Among the staples showing at the Royal Opera House this season, one production stands out with its uniquely urban take on a children’s classic. Mad Hatters’ Tea Party is a co-production between hip-hop dance company ZooNation and the Royal Ballet, retelling the story of Alice In Wonderland, and is set to play from September 4 to 24.
Choreographer Kate Prince, founder of hip-hop company ZooNation, transforms this much-loved tale into a family-friendly story for the modern age, pumped with funk, house and hip-hop extravaganza.
Those familiar with Lewis Carroll’s 1865 children’s story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland will be familiar with the cast of characters – the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat and Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. Set in a dysfunctional institution, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party brings the notorious character of The Mad Hatter to the forefront.
The plot sees Dr Ernest arrange a ‘T for Therapy’ party, joined by a host of familiar characters including The White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts – who turn the party into an afternoon of outrageous escapades.
Kate Prince worked with her frequent collaborators Josh Cohen and DJ Walde to create the music, incorporating various musical styles with each character.
ZooNation artists including Tommy Franzen, Issac Baptiste AKA Turbo, and Jade Hackett reprise their roles, alongside new talent including Portia Oti, Elijah Smith and Malachi Welch from the ZooNation Youth Company.
Mad Hatters’ Tea Party plays at the Linbury Theatre of the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, from September 4 to 24. Tickets for the show’s previews on September 4 and 5 cost £5 to £35, and increase to £5 to £50 for shows thereafter. For more information or to book tickets, see the ROH’s event listing here.
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