I’ve lived in Dubai for nearly ten years now and have been lucky enough to have some truly fantastic nights out with everything from dinners and parties on the beach, to open air concerts, cinema screenings, theatre and a whole host of global festivals. Each were impressive in their own right, and I wouldn’t normally make comparisons, however I do have to say that my recent visit to The Act to see Alice in Wonderland surpassed them all in terms of a night full of high quality and engaging entertainment.

Billed as the highest dining and theatre club in the world, The Act is located in the Shangri La hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. The venue offers a dinner show concept on Tuesdays and Wednesday with the shows changing on a regular basis, this time however the organisers have taken the concept to a whole new level, providing a truly interactive experience from the moment you arrive (accosted by the playing cards busily painting roses, you cannot enter until you ‘drink me’) until the moment you leave (after that final slice of unbirthday cake).

The tour through wonderland takes place at, through and over your tables (and don’t expect those to necessarily stay in their place either!) with performers climbing, swinging, falling and jumping all around and above you. The havoc and chaos (organised – hopefully!) created by the cast, ensures you are completely immersed in the experience, and only break the spell momentarily when enjoying the delicious Peruvian food, served by the helpful and mischievous playing cards (keep sight of all of your belongings, and expect the unexpected!!)

I would be hard pushed to pick a favourite character – the particularly charismatic (and somewhat darker than I expected) White Rabbit is impossible not to be drawn to, whilst the Caterpillar’s expressive change to a butterfly can’t help but make you smile. The real ‘wow’ moments came from The Cheshire Cat and Tweedledum & Tweedledee however; brought in from Europe for the show, the performances on the rope, swinging from the ceiling and on the Mad Hatter’s tea-table were truly impressive.

Alice in Wonderland has been showing at The Act throughout August, and will continue to run through September, and I would highly recommend anyone who hasn’t been to make that trip down the rabbit hole (I know I will be making a return trip myself). Come with an open mind, ready to embrace the wonderful weirdness and lose your mind (but hopefully not your head!) for an evening!

Shows take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, doors open at 8pm and the show starts promptly at 9pm (don’t follow that white rabbit’s example and be late for this very important date), finishing around midnight.

Tickets cost AED 495, this includes a three-course Peruvian set menu, accompanied by a selection of house drinks (wine, soft drinks, water, as well as cocktails and shots which compliment the show) as well as the world-class entertainment. Tickets can apparently be purchased on the door, but I would recommend calling 04 355 1116 or emailing reservations@theactdubai.com