This modern, urbanised version of the classic Lewis Carroll story has been written especially for Apollo Juniors, with lots of funny nonsense interludes.

It is Apollo Productions’ debut performance of their junior company, with a cast aged 4 – 14. The 30 plus young stars all appear to be having a great time, playing an array of mad characters and Tilly Hall did a fine job standing in as Alice on Thursday night, even when reading from the script in the second half.

Produced by Katy Markey, there are back drop images ranging from a high-rise housing estate to mushrooms, a forest and spinning wheel, after Alice shrinks. The music and scenery manages to give the show an effective surreal feeling.

The many musical interludes are well chosen and effective from whole cast performances of Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds and I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends to entertaining solos, such as the witty rendition of Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy by Knave Of Hearts Billy Cashin.

Costumes are also well-considered and varied from the Queen Of Hearts’ make up and dress to a multi-child Caterpillar, with props to rival the Children’s Parade.

All the talented young performers are from Brighton and Hove and put on a high energy, enjoyable show.

Three stars