WE all need a bit of escapism - just like the heroine in this sparkling musical adaptation.

It is a different take on the Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass tales from the master of logic – Lewis Carroll.

This imaginative musical features all the characters we have come to know and love, but here Alice is a 40-year-old mum with a daughter called Ellie.

Her husband has left her and she is lost having just been fired.

Kerry Ellis (Alice) belts out a great scene-setter in Worst Day.

There's Jack, a neighbour, played by Stephen Webb who has a soft spot for her but can't pluck up the courage to tell her.

Enter the endearing white rabbit, courtesy of international star Dave Willetts, who they follow down a lift shaft and through a talking looking glass where they then confront their own personal doubts and insecurities.

The initial grey estate set turns into a colourful 'wonderland' thanks to some stunning circular lighting.

We meet the philosophical caterpillar - a cool soulful dude; a dancing Cheshire Cat; a bonkers March Hare and a feisty, forgetful female Mad Hatter (Natalie McQueen) who wants to take on the Queen of Hearts - played by Coronation Street's Wendi Peters.

Wendi does all her own stunts, by which I mean she really eats the jam tarts for real as she sings the catchy numbers Hail The Queen and Off With their Heads.

The music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Frank Murphy offer something for all tastes notably Jack's boy band transformation with the Take That styled One Knight.

Alice's daughter Ellie is played by Naomi Morris who has great comic timing.

She also shows her vocal talents on the lovely song Home. 

Director Lotte Wakeham and choreographer Lucie Pankhurst keep the action rolling along throughout aided by the 30-strong cast on stage and eight-piece band in the pit.

A fab finale brings home the 'feel good' message.

This is a real family morality tale of finding yourself and believing in those around you.

It is a highly enjoyable, inventive re-telling of a classic.

Uplifting Fun - four stars 

The show is at the Empire until Saturday.

Tickets from the box office on 08448713017.