Ali is leaving. There is no other option. 

Following a white rabbit’s promises of red buses, perfect queues and the sixth largest economy in the world, Ali falls down a very familiar hole and lands in Wonder(Eng)land, a place that looks welcoming but works against you. 

 Ali in Wonder(Eng)land, is a riotous, politically sharp show performed and co-created by participants in our Tottenham Project for migrants and refugees, each bringing their own experience of the system Ali must navigate: the doors that are always the wrong size, the crowd that decides what you are before you speak, the interview with no right answers, the people who want to help and make everything worse.

Carroll’s Wonderland was always about a world whose rules exist to exclude. This one just has better paperwork.

“A show about a system that looks rational and welcoming, but is built to keep the migrant body permanently mis-sized, misnamed, tested, and displaced. And about the absurd performance everyone is forced to participate in to sustain that system.” 

Ali in Wonder(Eng)land weaves personal stories, improvisations inspired by the Life in the UK test, the unforgettable quiz show “Who wants to be a WonderEnglishan”? and ensemble moments, with performers taking turns playing the leading role.

Animated projections and live music accompany the performance, creating an ironic and entertaining commentary to the action. 

Funded by Lottery Awards For All and Tottenham Grammar School Foundation 

With special thanks to The Engine Room Tottenham Hale and Jacksons Lane