The Royal Ballet’s production of Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has become a beloved favorite since its debut 13 years ago. Thanks to inventive designs by Bob Crowley and Wheeldon’s blend of demanding classical dance steps with comedy, the production has captivated audiences worldwide. From blue-spangled legs representing the Caterpillar to a manic Tart Adage performed by the Queen of Hearts, each character in the ballet is vividly brought to life. Joby Talbot’s rich score adds depth and texture to the production, making it a dream for the dancers of the Royal Ballet.
At a recent matinee performance, Viola Pantuso charmed as Alice, while Lauren Cuthbertson exhibited steely technique in her portrayal of the Queen of Hearts. Steven McRae dazzled as the tap-dancing Mad Hatter, returning from a long injury to the delight of audiences. Meanwhile, The National Ballet of Canada’s production of Frontiers showcased a chamber bill of ballets by Canadian choreographers, culminating in the UK premiere of Crystal Pite’s Angels’ Atlas. The design of Angels’ Atlas, by Jay Gower Taylor and Tom Visser, created an atmospheric backdrop for dancers moving in large scale groupings and pairs, exploring themes of fragility and endurance to an overwhelmingly moving score.
While other works in the Frontiers production made less of an impact, the commitment of the dancers and the overall pleasure of watching the company was noted. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is currently running at the Royal Ballet and Opera until November 1, with another run scheduled for June 13 to July 6, 2025. Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada will be at Sadler’s Wells, London until October 6.
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