Alfie Richards Archives - North West End UK

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

30Jul

By Rebecca CaseyNo Comments

North West

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

The show is based on the classic 1950s novel by C.S. Lewis telling the tale of four siblings evacuated during the war who go on an adventure through the wardrobe and discover the magical land of Narnia. All the classic characters are there but this is a visual masterpiece, a cleverly put together evening of escapism captivating the elements of magic, imagination, nostalgia and a very talented team of creatives and performers. I am not familiar with this show, however I have seen the Narnia movies and so I knew somewhat what to expect. At the centre of the story the four siblings Joanna Adaran as a gentle, thoughtful Susan, Kudzai Mangombe as the cheerful loveable Lucy, Jesse Dunbar as a courageous Peter and Bunmi Osadolor as a mischievous Edmond. I’m going to be candid, at the ...

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Festival Theatre

14May

By Nazaret RaneaNo Comments

Scotland

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Festival Theatre

As someone who spent a good portion of their childhood half-convinced there might be a secret world hiding at the back of the wardrobe, this production was always going to land somewhere between nostalgia and reverence. And I’m pleased to say, it hit the mark beautifully. Michael Fentiman’s production, adapted from Sally Cookson’s earlier version, is a rich, often dazzling journey into Narnia and one that balances spectacle and substance with real flair. From the opening bars of We’ll Meet Again, underscoring the siblings’ evacuation from London, it’s clear this is not simply a children’s story. There’s grit in the frame, a proper wartime darkness that lends weight to the fantasy. It’s still magic – of course it is – but the stakes feel real. The visual storytelling is a triumph. ...

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Liverpool Empire

19Feb

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Liverpool Empire

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 ...

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Leeds Playhouse

28Nov

By Paul ClarkeNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Leeds Playhouse

Christmas is a magical time for most of us so a story that begins with a mysterious wardrobe that transports four traumatised children into another world should be the perfect festive treat. Leeds Playhouse have over the last decade offered a series of spectacular festive shows, and this is their second go at this C.S. Lewis classic so beloved of generations of children as goodies and baddies battle it out in a strange world. Peter, Edmund, Lucy and Susan Pevensie are evacuated from war torn London to Scotland where they discover a wardrobe that is a portal into a magical land called Narnia, ruled by the wicked White Witch Jadis where it’s permanently winter. The human children are the key to freeing Narnia’s motley collection of talking animals, who yearn to hear the roar of the myt...