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Michael Cox reviews a production that 'might look scrumptious but lacks much wonder'.
If there is one rule in theatre, it is this: don’t be boring. The Lyceum’s Christmas show can be described in a lot of words, many of them positive. Unfortunately, the one word that supersedes these is, alas, boring.
If there is a person who seems best suited for an adaption of Lewis Carroll’s seminal story it is Anthony Neilson. A part of the famed ‘in yer face’ theatre movement, Neilson is responsible for some of the most challenging and creative British productions of the last few decades. There are many great ideas on the Lyceum’s stage, many of which work. Neilson’s script embraces Carroll’s logic puzzles, and his staging doesn’t shy from relishing in the absurdity. He has assembled a great design team: Wonderland looks and sounds terrific. And the company of ten are all committed to the production and have at least one key role that allows them to shine.
And yet, there is one key component that is missing: energy. Many moments take too long to unfold, and there are long stretches where very little of interest happens. It isn’t for lack of talent or creativity, but Alice’s adventures unspool at a slow pace rather than a quick-fire chase through the magical land. Only at the production’s very last moment do things get whipped into a manic energy, which at least allows the show to end on a high.
It is just a shame that it takes this long for any giddy madness to come forth. Like a beautiful looking cake that barely tastes of anything, this Alice might look scrumptious but lacks much wonder.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland performs at the Royal Lyceum until December 31, 2016.
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