The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Cast:

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits.

Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis’s classic novel, watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe come to life in this spectacular production—a delight for all ages.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is a stage adaptation of C.S Lewis’ classic childhood story. It closed on the west end in January 2023, and they may have left the revolve behind at the Gillian Lynne, but not a single ounce of the magic.

The story follows four children, Peter (Jesse Dunbar), Susan (Joanna Adaran), Edmund (Bunmi Asadolor), and Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe), as they’re evacuated to the country during the war and find themselves staying with an eccentric old professor (Kraig Thornber) and his cat Schrödinger. When they climb inside the wardrobe in the spare room they are transported to Narnia, a fantasy world inhabited entirely by animals and magical creatures who are stuck under the reign of the evil White Witch (Katy Stephens). They have been awaiting the arrival of the human children and hope that, with the help of the mighty Aslan, they will defeat the White Witch and bring an end to the eternal Winter in Narnia.

My two absolute favourite things in theatre are actor-musicians and puppetry, and this show hit both with force. I particularly loved the puppet of the Robin (operated by Molly Francis) and the beautiful choreography used to represent its movement, and of course the mind-blowing Aslan puppet, that completely takes over the stage with his sheer power and beauty.

Every minor detail merges together to create the total magical illusion, heavily supported by Jack Knowles’ stunning lighting design and Tom Paris’ interactive set, moving set pieces, and incredible costumes. The lack of revolve left room for even more magical movement sequences (by Shanelle ‘Tali’ Fergus), and the immense visuals and illusions (Chris Fisher) totally whisk you into the world.

This show is truly an ensemble piece with every moment requiring the entire cast to come together in perfect synchronicity, which is perfectly highlighted through the stunning movement sequences and accompanying music.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is the perfect example of a show for all ages. Full of theatre magic and illusion, the show feels like a warm hug and it took me right back to the child version of me that used to climb inside my wardrobe and hope it led out to a magical world. Find a tour venue near you and take a trip to Narnia, it’ll make you believe in magic all over again.

You can book tickets to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, here.

Review by Rachel

**photo credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg**