Cirque Alice

Description

Finding the best things to do with kids in Lambeth and central London during the school holidays is easy with Cirque Alice, a breathtaking theatrical circus show staged inside the historic Royal Festival Hall. 

Standard ticket prices start from £35.00, with overall costs varying depending on seating choices, peak festive dates, and concession eligibility. Located at the Southbank Centre, this spectacular production reimagines Lewis Carroll's classic story through gravity-defying acrobatics and innovative physical theatre.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this magical winter production offers an unforgettable journey into Wonderland filled with music, lights, and world-class circus arts.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

What makes Cirque Alice unique?

  • Gravity-defying acrobatics that bring legendary characters to life through high-skill tumbling, balancing, and strength acts.
  • Immersive Wonderland stage design featuring striking projection mapping, atmospheric lighting, and vibrant character costumes.
  • Live musical arrangements combining theatrical melodies and driving rhythms to match every dynamic twist of the performance.
  • Iconic literary adaptation transforming a beloved childhood story into a fast-paced modern spectacle tailored for family audiences.

Top 5 Highlights

  • How do the contortionists form human pyramids? Performers in glowing patterned bodysuits twist and stack into complex shapes under dramatic coloured stage lighting. Children sit spellbound watching the incredible flexibility and coordination required for these intricate formations.
  • Why is the ladder balancing act so thrilling? Acrobats perform high-risk hand-to-hand balancing acts perched right atop upright ladders. It adds a pulse-pounding edge to the stage action that keeps older kids and teenagers glued to the performance.
  • How does the White Rabbit spin inside the Cyr wheel? A character dressed in a vibrant jacket and rabbit ears spins fluidly inside a large metal ring across the stage floor. The sheer speed and momentum of the wheel mesmerise young viewers.
  • What happens when the aerialists take flight? Performers wearing massive flowing gowns soar high above the auditorium floor suspended by invisible safety lines. The graceful mid-air tumbling creates a wonderful storybook illusion of floating through the air.
  • How do the floral characters bring Wonderland to life? Dancers dressed as vibrant garden blooms fill the stage with bright colours and playful choreography. Their cheerful energy grounds the surreal story elements in pure family entertainment.

Facilities

  • Toilets: Modern family-friendly washroom amenities are located throughout the building levels.
  • Buggy Storage: Designated cloakroom and buggy park options are managed by venue staff during performances.
  • Food and Drink: On-site eateries like the Festival Bar & Kitchen and Ballroom Cafe offer child-friendly dining and pizza options.
  • Cash-Free Venue: The entire Southbank Centre complex operates on card and contactless payments only.

Pro-Tips for visiting parents

  • Arrive 45 Minutes Early: Give your family ample time to pass security checks, find cloakrooms, and locate your seats without rushing.
  • Book Aisle Seats for Atmosphere: Selecting seats near the main walkways provides great sightlines for children to catch all the visual wonder.
  • Bring Light Layers: Large historic auditorium temperatures can fluctuate, so layering clothes keeps kids comfortable throughout the two-hour runtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Cirque Alice worth it for toddlers and young children? The show is best suited for children aged five and above, and under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Older children who love magical stories and high-energy circus stunts will find the production an unforgettable holiday treat.
  • How long does a visit take? The live theatrical production runs for a total of 2 hours, which includes a 15-minute interval. Plan to arrive about 45 minutes before curtain-up to handle security checks and find your seats comfortably.
  • Where is the best place to park? The most reliable vehicle storage options are secure multi-storey public car parks located a short walk away around the South Bank area. Using the underground network to travel directly to Waterloo station is strongly advised to bypass central London traffic.
  • Are there cheap family tickets or discount options available for the London run? Yes, standard entry tickets start from £35.00 for value viewing seats in the upper sections of the hall. Booking your preferred dates well in advance ensures your family secures the best affordable ticket tiers.

What to see

Key Show Elements and Features

  • Live Musical Score: Expertly arranged instrumental themes and vocal cues matching the pace of the physical acts.
  • Specialized Stage Lighting: Dramatic spotlights, atmospheric hazers, and starry backdrop projections.
  • On-Site Box Office Support: Dedicated ticketing assistance desks located inside the main foyer areas.
  • Accessible Restroom Facilities: Fully equipped washrooms situated across multiple levels of the venue.
  • Sensory Adaptation Options: Select performances featuring British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, captioning, and audio description.
  • Inclusive Access Scheme: Free registration schemes providing tailored seating support for disabled patrons.

What Visitors Love

  • Dazzling Visuals: Parents frequently highlight that the costume design and acrobatic tricks create a genuine sense of magical wonder for children.
  • Engaging Pace: Reviewers note that the two-hour runtime moves quickly because the varied circus acts keep children fully entertained.
  • Central Location: Visitors appreciate how easy the venue is to access via public transport right next to the river.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Peak Ticket Demand: Some patrons mention that securing prime weekend seats during the Christmas holidays requires booking well ahead of time.
  • Crowded Foyers: Reviewers point out that the main entrance lobby gets very busy during the pre-show rush and interval breaks.
  • Stroller Restrictions: A few feedback notes remind visitors that large prams cannot be taken directly into the auditorium seating rows.

What is beyond the main attraction nearby?

  • Southbank Centre Book Market: An outdoor second-hand book market nestled right under the bridge piers along the Thames.
  • National Poetry Library: Housed inside the Royal Festival Hall, offering quiet reading nooks and children's literature sections.
  • London Eye: Situated a short walk down the river promenade, offering high-altitude pods overlooking the city.
  • Southbank Riverside Walk: A wide pedestrian path perfect for letting kids stretch their legs beside the river before or after the show.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Standard entry from £35.00

Pricing URL: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/cirque-alice/#times-tickets

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Dedicated private birthday party packages are not managed directly through standard public ticketing systems for this limited winter run. For group bookings, private event spaces, or special celebration inquiries, contact the Southbank Centre box office team directly.

12 Dec 2026 – 03 Jan 2027

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, UK

Post Code: SE1 8XX

Council: City of London

County: Greater London

  • By Tube or Train: Waterloo and Embankment stations sit within a short, direct walking distance across the pedestrian bridges.
  • By Bus: Numerous central London bus routes stop directly outside Waterloo station, offering easy connections.
  • By Car: Central London driving is subject to congestion charges and limited street parking, making public transit the ideal choice.
  • Nearby Parking Garages: Secure multi-storey public parking facilities operate nearby on the South Bank, though spaces are limited during peak holiday periods.

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