Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 8 November 2025
Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole
5*****
“Full of inventive staging, heartfelt performance and theatrical spectacle—this Narnia reimagining is pure magic for all”
It’s tough to believe that C.S. Lewis’ unforgettable introduction to Narnia is celebrating its 75th anniversary. For many, including myself, this story is a cherished childhood favourite. I vividly recall wearing out my audiobook cassette tapes as a child, lost in the magic of talking animals, epic battles and enchanted lands. This new UK tour rekindles that wonder with a production that’s visually stunning throughout.
Directed by Michael Fentiman, the show blends folk-inspired music, aerial choreography and mysterious illusion to dazzling effect.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the four children are evacuees during the war, sent to live at an eccentric professor’s house filled with secrets and magic. The curious children discover a portal to the enslaved world of Narnia via a wardrobe. They discover a mythical land that is trapped in a 100-year winter under the rule of the White Witch (Katy Stephens). There, they meet a host of animal characters who share their hardships and hopes for liberation and they join the fight for freedom.
The opening number and a slightly somber rendition of “We’ll Meet Again” sets the tone brilliantly, with suitcase props cleverly doubling as illuminated train carriages. It’s a poignant and slightly haunting opening.
One of the most beloved of these characters is Mr. Tumnus, a faun played beautifully by Alfie Richards. His joy at meeting Lucy and his quiet hope for a better Narnia are touching. Richards also showcases a lovely vocal range, leading several musical moments with warmth.
The Pevensie siblings—Peter (Jesse Dunbar), Susan (Joanna Adarn), Edmund (Bunki Osadolor), and Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe) are portrayed with charm and conviction. Mangombe’s Lucy gives a standout performance, her wide-eyed curiosity and emotional depth anchoring the story’s heart. Osadolor brings a nuanced edge to Edmund’s conflicted journey, while Dunbar and Adarn offer grounded performances as the elder siblings.
Katy Stephens as the White Witch is formidable. Sinister and calculating, she commands the stage with chilling charisma, as she is surrounded by her ghouls. One particular moment at the end of Act 1—icy, surreal, and breathtaking – it will live rent-free in my head forever, combining mystery, suspense, and theatricality.
The puppetry, designed by Toby Olié, is top-notch. From nimble house cats to the majestic lion Aslan, each creature is crafted with care and operated with precision. Stanton Wright’s Aslan is both regal and tender, a quiet force of good that anchors the production’s emotional weight. When the giant puppeted lion appears on stage alongside Wright, it’s a breathtaking moment.
Choreography by Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus is flawless, often evoking the grace of ballet, with transitions that are fluid and aerial sequences add a dreamlike quality that elevates the storytelling, especially among the animated cast of animals and magical creatures.
The costumes are brilliant. Rather than dressing actors and dancers in full fur suits, designer Tom Paris takes a more imaginative approach, highlighting the physical traits of beavers, fauns, and other woodland creatures through subtle details. Carefully chosen accents like ears, tails, and textured fabrics evoke their animal essence without overwhelming the performers, allowing ease of movement and an opportunity for the characters to shine.
The children wear simple, wartime-evocative outfits that remain unchanged throughout, reinforcing their grounded presence amid the fantasy. The White Witch’s costume is luxurious and dramatic in cold whites and creams, while her henchmen – the ghouls are dressed in black and drab colours, with minimal detail, that conveys a complete absence of hope.
The audience was packed with school groups, and everyone rose to their feet the moment bows were taken. For many, this was likely their first live theatre experience, and what a magical introduction it was. The standing ovation was fully deserved.
This production doesn’t just revisit the magical world of Narnia, it reimagines it. With inventive staging, heartfelt performances and a deep respect for the source material, it’s a theatrical triumph that will delight seasoned fans and newcomers alike.