Triumphant and sublime masterclass of theatrical storytelling – Enchanting! Selectively based on C.S Lewis’ novel of the same name and the first and best known of seven in the Chronicles of Narnia series. Direct from the West End, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe takes its audience on a magical and majestic journey through the wardrobe into Narnia. Written in 1950, the story tells of four siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy who are evacuated in wartime to the home of an eccentric Professor, they discover an old wardrobe in a spare room and upon entering it are transported to the mystical land of Narnia. Can the two sons of Adam and the two daughters of Eve aid both the animals and the returning saviour Aslan, the Lion, to rid Narnia of the White Witch and restore Narnia to its seasonal glory? To do so they must face their foes and learn the power of courage, sacrifice and most if all love.
This epic journey has allegory in abundance and C.S Lewis in his many letters wrote often of Aslan being both Jesus and God in the novel, yet the story is littered with mythical and pagan references and creatures. Thus, making the story one for both children and adults on differing levels of understanding and intrigue.
The UK tour is directed by Mike Fenton, with Choreography by Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, Musical Direction by Ben Goddard, Tom Paris’ Set and Costume Design and Magic and Illusions by Chris Fisher – this team create an orchestration of outstanding beauty. The Production, all though dark, is still joyful and nothing short of breath taking, leaving the audience in stunned silence as to its splendour. Intricately crafted to the minute detail, the cast and set morph in the creation of both character, mood and location. The scene changes are as fluid and detailed as I have seen in any production and the illusions are plentiful and exquisitely placed throughout the show. Jack Knowles lighting design and Tom Marshall’s Sound design are equally worthy of merit and encapsulate the ambience perfectly at all times.
The ensemble are the backbone of the production and are energy personified and a rare talent. The majority of them are multi-talented actor, dancer, puppeteers and musicians who provide the setting as well as the atmospherically haunting music and songs on stage. Jesse Dunbar (Peter), Joanna Adaran (Susan), Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund) and Kudzai Mangombe (Lucy) are adult performers but that is quickly forgotten as we are drawn into their childlike world. Ever present on stage these four give stellar performances laced with more than words.
The magnificent puppet of Aslan is a highlight of the show, and multi operated movement creates a majestically serene presence on stage. With the actor who plays the human manifestation of the role’s (Stanton Wright) angelic voice adds to the mix and the character stays true to C.S Lewis’ original intention. This is in contrast to Shane Anthony Whiteley’s expertly accomplished physical puppet operation of Maugram – a very scary, pacey and evil presence. Katy Stephens as the White Witch gives a menacing and threatening presence on stage. My only ponderous moment would be at the seemingly rushed depiction of her demise, I do feel it warranted a lengthier spectacle.
A mention must go to Ed Thorpe as Mr Beaver adds some wonderfully light relief and is very amusing and Kraig Thornber (Professor, Father Christmas and Wise Owl) also is scripted to raise a smile and does so in style.
I really cannot praise this production enough; I was in awe of its theatrical prowess and bewitched by its spell. At the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 18th October 20025 before continuing on its UK tour into 2026, an evening consumed by Narnia is a multi-generational must. Experience a journey into the majestically magical.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 14th October 2025
North West End UK Rating: