Meet the Hatter

Joss Arnott Dance bring Meet the Hatter to the Norwich Theatre Playhouse on Saturday 13 February, with two performances that day: a matinee at 1:00 pm and an evening show at 6:00 pm. It's a dance and multimedia production that takes the Hatter from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and gives him a bit of a twist.

Instead of the tea party we all know, this version finds the Hatter facing an empty table and a deep sense of isolation. He uses his imagination to escape, building his own magical version of Wonderland around him. The show blends dance, storytelling and visuals, with an original score brought to life through projections and immersive animations that run alongside the movement on stage. It's less of a straight retelling and more of a look at how he creates his own world when the one he's in feels too quiet.

The production runs for about an hour with no interval, and it's recommended for ages 5 to 105, so it works as a family outing as much as a solo trip. The company describes it as a celebration of the importance of play and how self-belief can open up new opportunities. It was commissioned by Lincoln Arts Centre and supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Tickets start from £16.00, and with the 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm slots, you can pick whichever fits your Saturday better. The Playhouse is on Georges Street in the city centre, so it's an easy one to get to.