Type – Comedy, Fantasy, Fairytale
If you liked – Circus 1903, Alice in Wonderland, The Greatest Showman
Cirque Alice: A Whimsical Journey Through Wonderland with the White Rabbit
Welcome to Cirque Alice – an acrobatic adventure inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll. While the story itself is well known – a young girl follows a mysterious White Rabbit down a rabbit hole and falls into a magical world of curious characters and illogical rules – this production reimagines the tale through circus, movement and visual storytelling.
From the moment you step inside the Coliseum Theatre at West HQ, it’s clear this is a space purposely built for a great show. The venue lends itself beautifully to the immersive nature of the show, allowing the audience to feel swept into Wonderland from the outset. While the original story Alice in Wonderland is not plot heavy – Cirque Alice leans into providing a sensational show filled with imagination and vivid encounters in Wonderland.
At its heart, this is a show designed to entertain, inspire and evoke awe. Watching it unfold, I felt as though I were witnessing a court of jesters and performers – a spectacle fit for a King and Queen. There is something delightfully old-world about its tone, where human artistry, humour and physical mastery take centre stage. The performers move with precision and playfulness, inviting the audience to laugh, marvel and momentarily suspend disbelief.
There were many standout moments. The Knights (performed by the Ramadhani Brothers, Fadhili Rashidi and Ibrahim Mwaimise) deliver astonishing feats of balance, including an unforgettable inverted headstand that seems to defy physics. The Queen of Hearts (performed by Mungunstatsrsag Naranbaatar) is a commanding presence, her contortion work was both powerful and mesmerising.
The costumes in Cirque Alice are eye catching and vibrant, from the flamingo aerialists (Duo Emyo) to the charming pink flamingo ballerina, each adding texture and personality to the world on stage. The Mad Hatter magician (played by Paul Dabek for Sydney and Adelaide) brought crazy genius energy and exceptional comic timing to his performance.
Music plays a key role in shaping the emotional rhythm of the show. Classical themes are reimagined, remixed and woven throughout Cirque Alice, travelling playfully from Bach to Tchaikovsky in a way that feels both elegant and accessible. At the heart of it all is the White Rabbit, who is the principal violinist performed by the virtuosic, Darius Thompson.
While I would have loved a little more narrative clarity and storytelling to anchor the experience, the focus of Cirque Alice is unmistakably its spectacle – and what a spectacle it is. The structure may feel episodic, but that fragmentation mirrors the spirit of Wonderland itself. It feels like a dream. It feels other worldly. This is a show that doesn’t ask to be analysed; it asks to be felt.
Is Cirque Alice Worth Seeing in Australia?
If you see only one circus show this year (or next) make it Cirque Alice. It is a joyful celebration of artistry, skill and theatrical wonder – and you would be mad to miss it.
The show runs for about 2 hours with a 20 minute interval.
Tickets and Practical Info for Cirque Alice in Australia 🎟️
Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, Sydney
Season: 24 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets: https://coliseumtheatre.com.au/whats-on/cirquealice/
Adelaide – From 8 January 2026 • Her Majesty’s Theatre
Canberra – From 22 January 2026 • Canberra Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre
Tickets: https://cirquealice.com/
