Joby Talbot's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, premiered by Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2011, is a ballet that captures the essence of Lewis Carroll's beloved story with a playful and imaginative flair. From the moment the curtain rises on Alice's dreamy world, the audience is whisked away on a whirlwind journey of fantastical encounters and surreal situations. The ballet's choreography, created by David Bintley, perfectly complements Talbot's score, crafting a vibrant tapestry of movement that reflects the book's eccentric charm.
Music: A whimsical and enchanting journey
The music is a highlight of the ballet, blending elements of classical, jazz, and contemporary music to create a unique soundscape that is both whimsical and enchanting. Talbot's score perfectly captures the spirit of the story, seamlessly transitioning between moments of playful innocence, unsettling strangeness, and whimsical wonder. It is rich and detailed, utilising a diverse orchestra that includes traditional instruments, alongside some more surprising elements - including the sound of a grandfather clock striking the hour.
- The "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" is a boisterous and energetic ensemble piece that reflects the chaotic and absurd nature of the tea party scene.
- The "Queen of Hearts' Croquet Game" is a tense and dramatic sequence, driven by a relentless rhythm that perfectly mirrors the Queen's fiery temper.
- "The Trial" features a complex, disjointed musical motif, highlighting the nonsensical nature of the trial and the sense of confusion that Alice experiences.
One of the most striking aspects of the music is its ability to shift in mood and tone rapidly, often within a single piece. This perfectly captures the fluctuating emotions that Alice experiences as she navigates this extraordinary world.
Dance: Visual brilliance and emotional depth
David Bintley's choreography, like the music, brilliantly captures the heart and soul of Carroll's book. It is full of visual invention and dramatic tension, reflecting the extraordinary events that unfold. He excels at weaving together movement and storytelling to evoke a range of emotions: the confusion and curiosity of Alice, the sinister nature of the Queen of Hearts, the playful antics of the Mad Hatter, and the poignant sadness of the Cheshire Cat. It's never solely a dance for dance's sake, each movement tells a story, expresses a mood.
- Alice's initial journey into Wonderland is a delicate and graceful sequence, reflecting the youthful wonder of her descent.
- The āMad Hatter's Tea Partyā is a whirlwind of exaggerated gestures and frantic movements that reflects the absurdity and chaotic energy of the tea party.
- The "Queen of Hearts' Croquet Game" is a stark contrast, featuring a sharp and precise choreography that underscores the Queen's cruelty and control. There's a sharp energy to this scene as the dancers manipulate their flamingos - like oversized hockey sticks - to play with a flaming croquet ball.
- The final scene, in which Alice awakens from her dream, is poignant and ethereal. The music and choreography provide a sense of closure and leave the audience reflecting on the nature of reality and dreams.
The ballet's overall look and feel are breathtaking, incorporating impressive visual elements that complement Bintley's choreography and Talbot's music. It is a ballet that relies on the use of dramatic and visually-powerful set design and elaborate costume designs. The design reflects the strange and nonsensical nature of Wonderland. This includes enormous mushroom shapes to highlight the 'mushrooming' and expanding world that Alice is travelling through.
Notable Performers: Captivating Characters and compelling movement
- Alice, traditionally danced by the company's leading female ballerina, embodies a delicate, vulnerable and playful innocence, her journey is beautifully portrayed through both her fluid technique and nuanced performances.
- The Mad Hatter is usually cast as a dancer with comedic talents, a charming rogue - the ideal dancer for this character needs to possess an infectious energy and an ability to find the humour and heart of the character. A very particular and complex part to play!
- The White Rabbit is often an exceptionally strong and agile dancer. He darts and bounds about the stage, a nervous whirlwind, communicating his desperate need to be 'on time' in an endearing manner.
- The Queen of Hearts is portrayed with fierce physicality and regal poise. This dancer often exhibits intense focus and a sharp commanding style which highlights the cruelty and authoritarian rule of this formidable character.
- The Cheshire Cat, with their ever-present enigmatic grin is typically a graceful and highly expressive dancer who utilises their unique movement skills to reflect the cat's magical nature and its connection to Alice's own growing understanding of the peculiar reality of Wonderland.
Each character is rendered with remarkable detail and individuality through a range of expressive qualities ā including sharp athleticism, nuanced dramatic abilities and physical virtuosity, creating captivating personas and performances. The ballet truly comes to life when you watch the talented performances of the company as they embody these classic characters in such an innovative and brilliant way.
Critical Response:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland has garnered critical acclaim, lauded for its creative use of both music and dance. The ballet has been praised for its whimsical, engaging storytelling, beautiful choreography, and imaginative stage design. Some critics have commended the originality of the score, highlighting Talbot's clever blend of musical genres and his ability to evoke a variety of emotions.
My Opinion:
This production is a personal favourite. Thereās an unbridled joy that explodes on stage from the dancersā enthusiasm and skill, their genuine ability to fully embody the very spirit of the characters they bring to life. I particularly love how the stage design seamlessly takes the audience on Aliceās fantastical journey with every scene changing effortlessly in this unique world. It is a truly immersive experience, which stays with the audience long after the final curtain. Bintley and Talbotās vision - like the best of children's fairytales ā is able to entertain the children and deeply touch the hearts of the adults.
Conclusion:
Aliceās Adventures in Wonderland is a triumph of both music and dance. Talbotās evocative score sets the tone for Bintley's ingenious choreography and design, creating a production that transports the audience to the fantastical and strange world of Wonderland. Bintley perfectly captures the childlike wonder and absurdity that makes the story so unique and beloved - making it truly a ballet to enjoy on multiple levels. And its ability to captivate audiences across all generations proves that this production has secured its position as a truly remarkable and lasting contribution to the world of ballet. It is a testament to the creative talents of its creators and is bound to leave audiences of all ages in awe and inspired.