The wacky Alice in Wonderland show at Derby Theatre includes a jazz-playing caterpillar

When was the last time you were filled with hope?

For me, it was during the weekend’s Celebrate Sadler Gate event - the heady combination of sunshine and craft beer can do that to you.

I was reminded there are fun and fabulous events happening in Derby, one of which is Alice In Wonderland’s showing at Derby Theatre.

I have yet to read the 1865 English children's novel by Lewis Carroll, so opaque memories arise from the 1951 Disney animation.

A batty albeit dapperly dressed white rabbit and magical ‘Eat Me’ cakes are my main memories of Alice In Wonderland, which I was pleased to see make an appearance in Derby Theatre’s production.

The play is a reworking by playwright Nicola Werenowska who takes Alice’s trip down the rabbit hole to new depths.

She explores more serious issues such as coming-of-age, tolerance and fear as we follow Alice and her cat Dinah, a plucky duo who navigate the wild wild west that is Wonderland.

Alice (Rhiannon May) is portrayed as a courageous, free-thinker, who would also make a good role model for little ones who see independence and an inquisitive mind, as positive traits.

Rhiannon plays Alice with aplomb and she is just one of a stellar cast that bring one-dimensional characters to life.

I was in awe of the physical dexterity of Dinah the cat (Becky Barry).

She spent the best part of 120 minutes crawling and prowling the stage at Alice’s side, delivering pitch perfect lines in an impressive contralto voice.

Caterpillar (Chioma Uma)’s astounding vocals made me wish there was a soundtrack of songs performed that I could enjoy at home. Look out for a jazz number that is catchy and beautiful to listen to.

The star of the night was Queen Of Hearts (April Nerissa Hudson) who played the tyrant diva afraid of change, with subtle complexity.

To feel empathy for a dictatorial character is no mean feat, yet April did this with ease.

The queen’s xenophobia, fear of different people and the need to stay in control 24-7 was beautifully highlighted in her character arc.

Instead of resorting to her usual ‘Off with their heads!’ routine when she encountered someone different to her, the queen became more accepting at the end.

What I loved about the show was that it was close captioned and BSL signed, making it even more accessible to a wider audience.

I have subtitles on at home (there is much mumbling on the telly these days), which is why I felt I got a lot more out of this close captioned production too.

Alice In Wonderland is a stylish, thought-provoking production that will keep people of all ages entertained for a few hours.

Sumptuous set pieces and tour de force performances from April Nerissa Hudson and more, means this show is a real treat.

Alice In Wonderland is showing until July 6, 2024.

For more information about the show visit Derby Theatre website by clicking here.