What do you get when you mix an operatic Alice, a Mad Hatter magician, and a White Rabbit who shreds the violin? You get Cirque Alice, a bold new spectacle from The Illusionists creators Tim Lawson and Simon Painter. This two-hour extravaganza reimagines Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland as a wonder-filled, high-flying circus. The show is making its world premiere at QPAC, and it’s the perfect Easter treat for Brisbane families.
Creative directors Ash Jacks and Kirsty Painter have assembled a jaw-dropping lineup of global talent. We’re talking Cirque du Soleil alumni, contortionists, aerialists, and all the curious characters you know and love.
The soundtrack by Martin Raabe-Olsen and Marius Christiansen remixes classical favourites. The music isn’t listed (sorry, music nerds!) so bring your ears and sharp memory. You’ll hear ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ from Peer Gynt and ‘The Swan Theme’ from Swan Lake… if you’re paying attention.
In the role of Alice is rising star Layla Schillert. She doesn’t speak, she sings opera. Her soaring renditions of the ‘Flower Duet’ and ‘Ave Maria’ are stunning. And she flies high above the stage while she sings.
Jeff Hobson is the Mad Hatter and host. He’s got a touch of Robin Williams energy, with hilarious patter and incredible sleight of hand. He even ropes audience members on stage to join the fun. Watch your seat, you might be next. Darius Thompson is the White Rabbit, a violinist whose furious fiddling dazzles. His ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ nearly takes off.
Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee are played by the incredible TT Boys from Ethiopia. (Also known as Tomas Teka Alemu and Tamrat Yemane Ayalew.) Their act sees one Tweedle foot-juggle the other (you read that right) in a mind-bending acrobatic display that must be seen to be believed.
The Caterpillar is brought to life by a quartet of Mongolian contortionists in shimmering blue unitards (all costumes are designed by Angela Aaron). Together, they twist and bend in the most beautiful ways.
We also meet the March Hare, played by Alexandre Lane, who spins wildly in a Cyr wheel, and the Snap Dragonfly Oleg Tatarynov on the hypnotic flying pole. Look out for the Cheshire Cat who makes a brief, grinning cameo.
Closing Act One is the powerhouse duo the Ramadhani Brothers as the Red and White Knights. This act will have you on the edge of your seat as the pair go head to head. Literally. One balances on the other’s head, in a spectacular feat of strength and balance.
Think that’s all? Think again. Act Two kicks off with William Estuart Mena Gonzales as the Dormouse, and he’s anything but sleepy. His balancing act on the rola bola is thrilling and precise.
As the Queen of Hearts, Maria Sarach stalks the stage in a show-stopping outfit, then stuns with a hand-balancing contortion act that oozes strength and elegance. The Flamingos, played by Mariia Romanenko and Oleksandr Vakar, perform a stunning aerial act which sees them connected by their hair and mouth!
For the finale, the Concert Hall’s Klais Grand Organ thunders to life with Bach’s iconic Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Then the Royals, played by Leandro Zeferino and Anastasiia Vashenko, wow us with a dizzying roller-skating duet. It’s fast, fearless and fabulous.
Throughout the show, a troupe of local dancers guide us through Wonderland with grace, glamour, and choreography by Dane Bates. Aaron Thomas’ lighting creates a dreamy, neon-drenched world. Frances Story’s scenic design is whimsical and smart, with a floral arch providing a magical backdrop.
But what makes Cirque Alice truly special? You’re up close. By circus standards, the space is intimate. Some guests can even sit on stage. But beware: the Mad Hatter might pull you into the madness. And the grand finale? A blizzard of silver confetti rains down. It’s glorious. And yes, you might find some still in your clothes the next morning.
Cirque Alice is a show for all ages. It’s dazzling. It’s delightful. And it’s full of wonder. If you only see one circus show this year, let it be this one.
Cirque Alice runs until 22 April with matinee performances on most days throughout the school holidays at the Concert Hall, QPAC.
Tickets: https://qpac.com.au/whats-on/2025/cirque-alice
Website: https://cirquealice.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/atqpac/ and https://www.instagram.com/cirquealice/
Photo credits: Peter Wallis
