You're, you're late... for a very important... anniversary? In case you were unaware 2015 marks 150 years since the publication of one of Britain’s best-known and most-loved children’s books, Lewis Carroll’s
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Immensely popular it's not surprising that 'Wonderland' events are popping up everywhere. Trying to list all that's occurring under the Alice umbrella in one short post would prove impossible but time permitting we wish to see...
The Alice Look
Using photographs by Annie Leibovitz, book designs by Vivienne Westwood and Japanese Lolita clothing, The Alice Look shows how Alice has always embraced contemporary style. The display will also show how she has influenced the way people dress and inspired designers and stylists the world over. The display culminates with a new commission by Josie Smith, pattern-cutter for Roksanda Ilincic, who will make fashion literally out of fiction, producing a 3-D version of Alice’s Wonderland outfit using fabric printed with text from the book.
Can't get there? Read how Alice's dress wasn't always blue on a wonderful site created by
Macmillan Children’s Books and browse the new Alice editions for all ages. If you'd prefer to peruse the original you can do so on the
British Library Turning the Pages™ – the manuscript of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures Under Ground is one of their best-loved treasures.
For a more modern take on the tale we fancy
Les Enfants Terribles Alice’s Adventures Underground – although time is running out – performances end on Sunday August 30 2015. Director James Seager and Oliver Lansley have captured the chaos and unpredictability of the work by making the audience choose their own route (EAT ME or DRINK ME) through the atmospheric Vaults underneath Waterloo station. Each experience blends storytelling, live music, puppetry, circus and spectacle but each is different because as they say, "It’s not just Alice’s adventure, it’s yours…"
Until August 30 2015, The Vaults, 1 Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD, www.alice-underground.com
Finally, if you have particular affection for the strange blooms and fantastic flowers that feature in the story investigate the
Royal Horticultural Society who are joining in the celebrations with a range of activities for the whole family – though we're not sure bread-and-butterflies will make an appearance...