A HUGE heart, a medley of magic and a whole lot of wonder are promised when the world premiere tour of Wonderland arrives at Mayflower Theatre next week.

Hailed by the New York Times as “inspirational”, Wonderland is an enchanting musical adaption of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

It is a timely and touching story of love in all its forms, an adventurous exploration of who we are, who we want to be and the power of everyday magic in our lives.

One of musical theatre's most hotly tipped talents, Rachael Wooding will guest star as Alice in Southampton. She wowed the nation on Britain’s Got Talent with Simon Cowell proclaiming her rendition of ‘With You’ from Ghost was “the most beautiful version of the song” he had ever heard. Rachael went on to the live finals and her acclaimed audition has been viewed almost 9 million times on YouTube.

Rachael has played numerous lead parts, including the title role in the UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita and her West End credits include We Will Rock You, Hairspray and Jersey Boys.

She joins a stellar cast including West End star Wendi Peters, much loved for her acclaimed portrayal of Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street, as Queen of Hearts and musical theatre favourite Dave Willetts, who rose to fame for playing the title role in the Phantom of the Opera and has starred in South Pacific, 42nd Street and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as White Rabbit.

TV favourite Wendi Peters has her own take on the Queen of Hearts in the show. She told the Daily Echo: "She's a little bit Hyacinth Bucket!

"Patricia Routledge is one of my comedy heroes and I've made the Queen of Hearts very regal. Nobody dares say anything against her, but there's something not quite right about her. She can get away with anything and she's completely bonkers.

The Corrie favourite, who doesn't rule out a return to the soap where she made her name, was a Celebrity Masterchef finalist in 2009, impressing John Torode with her Sticky Toffee Pudding, and has been baking up goodies for the cast on tour.

She added: "I love baking for the company and I've been known to make brownies for everybody.

"To be honest, it's a welcome change from jam tarts. I have to eat three jam tarts every show and I'm becoming a bit fed up with them, especially on matinee days. I've been working out how to store them in my cheeks until I get off stage!"

Following sold out seasons in Tampa, Texas and Tokyo, the show is multi Grammy and Drama Desk Award nominated. This is a brand new British production of Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland, which runs from Tuesday to Saturday.

For tickets, call 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk