form.

Lighting design is by Hugo Mercier, whose work will be key to conjuring the shifting, surreal atmospheres of Wonderland, from the sun-dappled riverbank to the Queen's croquet ground. Musical arrangements come from Martin Raabe-Olsen and Marius Christiansen, who have crafted the classical remixes that form the show's distinctive soundscape.

The London season is presented by Roast Productions and Senbla in association with Lawson and Painter, a producing partnership with a strong track record in bringing large-scale live entertainment to major venues.

royal-festival-hall-3">Why the Royal Festival Hall?

The choice of the Royal Festival Hall as the London home for Cirque Alice is a significant one. Situated on the Southbank, the venue is one of London's premier performance spaces, with a main auditorium that seats over 2,500 people. Its expansive stage and excellent sightlines make it well suited to the demands of a large-scale circus production, where performers need height, depth, and width to execute aerial routines and large ensemble pieces safely and spectacularly.

On-stage seating will also be available for Cirque Alice, offering audiences the chance to get even closer to the action and experience the show from a uniquely immersive perspective. This is becoming an increasingly popular option at circus and variety shows, allowing spectators to feel as though they have genuinely stepped through the looking glass and into the performance itself.

The Southbank location also makes the show easily accessible for families visiting London over the Christmas and New Year period, with excellent transport links and plenty of nearby dining and entertainment options to make an evening or afternoon of it.

A Perfect Fit for the Festive Season

Cirque Alice will run from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, positioning it squarely in the heart of London's festive entertainment calendar. The show joins a long tradition of spectacular seasonal offerings in the capital, from family shows and pantomimes to large-scale spectacles that draw tourists and Londoners alike.

The timing is particularly shrewd. Lewis Carroll's Alice has long been associated with the winter season in popular culture, and the blend of circus magic with a much-loved literary classic has clear appeal for multi-generational audiences looking for something a little different from the traditional Christmas panto or ballet. With a running time of around two hours and content suitable for all ages, Cirque Alice positions itself as a genuine all-ages event.

The festive period in London's West End is always fiercely competitive, with established musicals like The Lion King, Wicked The Musical, and Matilda The Musical drawing huge crowds alongside seasonal limited runs and special events. Cirque Alice offers something distinct from the traditional musical theatre experience, and its Southbank setting places it outside the immediate West End cluster, potentially attracting audiences who want a different kind of night out.

Alice in Wonderland's Enduring Stage Appeal

Lewis Carroll's Alice stories have inspired countless stage adaptations over the past 160 years, from ballets and operas to straight plays and immersive experiences. The surreal, episodic nature of Alice's journey through Wonderland lends itself naturally to variety-format performance, where each new encounter can showcase a different discipline or act. A circus interpretation, in many ways, feels like one of the most natural fits for the material. The Mad Hatter's tea party, the Caterpillar's riddles, and the Queen of Hearts' chaotic court are all scenes that invite spectacle, absurdity, and physical virtuosity.

The success of the show in Australia and Singapore suggests that Painter and Lawson have found the right balance between storytelling and showmanship. London audiences, with their deep affection for Carroll's creation and their growing appetite for circus-theatre hybrids, could prove an ideal market.

Should You Book?

Tickets for Cirque Alice go on sale from Thursday 16 April, and given the show's sell-out track record internationally, early booking is likely to be advisable, especially for peak dates around Christmas and New Year. The availability of on-stage seating is an exciting option for those who want the most immersive experience possible, though these premium spots are expected to be in high demand.

If you are looking for a festive outing that combines world-class circus performance with one of the most beloved stories in English literature, Cirque Alice looks like a strong contender. It is suitable for families, couples, and anyone who appreciates jaw-dropping physical artistry wrapped in a rich narrative.

For more upcoming productions and to browse what's on across London's stages, visit our full list of shows. You can also explore our guides to family shows and the latest theatre news to plan your next trip to the theatre.