Immersive Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at The London Vaults

London’s Vaults to become Wonderland HQ for
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 150^th Celebrations

The Vaults, Launcelot St entrance, London SE1 7NN

Until 31st August 2015

Critically-acclaimed theatre company Les Enfants Terribles (The Vaudevillains; The Trench) have combined forces with Emma Brünjes Productions (The Three Lions; Secret Cinema: Miller’s Crossing) to bring Wonderland to the Vaults of Waterloo in the form of two theatre shows – adapted by Oliver Lansley and Anthony Spargo – and a series of Alice-themed discussions curated by Jo Danvers (previously of the Donmar Warehouse).

Three years in the planning, the two shows – Alice’s Adventures Underground and Adventures in Wonderland – promise to bring Wonderland to life on a grand scale, blending storytelling, live music, circus and spectacle, along with a collection of fantastical puppets designed by Samuel Wyer and Cirque de Soleil puppet designer Max Humphries. Joining the creative team are puppet director Finn Caldwell (War Horse) and lighting director Mike Gunning (Punchdrunk’s The Drowned Man). Initially scheduled for a limited run beginning in April, both shows have now been extended by overwhelmingly popular demand, until the end of August.

On Monday nights, the Wonderland bar will host The Wonderland Sessions, digging deeper into the history and influence of this celebrated tale with a series of special guests from across the arts world.

Alice’s Adventures Underground

Alice’s Adventures Underground allows theatre-goers to experience Wonderland as a fully formed world. Invited down the rabbit hole in intimate groups of 56, each audience member will be presented with a choice of EAT ME or DRINK ME, which will direct how their experience of the show will unfold. With a cast of more than 30, Alice’s Adventures Underground will also feature: 33 unique rooms, a tea table of gigantic proportions, an original soundtrack, a dizzying rabbit hole, a hazy Caterpillar lair, Cheshire cats, a terrifying Queen of Hearts, a mysteriously absent Alice and enough tea to make anyone go mad

After the show, audiences are encouraged to remain in the Wonderland bar until the small hours, with a full menu of food and drink available. The bar will form a lively part of the Wonderland world, with its own cast and installations, including bespoke Alice cocktails, a hedge maze and flamingo croquet.

The show is suitable for 11+. Running time is 90 minutes.

Tickets: £35 – £47.50

Adventures in Wonderland

Guided by the expertise of Les Petits Theatre Company – the children’s offshoot of Les Enfants Terribles – with accomplished children’s director Emma Earle (Father Christmas, Hammersmith Lyric) on board, Adventures in Wonderland offers children aged five and up the chance to fall down the rabbit hole. Each child’s journey through Wonderland will be unique, but all will be invited to the largest, maddest tea party around and the chance to play croquet with Alice herself.

The show is suitable for ages five and up and there must be one adult to accompany no more than two children. Running time is 45 minutes.

Tickets: £12.50 – £18.50