Cirque Alice
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Date Reviewed: 01/10/2026
Fall down the rabbit hole and into a spectacular new world…
Last night I was fortunate to attend CIRQUE ALICE, a theatrical circus production inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
There has been an increase in circus-related productions over the past few years, some more memorable than others. Without a doubt, this combination of high-level acrobatics, aerial feats, comedy and illusion, accompanied by vocal and classical music arrangements, stands apart as something quite special.
The production takes us on a dreamlike journey into Wonderland, beginning with Alice leading us from the real world through the rabbit hole and into a realm of magic and imagination.
From there, we are guided through this strange world by the White Rabbit, whose expert violin performances connect a succession of stunning acrobatic acts, all observed by Alice as her journey unfolds.
True to the spirit of the original story, the production builds towards the arrival of the Queen of Hearts and a spectacular sequence of high-energy stunts and illusions performed by the Flamingos and Knights of her court. These are feats that truly have to be seen to be believed.
CIRQUE ALICE is produced by Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, the team behind THE ILLUSIONISTS, and features an international ensemble of elite acrobats and performers whose extraordinary skills repeatedly take your breath away.
The production is accompanied by a rich musical soundtrack, ranging from Bach and Tchaikovsky to works by other well-known composers. The music creates an atmospheric backdrop that complements the action beautifully.
Australian soprano Layla Schillert stars as Alice, bringing warmth and an impressive vocal presence to the role. Paul Dabek, as the Mad Hatter, is the only character who speaks, and his comedic interaction with the audience and skilful sleight of hand are highly entertaining. The dancers and acrobats perform at an exceptional level and thoroughly deserve the enthusiastic applause they receive at the curtain call.
CIRQUE ALICE is suitable for audiences of all ages, making its school-holiday season particularly well timed.
With a runtime of approximately two hours, including interval, CIRQUE ALICE opened on 25 September and runs until 11 October 2026 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pyrmont.
This is Alice in Wonderland as you have never seen — or perhaps even imagined — it before. With such a limited season, CIRQUE ALICE is well worth experiencing before it disappears back down the rabbit hole.
Reviewed by Vincent Brincat