WHILE out shopping on Christmas Eve with her children during a fraught festive expedition, a grumpy Alice spots an old friend.

Following a white rabbit she finds herself in Wonderland complete with Looking Glass and a series of surreal adventures, returning to a place she visited in her youth. Or did she?

She would regale her family with stories of her underground escapades.

But was it all just a dream?

The grown-up Alice is on a mission to rediscover the Christmas magic and - just as importantly - her smile.

It's a curious adaptation by writer Nicholas Lane ideally suited for the Cockpit Theatre's in-the-round format.

Director Nathan Powell - now at Liverpool's Everyman and Playhouse - uses the venue's exits and entrance aisles to maximum effect.

It is an ambitious - sometimes oddly disjointed - two-and-a-half-hour production relying heavily on props, trap doors and the many comings and goings to carry the narrative.

At times it is panto-esque, yet it never veers away from being a piece of storytelling with flashes of humour, local spin and quirky interpretations of some of literature's most endearing characters created in 1865 by Lewis Carroll.

The roll call includes all the favourites; an aerial acrobatic Mad Hatter played by Milton Lopes who also plays a delightfully dour Dodo and one half of Tweedle Dee and Dum.

There's an equally energetic Cheshire Cat (Kelise Gotdon-Harrison) and The Duchess of Hearts, courtesy of LIPA graduate Martha Gidber, relishes the boos and hisses.

Martha's portrayal of the icy, caped villainess is a highlight as the rebel royal uses memory-wiping jam tarts to eliminate joy.

Enter a dozing dormouse; crazy caterpillar and a deaf March hare.

On press night, understudy Tia Larsen excelled in various roles.

We first meet the young cast as human playing cards who then switch into familiar characters.

Full marks to the quick costume changes needed to keep the pace moving along.

The original score from Olivier-nominated Simon Slater makes a change from the usual selection of pop hits churned out in festive shows.

Helen Carter, soon to be Shirley Valentine in Liverpool, sports a trademark blue Alice frock to play the bemused mum who is desperate to be reunited with her kids and the prospect of the chippie.

However, she is not the central focus - as It is an ensemble piece.

Children clearly enjoy shout out participation sequences - eager to help when called upon.

This is an Alice in Wonderland re-booting where the audience have to work as hard as the cast.

it is about imagination and the team here aim to celebrate it from the outset; they invite you along for the journey.

Traditionalists may prefer a straight re-telling, others will always enjoy a fresh take on the classic tale. 

Whatever your preference, this Alice has a seasonal message to convey on the loss and rediscovery of the Christmas spirit.

VERDICT: Alice revisited, 3 stars

It is on until January 11.

Tickets from shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk or 0151 433 7156