INSTEAD of tumbling down the rabbit hole, Alice was sliding down Bolton’s snow slide.

Sarah Vezmar, who plays Alice, and Emily Butterfield, who plays the Red Queen, were in the town centre to promote Bolton Octagon’s festive production of Alice in Wonderland.

Dressed in character, the pair posed for photographs as they glided down the Christmas attraction in Nelson Street.

Sarah, who recently played the lead in Refugee Boy at West Yorkshire Playhouse, and CBeebies actress Emily, looked the best of friends as they put aside their on-screen hostility to take advantage of Bolton's Winter Wonderland attractions.

The theatre’s new adaptation remains true to the well-known and much-loved Lewis Carroll story, but with a wintry twist and additions to the tale that put the Octagon stamp on it.

Saf Horrocks, deputy stage manager, said: “It’s completely chaotic, yet very coherent and a lot of fun.

“We’ve got a rabbit in the show and there’s some more surprises that I can’t tell you about.

“The trip to Wonderland is very exciting — Sarah has been to aerial hoop lessons, so we’ve got a bit of that too — it’s just really magical.”

Adapted by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, the show is complete with original songs performed by the cast of seven actor-musicians.

The theatre has also teamed up with designer Michael Vale to create the unique festive show.

Octagon associate director, and director of Alice in Wonderland, Elizabeth Newman, said: “I'm thrilled to be working with Michael on this show, having admired his work for years.

“Michael’s capacity to collaborate and tell epic stories is limitless, and I was thrilled when he said that he’d love to work with me on this project.

“Alice in Wonderland is a beloved children’s story that generations of families will have known and shared over many, many years.

“I know that together we’re going to create a very special production that will entertain our diverse audiences.”

Alice in Wonderland is on at the Octagon until Saturday 10 January 2015.

Tickets are on sale now from £9.50 to £23 with family tickets (minimum two children, aged 16 years and under) available from £50.