Check out this awesome review from one of Mad Hatter’s happy visitors, Jennifer Vasquez…
Are you ready to take a trip down the rabbit hole?
If the answer is yes, then you’re in for a charming time that promises to become “curiouser and curiouser” as it progresses. Produced by Fever Labs, Inc., the Mad Hatter Gin & Tea Party is an immersive experience taking place in Hollywood, California. The event is 90 minutes of entertainment featuring delicious cocktails, naughty humor and, of course, characters the Mad Hatter, Dormouse and March Hare.
The show is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass.” I have read and love both books, and enjoyed the Disney animated film as well as Tim Burton’s remakes of the classic tales. Anticipation filled me as I waited to enter what lies beyond the door.
Guests in attendance were first led into a foyer and given a Drink Me welcome beverage that had absinthe. The room contained all sorts of colorful hats! No two looked the same, and each was named and decorated according to its name. I encountered a bit of trouble getting a couple to remain on my head, but finally got one that was labeled “Frigid Fellow” to stay put. It was a faux fur cap with snowflakes and icicles. My husband’s headpiece was titled “Bollocks Bowler.” If you’re familiar with British slang, then you may know “bollocks” means “nonsense” and is also used as an expletive. All the more funny, it is originally a Middle English term translating to “testicles.” Now, do you get what I mean about naughty humor?
After a mechanical Cheshire Cat gave some insight on what to expect during the festivities, we were allowed into the main room. There were brilliant pops of color and décor befitting a Wonderland gathering. Chandeliers dripped with teacups and teapots, flowers hung from the ceiling and sizable poker cards adorned the walls. Then, our gracious hosts emerged—Mad Hatter, Dormouse, and March Hare.
Since it is Mad Hatter’s party, what he says goes, so everyone must do ordinary things in an unusual way. For instance, if someone had to go to the bathroom, she had to raise her hand and announce, “I need to visit my solicitor!” Then attendees would do a drum roll on the table as the person headed to the restroom, ahem, I mean solicitor.
The intimate gathering is not a show where attendees just sit and watch; all individuals are part of the live-action. The characters engaged with everybody invited people to join them in activities and encouraged participation in what unfolded before our eyes. Seating arrangements also allowed guests to mingle with each other. As an ice breaker, we were divided into smaller groups to play the “Never Have I Ever” game.
The cocktail menu consisted of four drinks, the first which I’ve already mentioned. The other three included Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, Mint Tea, and Chai Tea. To accompany the beverages, small bites were served. I even tried a miniature-sized fried cricket!
I had a memorable time, and would love to return with friends that have yet to check out this merrymaking experience and because it’s apparent no two visits will be exactly the same.
A few informative pointers if you plan to attend.
Since the menu consists of cocktails, the event is for patrons ages 21 and over only. It takes place Tuesdays through Sundays at varying times and tickets are $60 per person (this includes the cocktails and snacks). It is requested you arrive 15 minutes prior to your entry time. The dress code is casual, but costumes are welcomed. Since it is easy to get lost in Los Angeles, you know you arrived at your destination when you see a wall with a huge image of the Mad Hatter’s green hat on it. There is a parking structure located directly across the street.
For those in the UK, the event also happens in London! Find out more by paying a visit to the Mad Hatter Gin & Tea Party official website.
Book your tickets to the Mad Hatter Gin & Tea Party before it ends later this September!
Location: 1661 Ivar Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028. See it on Google maps.
Read more by Jennifer Vasquez, here!