Brisbane review - Alice By Heart: a fantastic visual spectacle
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
By David Wilson
Alice by Heart
Music by Duncan Sheik
Lyrics by Steven Sater
Book by Steven Sater and Jessie Nelson
Directed by Hayley Gervais
Musical Direction by Rae Rose
Choreography by Hannah Macri
1 – 23 May 2026 at The Tin Shed, James Street, Beenleigh
Tickets $45, $38 concession
Tickets available at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1507612
Alice By Heart is a contemporary musical with music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Steven Sater, the acclaimed team behind Spring Awakening. Based on the book by Sater and Jessie Nelson, the work premiered in 2012 and has since gained a devoted following for its emotionally rich storytelling and inventive reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Set against the backdrop of the London Blitz, the musical intertwines the familiar Wonderland narrative with a deeply human story of love, loss, and the power of imagination. The connection to Carroll’s classic is both clear and cleverly subverted, with recognisable characters transformed into reflections of the real-world struggles faced by a group of young people sheltering underground during wartime.
The creative team at Phoenix Ensemble has delivered a fantastic visual spectacle in this ambitious and layered production. Under the confident direction of Hayley Gervais, the show is remarkably cohesive and assured. A production of this scale and complexity could easily become fragmented, but here it is tightly controlled and thoughtfully realised. The influence of choreographer Hannah Macri is evident throughout, particularly in the all-cast numbers, which are dynamic, expressive, and beautifully staged. This is perhaps best seen in Brillig Braelig/Jabberwock at the beginning of Act 2, a standout moment that combines movement, storytelling, and atmosphere to striking effect. The live band, under the guidance of Rae Rose, is once again excellent, providing a rich and nuanced musical foundation that enhances the emotional depth of the piece.
Madeleine Ford delivers a wonderful performance as Alice Spencer, capturing the central character perfectly with a deeply felt and authentic portrayal. Her vocals are consistently strong, and she anchors the production with both emotional clarity and presence. Opposite her, Kaitlin Evans is, as always, excellent as Alfred/The White Rabbit, offering faultless characterisation in what is a particularly demanding and multifaceted role. Evans navigates the shifts between reality and fantasy with ease, bringing both sensitivity and precision to the performance. The on-stage connection between Ford and Evans is wonderfully realised.
Ella Marree is simply captivating as Tabatha/The Cheshire Cat, with vocals that are both controlled and expressive, delivering a portrayal that captures the elusive and enigmatic essence of the character wonderfully. Emma Erdis is perfectly cast, delivering a commanding and wonderfully unrestrained performance as the Red Cross Nurse/Queen of Hearts, showcasing their magnificent physicality and stage presence with a clear understanding of the duality within the role. August Cocks is fabulously eccentric as Harold Pudding/The Mad Hatter, bringing energy, unpredictability, and a strong sense of character to every moment on stage.
The charismatic Jack Barrett’s portrayal of Dodgy/The Duchess is brilliantly unhinged, delivering a striking performance benefiting from Barrett’s full-throttle commitment to the role. William Thomas, Anna Ryan, Campbell Briggs and Delilah Bennett are also wonderful in their respective roles, adding valuable depth and body to the production. Special mention to Ammi Johnson as Young Alice and Spencer Goodreid as Young Alfred, who both demonstrate impressive talent and promise, contributing meaningfully to the emotional core of the story and suggesting very bright futures ahead.
While the individual performances are all of a very high standard, it is when the full company comes together that the production truly shines. The work is cohesive and committed, with strong vocals and excellent characterisation throughout. The overall effect is a production that feels both polished and deeply connected, with every performer contributing to a unified and compelling theatrical experience.
The cast and creatives at Phoenix Ensemble are to be congratulated on this very tight, visually engaging, and emotionally resonant production. Alice By Heart is a challenging work, but in the right hands it becomes something special—and that is certainly the case here. I thoroughly encourage you to see it.
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