‘Cirque Alice’ and ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ Announced for Limited Manila Engagements

Two acclaimed theatrical productions are set to arrive in Manila for limited runs in the final months of 2026, offering audiences a mix of spectacular circus artistry and award-winning comedy.

The first production to premiere in Manila is "Cirque Alice," a modern theatrical show inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." This production combines world-class circus performances with storytelling, featuring aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, puppeteers, and special guest artists who collectively bring the fantastical world of Wonderland to life. Creative producer Simon Painter described the show as an ideal platform for an extraordinary circus production, a sentiment echoed by executive producer Tim Lawson.

Following "Cirque Alice," the British theater company Mischief will present their award-winning comedy "The Play That Goes Wrong." Created by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields—who also starred in the original West End and Broadway productions—this play transforms a theatrical disaster into comedic gold through a series of chaotic mishaps, collapsing sets, and slapstick humor. The original West End production won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2014 and remains the longest-running play at the Duchess Theatre.

The Broadway debut of "The Play That Goes Wrong" occurred in 2017, featuring the original London cast members Lewis, Sayer, and Shields. The production earned critical acclaim, including a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for scene designer Nigel Hook. Although it was replaced on Broadway in 2019, the show continues to run off-Broadway at New World Stages.

Both productions will be staged at the Theatre at Solaire through GMG Productions. "Cirque Alice" is scheduled from October 16 to 25, followed by "The Play That Goes Wrong" from November 6 to 22. GMG’s founder and CEO Carlos Candal explained that the company intentionally selected these two shows for their contrasting styles. He praised "Cirque Alice" for its acrobatics and visual spectacle, while describing "The Play That Goes Wrong" as one of the funniest shows he has ever seen.

Candal shared that he recently took his children to see "The Play That Goes Wrong" in London and highlighted its appeal as a family-friendly introduction to live theater, noting that it delivers nonstop laughter for audiences of all ages. He also mentioned that "Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration," the first official Harry Potter live theatrical experience in the Philippines, will run concurrently at The Space at Solaire, marking another significant milestone for GMG Productions.

He concluded by emphasizing that these productions represent a season of world-class live entertainment designed to provide unique and immersive experiences that will leave lasting impressions on audiences. According to Candal, these are the types of shows that will continue to be discussed long after the final curtain falls.