Leeds Playhouse – until 25 January 2025
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
5*****
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe returns to the Leeds Playhouse as part of a new national tour and 75th anniversary of when C S Lewis’ novel was published. It is also the author’s first of his seven Narnia Chronicles. Michael Fentiman’s production is based on the original production by Sally Cookson and unravels the story of four children who are relocated following an evacuation during Wartime Britian. In their new home they visit Narnia, via a magical wardrobe, where they meet talking animals and mythical creature who are under the control of the White Witch. The children are on a mission to save Narnia and also eliminate evil over good which involves their personal survival.
The spectacular and appealing story narration transfixes members of the audience with its stunning puppetry especially Aslan the legendary Lion, handled by Andrew Davison, and the stagecraft which spellbinds and delights throughout. Some of the actors play multiple characters and some double up as musicians and play their instruments simultaneously . Choreographed by Shanelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, all of the cast members energetically contribute so well to the spirit of the story, which is supported with Barnaby Race and Benji Bower’s musical composition and under the direction of Ben Goddard.
Tom Paris’ staging and costumes works so well with the story and the characters including the talking animals, the mythical creatures and the White Witch. The stage sets work spectacularly and in harmony with Jack Knowles’ lighting and Tom Marshall’s soundscapes.
Excellent portrayals of the four children by Joanna Adaran (Susan), Jesse Dunbar (Peter), Kudzai Mangombe (Lucy) and Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund) along with Katy Stephens as the wicked White Witch and Stanton Wright as Aslan who both fought evil and good in Narnia.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe absolutely appeals to all, and it is theatrically immersive and spectacular. It is appealing, fantastical and magic for escapism and yet many appreciate the important themes the story brings such as family, loyalty, bravery, the fighting for good over evil and power struggles. There are also links to the Christian faith with Aslan, the Lion, who is often considered like a Christlike figure.
An absolute treat for all the senses and it is a spectacular and unmissable production to see during the festive season.