There was no way we were going to be late… to see the new musical Wonderland which took reporter Eleanor Young and the audience at the Bristol Hippdrome on a magical adventure down the rabbit hole last night (Monday).

Weston Mercury: Kerry Ellis as Alice in Wonderland.Kerry Ellis as Alice in Wonderland. (Image: Archant)

Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass were given a modern-day makeover in Wonderland, written by the Grammy and Drama Desk award-nominated Frank Wildhorn.

In the show, single mum Alice (Kerry Ellis) wishes to be transported away from her depressing life in the real world after she discovers her ex-husband is re-marrying.

But when a mysterious White Rabbit (Dave Willetts) appears to whisk Alice, her daughter Ellie (Naomi Morris) and neighbour Jack (Stephen Webb) to a magical imaginary world called Wonderland – where it is tea time all the time and having your head cut off is perfectly normal – the trio must hurry to find a way home.

The Bristol theatre had a treat last night as guest star Kerry Ellis took to the stage as Alice and stole the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h9BqctFsa0

The actress – who plays Elphaba in the West End musical Wicked – was perfect as the lead character and her voice sent shivers down my spine.

Ellis’ rendition of Once More I Can See and Finding Wonderland gave her the chance to show the audience why she is an award-winning actress.

Coronation Street star Wendi Peters also blew the audience away with her brilliant interpretation of the Queen of Hearts.

I was shocked to discover the soap star had such a powerful singing voice, as it is not something you regularly get to enjoy when she plays Cilla Battersby Brown in the BBC One soap opera.

Weston Mercury: Wendi Peters as The Queen of Hearts in Wonderland.Wendi Peters as The Queen of Hearts in Wonderland. (Image: Archant)

Her love of jam tarts and her constant need to cut off heads filled the theatre with laughter on more than one occasion.

Naomi Morris was another crowd favourite as Alice’s daughter Ellie, who explored two sides of her personality in the show: the sensible, grown-up teen as well as the stroppy, eccentric child.

The young star put her all into the performance and she connected well with the other characters, especially her on-stage mum Alice.

Her solo, Home, went from strength to strength as she found her footing and it is clear to see she has a bright future ahead of her.

Weston Mercury: Wonderland 6025 PressWonderland 6025 Press (Image: Archant)

I had high hopes for the Mad Hatter (Natalie McQueen) and the March Hare (Ben Kerr) did not disappoint. The dynamic duo were fantastic and just as mad as their names suggest.

McQueen’s performance of The Mad Hatter and I Will Prevail were easily two of my favourite numbers from the whole show.

Her voice was truly remarkable and she played her crazy character very well. Her chemistry with her budding companion the March Hare was a sight for sore eyes and the two complimented each other very well.

Wonderland is at The Hippodrome every night at 7.30pm until Saturday.

Weston Mercury: Wonderland will be performed at the Bristol Hippodrome later this year.Wonderland will be performed at the Bristol Hippodrome later this year. (Image: Archant)

There will also be matinees at 2.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday) and on Saturday.

Tickets, priced £21.40-51.40, are available from 08448 713012 or online via www.atgtickets.com