Cirque Alice
Featuring a lineup of some of the greatest circus and magic performers on earth – from America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League, and Cirque du Soleil cast members, to exciting new talent from the international circuit. The cast that has been selected for Cirque Alice are among the very best acrobatic, music, dance and magic talent that has ever been presented in New Zealand in any circus show.
Cirque Alice is one of those rare live experiences that rewrites your expectations of what a circus can be. It is marketed as a family-friendly spectacle inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but that description barely scratches the surface. What unfolds on stage is a world class showcase of strength, precision, artistry and theatrical imagination. It is the kind of show that makes you realise how far the circus arts have evolved, and how astonishing they can be when performed by international artists operating at the absolute peak of their abilities.
From the moment the lights rise, it becomes clear that this is not a gentle, whimsical retelling of Lewis Carroll’s story. Instead, the creative team uses the familiar characters as a springboard for a series of breathtaking acts that push physical limits in ways that leave you gripping your seat. The staging looks modest at first glance, with a runway leading to a rounded platform and cabaret-style tables arranged across the stage. Yet this compact setup becomes a fully three-dimensional playground. Performers enter from every direction, weaving through tables, climbing up from the audience, or launching themselves into the air above the central dais. The proximity adds intensity. You are not watching from afar. You are right there, close enough to see the strain of a muscle, the concentration in a performer’s eyes, the trust between partners who rely on each other completely.
The show begins with Alice chasing a violin-playing White Rabbit, a simple narrative thread that guides the audience through Wonderland. There is no unnecessary dialogue, no complicated plot, nothing to distract from the feats unfolding before you. Alice herself appears intermittently, singing with a crystalline soprano that floats above the action. Her voice is ethereal, almost cinematic, and her presence adds a touch of magic without ever overshadowing the performers. In many ways she acts as a gentle guide, stepping back to let the circus artists shine.
And shine they do. The Tweedles set the tone early with a routine that defies logic. They flip, throw and catch each other with such speed and height that you find yourself whispering disbelief. There are no wires, no hidden supports, just pure strength and unwavering trust. The March Hare follows with a Cyr wheel performance that spins so fluidly it seems to bend time. The Caterpillar, reimagined as a contortion quartet, twists into shapes that look impossible to hold. Their control is extraordinary, and the audience reacts with stunned silence before erupting into applause.
The second half opens with a tea party scene that blends whimsy with danger. Performers balance on cylinders arranged in ways that seem intentionally designed to test the limits of physics. The Queen of Hearts arrives with a solo act of contortion and balance. It is impressive, though it feels slightly out of place compared to the scale and dynamism of the other acts. Still, her presence adds theatrical flair, and her routine is executed with undeniable skill.
One of the most memorable moments comes from the White King and White Queen, who perform a rollerskating routine that evolves into aerial spinning using straps. The combination of speed, height and coordination is exhilarating. The Flamingos deliver a stunning aerial duet that is both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant. Their chemistry is palpable, and the audience responds with heartfelt admiration.
Throughout the show, the Mad Hatter acts as ringmaster and comic relief. He appears unpredictably, performing illusions, teasing the audience and breaking tension between the more intense acts. His timing is impeccable. Just when the adrenaline peaks, he arrives with humour and charm, giving everyone a moment to breathe before the next jaw-dropping performance.
The music is a modernised blend of classical favourites, arranged to heighten the drama and energy of each act. The White Rabbit’s violin playing adds a unique layer, weaving live music into the fabric of the show. The choreography of the ensemble dancers enhances transitions, ensuring that every shift between acts feels intentional and seamless. The production values are exceptional. The lighting rig transforms the stage into a kaleidoscope of colour and shape, creating a visual language that communicates mood and character instantly. The costumes deserve special mention. Every detail is meticulously chosen, creating a world that feels both fantastical and cohesive.
What truly sets Cirque Alice apart is the sheer intensity of the performances. Many circus shows rely on spectacle, but this one delivers spectacle with precision, artistry and emotional impact. The performers are not simply executing tricks. They are telling stories through movement, pushing themselves to extremes while maintaining absolute control. There are moments that make you hold your breath, moments that make you laugh, and moments that make you forget to applaud because you are too entranced to move.
The show’s pacing is exceptional. Every act builds on the last, creating a rhythm that keeps the audience hooked. Even when the Queen of Hearts or the Cheshire Cat sequences feel slightly less cohesive, they still contribute to the overall tapestry of Wonderland. The Cheshire Cat act in particular is visually chaotic, with so many performers and moving parts that it becomes difficult to know where to focus. The final reveal is clever, though it disappears too quickly to fully appreciate. Still, these minor moments do little to detract from the overwhelming excellence of the production.
The most striking aspect of Cirque Alice is how it consistently surpasses expectations. If you have seen circus or cabaret before, you may think you know what is coming. You do not. This show goes higher, faster and more daring than you anticipate. It is a reminder of the extraordinary skill and fortitude that international performers bring to the stage. Their trust in each other is mind-boggling. Their precision is unmatched. Their ability to make the impossible look effortless is awe-inspiring.
By the end, the audience is exhilarated, breathless and buzzing with energy. Cirque Alice is not just a show. It is an experience that stays with you. It is intense, colourful, imaginative and utterly captivating. It is a celebration of human ability, creativity and courage. I’m specifically avoiding showing any photos of the acts, so as not to spoil anything. It is a must-see event that sets the bar so high you may never look at circus the same way again.
Cirque Alice is being performed at Auckland’s Civic from 28 Aug - 6 Sep 2026. Purchase tickets here
Review written by Alex Moulton
