Cirque Alice, an epic new circus production inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is coming to The Civic from Friday, 28 August to Sunday, 6 September 2026.
Created by Simon Painter and Tim Lawson, the team behind Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Appleand the Broadway smash-hit The Illusionists and Le Noir, Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic adventure, bringing to life iconic characters through extraordinary circus acts, music and theatrical spectacle.
Presented by Auckland Live in association with Painter and Lawson, the New Zealand premiere arrives in Tāmaki Makaurau following successful seasons in Australia and Singapore, transforming The Civic with immersive staging and on-stage VIP seating.
Cirque Alice features mesmerising aerialists and acrobats, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry, special guest musical and comedic artists and more, accompanied by a soundtrack of newly arranged remixes of classical favourites.
Creative Producer Simon Painter says he is incredibly excited to bring Cirque Alice to The Civic for its New Zealand premiere: “The tales of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland provide the perfect backdrop to create a magical narrative about a cirque show. Filled with some of the most eccentric and larger-than-life characters and creations, the original stories have provided such amazing inspiration for this groundbreaking new production.”
Executive Producer Tim Lawson adds he is equally thrilled: “Cirque Alice is spectacular entertainment that dazzles audiences of all ages – whether you’re on a date night or you want to bring the whole family along – do not miss this performance of jaw-dropping acts set around one of the world’s most magical stories.”
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says Cirque Alice brings a special cultural moment for Aucklanders and visitors alike. “Productions of this scale bring fresh energy to the city centre, drawing audiences, supporting local hospitality and retail, and creating memorable experiences for people of all ages. I’m particularly excited to see yet another internationally acclaimed show coming to Auckland – it’s events like these that remind us how vital and powerful live performance is in shaping a vibrant, creative city.”
Painter says expect a lineup of some of the greatest circus and magic performers on earth – from America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League winners, and Cirque du Soleil cast members, to exciting new talent from the international circuit: “I believe the cast that has been selected for this show is among the very best acrobatic, music, dance and magic talent that has ever been presented in New Zealand in any circus show, and we cannot wait to share these truly unbelievable acts with Auckland audiences.”
Daniel Clarke, Director at Auckland Live, says: “This show is unmissable. I saw the work play to a sold-out audience in Sydney – all ages thoroughly enjoying themselves… it is mind-blowing, so funny and also extremely beautiful. I have seen many circus shows in my life and the acts in this literally had me at the edge of my seat – awestruck. We are so lucky to have secured this show for Auckland before it makes it London debut.”
The creative team is headed by Creative Directors Ash Jacks McCready and Kirsty Painter, with choreography by Dane Bates, costumes by Angela Aaron, Lighting by Hugo Mercier and musical arrangements by Martin Raabe-Olsen and Marius Christiansen.
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Wednesday, 1 July via Auckland Live.
Event: Cirque Alice – Aug/Sep 2026
