Alice’s Adventures in the New World

"Alice’s Adventures in the New World is a musical hall show that explores the myths about women, sexuality and gender relations in the Victorian era. It is 1882. You are a seventeen year-old girl and you have just discovered your deceased mother is still alive and living in America. You set off to find her and meet: a) an artist with an opium addiction b) a depressed Socialist preaching free love c) a hypochondriac debutante d) a cattle rustler whose four husbands have all mysteriously disappeared e) Oscar Wilde f) your mother or g) all of the above. Wherever you go, you seem to be the only one in the room not wearing a corset and things become curiouser and curiouser along the way."

Award winning director Jessica Beck creates an extravagant, high octane production that rolls merrily along in the epic journey of little Alice in search of her mother. Along the way we meet a whole host of colourful characters; wonderfully drawn by a talented and ever-morphing ensemble that make up the all-female troupe – Fluff Productions.

Sarah Sigal’s wit, imagination, sexual liberation and socio-political story never fails to inform and entertain. It is in the balance of sheer gusto, fun and musical variety that we, subtly, experience a life style long forgotten but, ironically still experienced by many. That is, the repression of the sexes and of sexuality.

There is the odd moment of repetition and, unfortunately, the very moment of discovery on meeting her Mother, Alice is left without a voice to question on behalf of the audience who have been on the journey of discovery with her. The moment of reversal and enlightenment is missed and a rather flaccid rendering of events is presented.

Save for that moment, this production, with an extraordinary design, in lighting and set really does deliver a sparkling adventure. I must give a special mention to the costumes design that was flawless all the way; creating a visual reference to every character and location. Design on this level would not look out of place in any of the central London locations.

In all, Alice’s Adventures in the New World is a riotous journey guided skilfully by Jessica Beck, realised potently by Fluff Productions and penned with flare and imagination by Sarah Sigal.

Highly Recommended.