Musical Theatre

Alice By Heart

Student on stage performing Alice by Heart: The caterpillars offer Alice a hookah

Alice by Heart was performed by graduating Year 3 Musical Theatre students at Mumford Theatre from 2 - 4 May 2024.

Of the students in the cast, Abi Kirkwood is currently performing in the musical 'RENT!' at London's Phoenix Theatre, a professional and paid engagement, while Lara Dailey has been shortlisted for the Spotlight Prize — a very prestigious award that gives each finalist the unique opportunity to showcase their skills to casting directors, agents and industry professionals in the UK and internationally.

About the play

From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world-premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.

A female student in traditional Alice outfit dancing on stage
Actors crouched in ensemble prose with Alice Spencer standing above them
The King and Queen of Hearts, surrounded by other cast members
Alice and the Duchess walking and holding hands in front of line of playing cards
Alice Spencer, the Duchess and the Queen walking in line with playing cards
Alice Spencer talking with March Hare, Mad Hatter and Dormouse
Jabberwocky with arm around Alice in darkness, other cast holding torches