Since the 1950s C S Lewis’ Christian allegory of the Chronicles of Narnia has been delighting children, most especially The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. With many spin offs in Tv and film- it is a children’s classic.
The current touring stage show, based on the book and Sally Cookson’s original production, is a journey through a portal to another world of wonder with spectacular sets and costumes in Tom Paris’ design, beautiful music (Race/Bower) and engaging performances.
The three main components that bring this to life are – an imaginative concept with a team of ingenious creatives, amazing illusions lighting and sound and a versatile multi-skilled ensemble who sing, dance and play, becoming many different characters.
The magic that is created before our eyes is fantastical and at times breath-taking. The production team led by director Michael Fentiman keeps giving with their visionary ideas flowing from one stage-picture to another, encapsulating the world of Narnia in circles and flowing drapes. The script is economic in its story- telling but witty and accessible. The visuals and music filling in the gaps, so the story is enriched without all the complications. We recognize the four children -Susan (Joanna Adaran) intelligent and sensible and Peter (Jesse Dunbar) the brave leader. Edmund (Bunmi Osadolor) the unknowing traitor who will become a hero and Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe) whose innocent charm shines through like the light.
We start in wartime Britain – a gloomy railway station where children are being evacuated to a chorus of “we’ll meet again” and an inventive train that carries our young protagonists to Scotland. This captures a moment in time but when we meet the Professor and a puppet cat called Schrödinger, he speaks of portals to other worlds and dimension and suddenly we realize that quantum physics and science fiction of today was already there in children’s literature for decades.
Once we enter the wardrobe the stage is transformed. The musicians always on stage are the characters and the environment. Costumes cleverly reflect the wartime world that has been left behind. Little nods to helmets and the resistance movement that may have gone over the heads of children, but the adults certainly understood. Here we meet the charming Mrs. Beaver (Anya De Villiers) who sang and played skillfully and was a delightful character. Mr. Beaver (Ed. Thorpe) a real comical endearing character whose musical skills were evident -a favourite with audience. The kindly Mr. Tumnus ( Alfie Richards) was sympathetic as well as singing and playing deftly. In order for the children to receive their special gifts, Father Christmas arrives, played admirably by Kraig Thornber who also appeared as the professor and wise owl. A memorable moment!
Every story has a baddie – The White Witch (Katy Stephens) was dramatically imposing and at times very scary but she also had to have a head for heights with flying and even disappearing. How would they present Aslan we wondered? For what would Naria be without its magnificent hero? Both puppet and human he was everything we hoped – dexterously maneuvered and performed impressively by a believable Stanton Wright.
Yet this was a truly ensemble piece and every single member performed to the highest standard and all the technical crew did an inspiring job but as it was the first night there were a few glitches which sometimes happen on a tours first night arriving at a new theatre, especially with such a highly technical show. There was a delay but for us it was well worth the wait.
A truly mesmerizing and spectacular show that celebrates the wonder and excitement of live theatre. Not to be missed!
The show runs until Saturday 22nd February tickets from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe/liverpool-empire/
Reviewer: Bev Clark
Reviewed: 18th February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
