It’s not often you get to say “world premiere” and “Brisbane” in the same sentence.
In its ambitious second brand-new full-length ballet in as many years, Ballet Theatre Queensland has re-imagined the beloved classic Alice in Wonderland – transporting the audience to 1930s Hollywood.
Gone are the lush green woods, picnic tables and chess sets of Wonderland past, replaced by a sepia-soaked world in which Alice dreamingly escapes from, tumbling into a kaleidoscope film set with a bustling soundstage, backstage corridors, dressing rooms and a myriad of amazing characters.
As Alice navigates this dazzlingly new world, she meets the characters we know and love – but in completely re-imagined ways. They are all here – Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Caterpillar, the Duchess and Cook, the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormouse, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. But what guise do they take in this Wonderland? That would be spoiling one of the most charming parts of this production – the anticipation of seeing how these characters will be interpreted, how will they appear, when will they appear, what part of this story will they tell? I can say this, each one is perfectly adapted into their Hollywood personas.
As well as the main characters, there is an absolute feast of supporting cast members – just like any movie! There are elegant feathered Flamingos, a very cleverly punned “card carrying” stage crew, sparkling tappers which to me symbolised the bright lights of the stage, an abundance of flowers, hearts and little Alice’s.
What brings each of the 65-strong company to life is the sheer perfection of costumes from Rebekah Ellis. From the muted browns of the opening numbers, to the absolute rainbow of Wonderland – her beautiful work brings each character to life, gives them their identity and were just a beauty to behold. My particular favourites were the Tweedles – who reminded me of a cross between Lucille Ball and Lady Gaga.
The sets from Josh McIntosh transport us through and around these worlds with ease and efficiency. A multi-tiered stair back-drop supports the swirling set changes, which in their sophisticated simplicity work wonderfully.
The two ‘above-the-title’ stars of this production however are the choreography and score. I can’t even begin to imagine where you start with an entirely new production of this scale and calibre.
Artistic Director and Choreographer Clare Morehen has created a production full to the brim of narrative-driven, elegantly realised movements and moments. Beyond classical and contemporary ballet, she has woven in styles not only appropriate to the era – jazz, tap, swing, big Broadway – but also pockets of inspiration from the greats such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
The score and musical direction from Dr. Lucas D. Lynch, performed live by the Cadenza Chamber Players, took my breath away from the overture. I actually had a wonderful time watching some of his production journey on Ballet Theatre Queensland’s Instagram profile, and am in awe of what he has created. Every main figure has their own theme or motif, that were all technically exacting and emotionally articulate. Each note echoes this Golden Age, with grand romantic themes, the grandeur of a big-band “eleven-o’clock number”, the smooth and smoky jazz tunes to spectacular MGM-inspired sequences.
Take a bow all involved and Ballet Theatre Queensland for bringing such a delightful new and original production to life, may it be a shining example of what is possible in the creative community in Brisbane.
Alice in Wonderland is world-building, full of wit, wow, whimsy and workmanship and most importantly…wonder.
Alice in Wonderland
Ballet Theatre Queensland
22–25 January 2026
QPAC, Brisbane
Tickets on sale now via https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/btq-alice-in-wonderland
Creatives
Choreographer Clare Morehen
Composer Lucas D. Lynch
Costume Designer Rebekah Ellis
Set Designer Josh McIntosh
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Sound Designer Wil Hughes
B at the Bows 