The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Where circus collides with comedy and Wonderland—and everyone’s invited.
This summer, The Grand Electric throws open its doors to a world of whimsy as The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party plunges Sydney into a wonderfully wacky circus-cabaret adventure, running from 3 to 25 January 2026.
Audiences young and old can dive headfirst into an hour of playful chaos filled with gravity-defying stunts, eccentric characters, and laughter that refuses to stay contained.
Inspired by the hit 2017-2018 production Funatorium: The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – which delighted crowds at the Sydney Opera House, QPAC, and Auckland Live – this brand-new 2026 edition arrives with fresh faces, renewed madness, and an even bigger taste for Wonderland-style pandemonium.
Led by director Mike Finch, former Artistic Director of Circus Oz, the show fuses top-tier circus skills with mischievous storytelling and gleeful audience participation to create one utterly unforgettable tea party.
“This show is a no-holds-barred celebration of imagination and joyful bedlam,” says Finch. “We toss Lewis Carroll’s classic characters into a circus whirlwind—what comes out is funny, surprising, and filled with heart. Kids revel in the mayhem, adults adore the humour, and everyone walks away with a favourite moment of delicious madness.”
Designer Melanie Liertz brings Wonderland to life with a riot of colour, texture, and visual surprises, plunging the audience into a living, breathing fantasy world. A powerhouse cast of Australia’s top circus and theatre artists brings the storybook misfits to life, including Tamara Campbell as the Mad Hatter, Daniel Gorski as the March Hare, Casey Douglas as the Caterpillar, Marianna Joslin as the Cheshire Cat, Mozes as the Red Kween [sic], Alicia Rose Quinn (aka Lou P) as the Flamingo, and Tim Dennis as the White Rabbit.
Expect spectacles, silliness and sheer absurdity as teacups topple, sugar cubes soar and the fourth wall is gleefully shattered. Kids are encouraged to join the revelry—this is a show where giggles, shouts and unrestrained delight are all part of the fun.
Staged within the immersive setting of The Grand Electric, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party launches the venue’s new Little Sparks program, a series designed to spark imagination and creativity in families. Guests can also indulge in a wonderfully quirky high-tea service, complete with treats, mocktails, and grown-up cocktails.
Kirsten Siddle, Creative Producer and Director of Broad Encounters, says: “We’re thrilled to debut the very first family show at The Grand Electric. Sydney audiences adore the venue’s magical cabaret vibe, and now they can finally bring their kids along to share in that charm. It’s the perfect backdrop for the silliest, most topsy-turvy tea party around.”
Scott Maidment, Director of The Grand Electric, adds: “We’re delighted that The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party opens our Little Sparks program. The Grand Electric has always been about wonder, joy, and theatrical mischief – and this show captures all of that and more. We can’t wait to welcome families into our world.”
More info/Book Tickets here: https://madhattershow.com/