The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

People have long been fascinated by the possibilities of time travel and portals to different realities, hoping to find a better world beyond.  But what if the new world is just as flawed as the old world, with raging wars, anger and suppression?

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published in 1950, five years after the end of World War Two.  C S Lewis did not have his own children, but he had hosted three evacuees at his home in Oxfordshire during the war and so had some idea of how being evacuated might affect young children who’d been separated from their families. 

Although The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was the first of the Chronicles of Narnia to be published, it is considered the second novel in the series in terms of chronological order. There have been numerous TV, film and theatre adaptations of the novel, both in the UK and around the world. This has ranged from a two-man stage production to animated films and shows which use of life-sized puppets. 

Over seventy years after its first appearance, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe offers its readers an escape into Narnia but also deals with important themes such as loyalty, bravery, family, war and the triumph of good over evil.  There is also a strong Christian message in the series, with Aslan being considered a representation of Jesus.

With a dynamic staging, fabulous costumes, choreography and puppetry, this new stage production brings a fresh interpretation of this classic story.  When siblings Lucy (Kudzai Mancombe), Peter (Jesse Dunbar), Susan (Joanna Adaran) and Edmund (Bunmi Osadolor) arrive at the home of The Professor (Kraig Thornber), Lucy quickly discovers the portal in the wardrobe that takes her into Narnia.  After some persuasion, she takes the siblings through into this strange wintery land. Edmund is seduced by the White Witch’s (Katy Stephens) promise of Turkish Delight, a rare treat in the war years of rationing.  With the help of some furry friends, Aslan the Lion (Stanton Wright) returns to Narnia and the battle ensues.

Directed by Michael Fentiman, with Set and Costume Design by Tom Paris, lighting by Jack Knowles, Choreography by Shanelle ‘Tali’ Fergus and Original Puppetry Director Toby Olie, to name but a few, who have all created a spectacular production.  The use of lighting with small globes and a giant Turkish Delight man was stunning.  The action is fast paced and all the ensemble of talented actors produce a memorable evening that will appeal to all ages.

Reviewed by:

Yvonne Delahaye (X – @yvonnedelahaye)

7.10.25