Ali in Wonder(Eng)land returns to Jacksons Lane on 14 and 15 July 2026, bringing a powerful reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic story to the London stage.
Created by LegalAliens Theatre, the production is performed by a 16-strong ensemble of refugees and migrants, each drawing on their own lived experiences of migration and displacement.
The piece follows an outsider arriving in a strange new land, only to encounter baffling rules and surreal systems that echo the absurdities of modern immigration processes.
Blending satire with physical theatre, the show explores themes of identity, resilience and belonging through a distinctly contemporary lens.
Different performers take on the title role of Ali, offering unique interpretations shaped by their personal journeys.
First conceived in 2022 as part of LegalAliens Theatre’s Tottenham Project, the production returns in a newly developed version reflecting both a changing society and a new group of participants.
Director Lara Parmiani said, “Creating a physical theatre satire with a cast of people navigating insecure immigration status, different languages, complicated lives and very different relationships to theatre is both a challenge and a joy. When theatre becomes a place where people can come together, be heard, and laugh at systems that so often reduce them to paperwork or stereotypes, something extraordinary happens. There is a raw energy in the room that you cannot manufacture. The result may not be polished, but it feels deeply alive.”
Previous participant Kavyan V said, “Playing Ali was the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me since I fled home aged 17.”
Creative Director of Jackson’s Lane Angus Mackechnie said, “We are pleased to welcome LegalAliens Theatre back to Jacksons Lane. Their work consistently brings important perspective to our identity as a venue, combining creative physical performance with meaningful community engagement. The return of Ali in Wonder(Eng)land represents an important narrative of migrant lived experience and ensures our stage directly reflects the diverse local community of Haringey; we look forward to sharing this production with our audiences once again.”
The production runs for 70 minutes with no interval, with performances on 14 and 15 July including a press night on opening evening.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
