A dive into Wonderland

April 1, 2026

Ahead of the performance at the Century Theatre this spring, we stepped into the Wonderland Hat Shop to find a playful, imaginative retelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, guided by the wonderfully eccentric Hatter aka Paul. Blending puppetry, music, painted scenery and audience participation, this family-friendly show offers a magical introduction to live theatre for young audiences.

A lifelong love of Alice

Creator and performer Paul explains that his love for Alice in Wonderland goes back to childhood. Having worked with the story in many forms throughout his career, as a theatre designer, lighting designer and now performer, this production allowed him to revisit a tale he has always been passionate about. Setting the story inside a hat shop gave the show a clear framework, with the shop counter acting as a “playboard” for the puppets, allowing Alice’s journey to unfold in a simple yet visually inventive way.

Puppets, music and participation

The production mixes storytelling techniques to keep children engaged throughout. Shadow puppetry is used to show Alice falling down the rabbit hole, accompanied by original music, while lively songs and moments of call-and-response encourage children to join in. From catchy tunes to the much-loved lobster dance, participation is at the heart of the experience.

Creating a shared experience

For Paul, interactivity is essential. He sees the show as a community event rather than something to simply watch, which is why performances end with a puppet-making workshop. This gives children the chance to create something with their hands, meet the puppets up close, and continue the story beyond the stage, a refreshing alternative to screen-based entertainment.

A show full of heart and imagination

By playing the Hatter with warmth and silliness, Paul guides audiences through Wonderland with humour and charm. His hope is that families leave not only having had a joyful shared experience but inspired to keep exploring creativity and live performance together.

Welcome to the Wonderland Hat Shop is a whimsical, interactive adventure that invites audiences of all ages to fall back in love with imagination.