REVIEW – MMK Productions’ Alice by Heart

As a lifelong admirer of the enchanting world of Alice in Wonderland, I couldn’t contain my excitement when asked to review this MMK Productions staging of Alice by Heart. Having celebrated my fabulous 40th birthday with an Alice-themed cake, just one of many delightful chapters in my Wonderland journey, made this unique interpretation, set in Belfast during World War II, all the more meaningful.

Presented as the Northern Ireland premiere of the Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater musical, this production is directed by Kim Harper, choreographed by Michael McEvoy, and features musical direction by Adam Darcy. Set within the breathtaking Carlisle Memorial Church, this immersive experience is soaked in both nostalgia and poignancy, layering whimsical fantasy with the gritty backdrop of the Belfast Blitz.

The venue itself felt like stepping into a magical realm. Carlisle Memorial Church with its rich historical architecture was transformed into a theatrical dreamscape where beams of light danced across gothic arches and stained glass. The opening sound of air raid sirens immediately transported us to 1941, setting a tone of urgency and emotional intensity.

The talented five-piece band (Darcy on keys, Jeremy Hoy on drums, Gillian McCutcheon on woodwind, Will Brown on bass, and Kerry Brady on strings) was nothing short of phenomenal. Their live accompaniment added cinematic weight to every moment, perfectly underscoring the highs and lows of Alice’s journey as she and her friend Alfred retreat into the pages of their favourite story to escape the horrors of war.

What stood out most in this production was its bold decision to relocate the narrative from London to Belfast. This reframing added layers of cultural and emotional depth, resonating deeply with the local audience while still honouring the spirit of Lewis Carroll’s original work. Lines like “We’re all mad here” and “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” landed with new weight in a context coloured by loss, resilience, and hope.

The movement and choreography by Michael McEvoy were outstanding. Each piece of staging felt organic to the venue and pulsed with theatricality, using every corner of the church to its fullest. It wasn’t just dance, it was expression, beautifully choreographed storytelling that carried us into the fantastical world Alice and Alfred created for themselves.

The cast, a vibrant ensemble of young performers aged 16–24 from across Northern Ireland, brought both familiar and lesser-known characters to life with fresh emotional relevance. From the Mad Hatter to the Mock Mock Mock Turtle, each role was layered with humanity and imagination.

Particular praise must go to Erin Harding as Alice and Sean Carron as Alfred, whose performances grounded the story in something very real and moving. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their tender moments together truly captured the emotional core of the musical, grief, first love, and the healing power of fantasy.

The production’s simple yet clever staging allowed our imaginations to fill in the gaps, just as Alice and Alfred do within the story. It made for an intimate and impactful experience, one that stirred memories of my own childhood when my granny read me the original book.

The energy of opening night was electric, and the well-deserved standing ovation felt like an exclamation point to the performance’s emotional journey. This wasn’t just a nostalgic retelling, it was a creative reinterpretation that deeply respected its source while innovating boldly. The combination of youthful talent, meaningful storytelling, and immersive staging made it a standout theatrical experience.

MMK Productions continues to raise the bar for youth theatre in Northern Ireland, and Alice by Heart is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, vision, and just the right touch of madness.

★ Don’t miss this spellbinding journey into wonder, equal parts magic and memory.

ALICE BY HEART

📍 Carlisle Memorial Church, Belfast

📅 August 6–8, 2025

🎟 Tickets: £20 via www.ticketsource.com/mmkproductions

⏱ Approx. 1hr 30mins with a short interval

Creative Team:

Director – Kim Harper

Choreographer – Michael McEvoy

Musical Director – Adam Darcy

Cast Highlights:

Alice – Erin Harding

Alfred (White Rabbit / March Hare) – Sean Carron

Harold (Mad Hatter) – Rhys Devlin

Tabatha (Cheshire Cat) – Beth Patterson

Nigel (Doormouse) – Genevieve McCollum

Dr Butridge (King of Hearts) – Kyle Dick

Red Cross Nurse (Queen of Hearts) – Katie Galbraith

…and a brilliant supporting ensemble of young local talent