New Wimbledon Theatre – until 16th April 2022
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
5*****
Based on the novel by C.S Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tells the story of four children, Lucy (Karise Yansen) slightly shadowed by her other siblings but plays a very compassionate part. Edmund (Shaka Kalokoh) who’s easily persuaded and tends to come across very distant at times. Susan (Robyn Sinclair) a very independent young lady, clever, confident and offers reassurance to those around her and finally Peter (Ammar Duffus) who is vigilant and plays by the rules. All offering an impressive and striking performance that was fascinating to watch throughout.
The story continues as they are evacuated during World War II and get taken to the Scottish countryside. Where they are placed with Professor Kirk (Johnson Willis) who plays a slightly eccentric professor that seems to take everything in his stride. He was a pleasure to watch and played the role of his character extremely well. As the children begin to explore their new surroundings, they come across a wardrobe that leads them to another world introducing them to all things different, strange and mystical. Where new adventures arise that will take them on a journey through Narnia. Along their travels they will encounter many obstacles such as the White Witch (Samantha Womack) who plays her character outstandingly well she has a cold, cruel and malicious persona. She left the audience transfixed as she soars above all, luring you in with fascination as the snow fell around her across the stage and her dress was majestically flowing. A very powerful and extraordinary scene to watch. Then there was the Lion (Chris Jared) who gives a powerful performance and worked alongside the puppeteer’s (Oliver Bingham, Oliver Grant, Shaun McCourt) they create so many beautiful movements and dynamic puppetry for all to see across the stage as well as creating a fierce and at times scary atmosphere, this enabling the audience to feel many different emotions throughout the production. This was done exceptionally well and took my breath away on many occasions.
The transitions of this play were extraordinary and done with so much flare. For instance, as the children boarded the train their suitcases were adjoined together with lights appearing on the front of the cases as the windows. Forming the body of the train and a miniature engine up front. The jiggling and bobbing of each character involved showed a great expression of movement as riding the train line. The whole thing was extremely impressive and artistic to watch as well as the choreography, alongside the many lighting skills and instrumental genius that was brought to you live on stage. The costumes for this show were just extraordinary and cleverly designed bringing creativity, enjoyment and fun to the stage.
Everything from start to finish was just mesmerising, luring and fascinating to watch very theatrical and mind blowing. I could watch this production over and over again and it would still leave a smile on my face, just amazing and phenomenal.