In just a few short weeks, Sydney audiences will be transported down the rabbit hole as the world’s elite circus performers arrive for the highly anticipated premiere of Cirque Alice, opening at the Coliseum Theatre on 24 December. This spectacular new reimagining of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland blends gravity-defying acrobatics, theatrical magic and classical music into an immersive family experience for the holiday season.
At the heart of the production is Newcastle-born soprano Layla Schillert (Australian Idol), stepping into the titular role of Alice. With shimmering vocals and effortless stage presence, Schillert leads audiences through Wonderland’s most intriguing corners, meeting characters brought to life through world-class circus artistry.
Lewis Carroll’s beloved characters provide rich inspiration for a series of mind-bending ensemble acts. Fresh from their semi-final run on America’s Got Talent, Cirque du Soleil favourites The TT Boys will flip, soar and tumble as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Their high-energy Icarian Games routine is set to be one of the show’s standout moments.
Joining them are fellow AGT stars The Ramadhani Brothers, appearing as the Red and White Knights. Celebrated worldwide for their near-impossible head-to-head balancing act, the duo brings incredible strength, control and suspense to the production. 
Continuing the global talent lineup, Mongolian contortionists Munkhchimeg Munkh-Erdene, Delgerbayar Tseveensuren, Baigalmaa Chuluun and Dolgorsuren Ganbold twist and fold themselves into a mesmerising recreation of the Caterpillar — a hypnotic optical illusion that embodies the wisdom of Carroll’s original character.
The two-hour experience showcases a kaleidoscope of circus disciplines:
Paul Dabek (Cirque du Soleil, The Illusionists) leads the narrative with quick wit and theatrical mischief as The Mad Hatter.
Alexandre Lane (Cirque Bon Bon) brings power and precision to the Cyr Wheel as The March Hare.
Munguntsatsrag Naranbaatar embodies the commanding Queen of Hearts through an astonishing hand-balancing act.
Estuart Mena Gonzales appears as the nimble Dormouse on the rola bola.
Aerial duo Emilie Odette and Joann Jerome (Cirque du Soleil) soar through the theatre as The Flying Flamingos.
Daniel Monni and Marina Sabetta whirl across the stage as the roller-skating Royals.
Daniel Schwarz brings striking athleticism to the aerial pole as the Snap-dragon Fly.
Behind the scenes, creative direction by Ash Jacks McCready and Kirsty Painter shapes a vivid and whimsical world, while costumes by Angela Aaron, puppetry by Unit 9, and lighting design by Hugo Mercier deepen the production’s visual storytelling.
Award-winning choreographer Dane Bates leads a talented ensemble of Australian dancers — Charlie Danilczack, Kaylee Smith, Lexie Calis, Gabriel Herrera and Lachlan Greenland — whose movement guides audiences through the heart of Wonderland.
Featuring a brand-new soundtrack by Norwegian composers Marius Christiansen and Martin Olsen, with live accompaniment by acclaimed violinist Darius Thompson (Choir of Man, West End), Cirque Alice remixes classical favourites including Flight of the Bumblebee, Für Elise and the iconic Flower Duet.
After sold-out seasons in Brisbane and Singapore, Cirque Alice now invites Sydney theatregoers into a fully immersive world, with cabaret-style onstage seating that puts audiences just metres from the action as performers twist, fly and spring above the Coliseum Theatre stage.
“Sydney’s west has never seen a circus performance quite like this,” says West HQ CEO Richard Errington. “It’s a rare opportunity to experience world-class acrobatics, incredible vocals and theatrical spectacle right here in our own backyard.”
Presented by Coliseum Theatre in association with Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, Cirque Alice promises an unforgettable adventure for audiences of all ages.
