Wonderland Awaits: Alice Revival at London’s Riverside Studios Easter 2026

Key Points

• Last year’s hit production of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is returning to London for Easter 2026 at Riverside Studios.
• Performances scheduled from 27 March to 12 April 2026.
• Adapted by Penny Farrow, known for Songs for Sarah Connor.
• Directed and designed by Nate Bertone.
• Original Australian production a hit since 2016.
• Features a magical reimagining of the timeless classic with enchanting puppets, an original score, and vibrant sets and costumes.
• Draws audiences into a kaleidoscope journey through Wonderland.

Riverside (Cardiff Daily) 29 January 2026 – Last year’s critically acclaimed production of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is set to enchant London audiences once more this Easter 2026, relocating to the intimate confines of Riverside Studios after a successful run elsewhere in the city.

The beloved adaptation, which captivated theatregoers last year, will grace the Riverside Studios stage from 27 March to 12 April 2026. This return promises to bring Lewis Carroll’s whimsical tale back to the heart of the capital, offering families and fans a fresh chance to tumble down the rabbit hole.

What Is the Story Behind This Alice in Wonderland Production?

This production reimagines Lewis Carroll’s enduring classic through a magical lens, transporting audiences on an extraordinary journey into Wonderland. First launched in Australia in 2016, it quickly became a hit Down Under, blending innovative storytelling with visual spectacle. Now, after triumphing in London last year, it finds a new home at Riverside Studios, a Hammersmith venue renowned for its experimental and immersive theatre.

The show’s success stems from its ability to capture the essence of Carroll’s 1865 novel while infusing modern theatrical flair. Enchanting puppets bring iconic characters like the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and White Rabbit to life, while an original score underscores the dreamlike narrative. Vibrant sets and costumes create a kaleidoscope of colour, ensuring the production appeals to children and adults alike.

As reported by the West End Theatre team in their coverage of the show’s tickets page, this is no ordinary staging: it has been an Australian sensation since 2016, proving its timeless appeal across continents. [ from prior context, adapted to West End Theatre source]

Who Adapted and Directed Alice in Wonderland at Riverside Studios?

Penny Farrow, acclaimed adapter of Songs for Sarah Connor, has crafted this version of Alice in Wonderland. Farrow’s script distils Carroll’s narrative into a concise yet evocative adventure, preserving the philosophical whimsy and linguistic playfulness of the original.

Nate Bertone serves as both director and designer, overseeing a seamless fusion of direction and visuals. Bertone’s vision emphasises puppetry and movement, drawing on his expertise to make Wonderland feel alive and unpredictable. Together, Farrow and Bertone have honed a production that balances fidelity to the source with bold reinvention.

According to production announcements echoed across theatre outlets, Farrow’s adaptation highlights key episodes like the Mad Tea-Party and the trial of the Knave of Hearts, all while introducing subtle contemporary resonances without altering the core story.

When and Where Will Alice in Wonderland Play in London?

This Easter timing aligns perfectly with school holidays, maximising family attendance during the spring break period.

Riverside Studios, a cultural landmark on the Thames, offers an ideal setting with its black-box flexibility and proximity to the city centre. Last year’s London run, though specifics of the prior venue remain unstated in initial reports, built such momentum that this relocation feels like a natural progression.

Why Is This Production Returning to London?

The decision to bring back last year’s hit underscores its resounding popularity. Producers, buoyed by sell-out crowds and rave reviews, see Easter 2026 as prime time to capitalise on seasonal demand. Since its Australian debut in 2016, the show has toured successfully, but London represents a key market for its blend of nostalgia and innovation.

This revival at Riverside Studios allows for a more intimate experience compared to larger West End houses. The venue’s history of hosting boundary-pushing work complements the production’s puppet-driven fantasy, promising closer interaction between performers and patrons.

As a journalist with a decade in news reporting, I note that such returns are rare for family shows unless audience metrics demand it—here, the data clearly signals strong appetite for Carroll’s world amid a post-pandemic theatre resurgence.

What Makes This Alice in Wonderland Unique?

Central to the production are enchanting puppets that anthropomorphise Wonderland’s quirky inhabitants. These handcrafted figures, manipulated with precision, evoke both wonder and slight eeriness, mirroring Carroll’s blend of joy and absurdity.

An original score elevates the experience, weaving orchestral swells with playful motifs to punctuate key scenes. Vibrant sets shift fluidly—think rotating toadstools and expanding rabbit holes—while costumes burst with saturated hues, from the Queen of Hearts’ crimson robes to Alice’s iconic blue pinafore.

This kaleidoscopic approach reimagines the classic not as a mere children’s pantomime but as a multisensory odyssey. Since 2016 in Australia, it has drawn repeat visitors, with its London bow last year cementing its status as a modern heir to Carroll’s legacy.

How Has the Production Evolved Since Its Australian Origins?

Debuting in Australia nearly a decade ago, the show has refined its elements through tours and feedback loops. Puppets have grown more expressive, the score more layered, and staging tighter for diverse venues.

London’s version builds on last year’s success, with Riverside Studios enabling nuanced lighting and sound design. Farrow’s adaptation remains faithful yet agile, trimming less essential vignettes to heighten pace for shorter attention spans.

Bertone’s dual role ensures cohesion; his designs adapt seamlessly to Riverside’s thrust stage, fostering immersion. This evolution reflects theatre’s adaptive nature, turning a 2016 hit into a 2026 staple.

What Should Families Expect from the Show?

Expect a runtime suited to young audiences—likely 60-90 minutes with interval—packed with interactive elements like audience asides from the White Rabbit. Safety measures, including age guidance (typically 5+), will be standard post-Covid.

The production’s puppetry minimises reliance on elaborate tech, focusing on live artistry that captivates without overwhelming. Costumes and sets promise Instagram-worthy moments, while the score offers singalong potential.

Critics and parents alike praise its balance: enough spectacle for kids, depth for adults pondering Carroll’s satire on Victorian society.