Picture this, utter silence, a dimly lit stage, bulbs of warm light scattered in each corner, a piano centre stage with a pianist lightly tickling the keys as a slow and steady rumble crowds the stage, like thunder across the theatre the music rises from a magnificent orchestra. Perfectly tense, just as you imagine the train from your family home to the other side of the country to be, in a devastating world war.
Michael Fentiman really outdid himself with this show, by not only incorporating song dance and acting the three things we watch a play for, but by also having characters and the ensemble play instruments, creating an irresistible atmosphere across Alhambra theatre, where the arm hairs amongst spectators stayed pricked for the whole two hours. Not only that but the careful precision on the presentation and props was utterly breathtaking. He captured the steam train magnificently, illuminating it in darkness and the life like figure of Aslan was truly picturesque leaving the audience in awe of the imagination splurged upon that stage.
Daughters and sons of Adam and Eve or should I say Julie and John were carefully considered in relation to past performances of this story and well looked after for that matter. The four young actors ‘Joanna Adaran’, ‘Jesse Dunbar’, ‘Kudzai Mangombe’ and ‘Bunmi Osadolor’ playing Susan, Peter, Lucy and Edmund were a tremendous team in bringing the beloved characters to life, capturing their personalities perfectly. Edmund truly stood out within his encounter with the witch and the Turkish delight temptation was wickedly popular with the audience.
The show transports you into your favourite mystical land, Narnia a truly nostalgic world loved by many, as the lights go out you truly feel as though you can feel the speckles of snow fall around you and the heat of those fur coats. But one scene which always felt that extra bit warm and fuzzy was the gift exchange between the children and Santa. And oh my did ‘Kraig Thornber’ (Santa and professor) heighten the mood of all of those present, his uplifting voice and humorous costume was high spirited and truly enjoyed. Michael Fentimans production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is everything you’d like it to be and more and should be highly recommended to those of all ages, everyone deserves to enjoy this masterpiece.
Reviewer: Phoebe Hobson
Reviewed: 23rd September 2025
North West End UK Rating: