Some of the characters in the movie are based on characters in the 'Alice in Wonderland' book. For Example, Whitey (Danny Dyer) is the White Rabbit. The main character Alice is Alice. Gonzo (Matt King) is the Dodo. Harry Hunt (Nathaniel Parker) is the King and Queen. Hattie (Bronagh Gallagher) is the Mad Hatter. Midge (Steve Haze) is the Doormouse. DJ Felix Chester (Gary Beadle) is the Cheshire Cat. Caterpillar (Paul Kaye) is the Caterpillar. The Duchess (Pam Ferris) is the Duchess who sneezes from the pepper and gives Alice a baby that turns into a pig. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. The man with the long mustache that Alice sits next to in the 'Drink Me' bar, is the Walrus from 'Through the Looking Glass'.
The club that Alice is brought to near the end of the movie is called Hearts and is decorated with heart balloons and signage throughout the building, inside and out. The drinking area has a sign that reads "Drink Me" but is otherwise decorated with hearts.
The film was originally titled "Malice in Sunderland".
The film's budget had to be recalculated after funding from a film group in north-east England was denied, the reason being that they only finance local talent.