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Cirque Alice — isn’t it amazing that reading just those 2 words immediately brings to mind Cirque du Soleil and Alice in Wonderland? They are the twin foundations of the latest show to hit Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands.
However, there is much more circus in this production and the connection to Lewis Carroll’s classic is tenuous at best. While surprising (to me, at least), that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you appreciate aerialists, contortionists, sleight of hand, a lot of energy and a teapot’s worth of humour.
Cirque Alice is running down the rabbit hole at Sands Theatre until 26 Oct 2025 and here’s what we think.
Performance
Cirque Alice started faithfully enough, with Alice in her blue dress, patent leather shoes (and very, very white teeth) following the White Rabbit and then growing to a height (above). That first trick was impressively orchestrated and Alice’s singing was melodious. For the title character, she was rather elusive for the rest of the show, always on the periphery and letting the Cirque team shine.
While the violin-playing White Rabbit added musical accompaniment, it was The Mad Hatter who shone in his role as circus master. And also court jester. His performances had the kids roaring with laughter, and that element is aimed squarely at younger attendees. For me, his sleight of hand performed with audience participation was the most impressive.
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If you have ever tried juggling, you’ll know that the most physically challenging part of it is chasing after runaway balls when you fumble. I could only imagine the running about Cirque Alice’s master juggler had to endure as he handled what seemed like close to 20 of them with symmetrical ease.
The balancing act was really good and far too short for my liking. That said, given how the performer had our hearts in our mouths as he scaled a very, very shaky towering array of boards and cylinders, it was perhaps best for our health that he kept it brief.
Then, there was the contortionists. Cirque Alice is heavy on them and I can appreciate the intense and rigorous daily routine each performer must endure. There is one 4-person act and a solo by the Queen of Hearts, the latter decidedly off-brand from the literary character. That said, we could all feel her pain (hmmm, do they feel pain?) as she twisted, bent and warped her spine for an impressive act.
I most enjoyed all the paired performances. They ranged from feats of strength to ceiling high acrobatics to even a super-spinny duo on roller skates. Roller skates will never ever have a retro vibe for me again — all I associate with them now is danger and genuine panic. In the back of my head, I knew that they were professionals who had rehearsed and performed their act countless times before, but it was still a heartstopper.
Final thoughts
I’m no theatre connoisseur and that has been surprising advantageous in my recent journey of discovery. It has allowed me to experience the full force of plot twists and iconic scenes from some the biggest shows such as Miss Saigon, Sunset Boulevard and Phantom of the Opera untainted by foreknowledge. On the other hand, discovering the tenuous connection between Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland despite the title Cirque Alice left me puzzled. If you’re a fan of the original story, you’re better off reading the book again.
I, though, was also looking to be entertained. If you share that desire, then Cirque Alice is a funny, thrilling and colourful spectacle — the circus compressed into a small space in true Cirque du Soleil style. Some of the performances had me wide-eyed and mouth agape with genuine concern in a way no other Sands Theatre experience has managed.
Cirque Alice works just as well as a fun date as it does as a lovely time with family or a get together with friends. You’ll be ooh-ing, covering your eyes and guffawing away very much like Alice was in her story. Maybe that’s the connection they are going for.
Cirque Alice plays for 115 minutes (with 20 mins intermission) at Sands Theatre till 26 Oct 2025.
Get your tickets from S$82 on Klook
