Step through the wardrobe and into the enchanting world of Narnia this winter at Leeds Playhouse – as they bring C.S Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe to vivid life.
As the weather takes a frosty turn, it can feel like we too have stepped beyond the fur coats and into our own perpetual winter; but if that entails a grand escapade with the Pevensie children, this certainly comes with a great warmth.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at Leeds Playhouse from Monday 18 November 2024 to Saturday 25 January 2025.
Following a successful stint on the West End, this production embarks on its UK and Ireland tour with a renewed energy and fresh new faces, whilst still offering the same ethereal experience.
‘We’ll Meet Again’ was a hauntingly poignant reminder of where this journey begins: 1939 World War II where so many children kissed their loved ones goodbye and took a train to pastures new.
This was no different for our four spirited siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – who despite initial trepidation, found themselves in the residence of the eccentric Professor Kirke (Kraig Thornber). And through Lucy’s curiosity, with help from Kirke’s fascinating feline Schrodinger, there was adventure to be had beyond the wardrobe in the spare room – as suddenly this new life offered them a whole new world.
As we enter the auditorium, the set resembles a snow globe, foreshadowing the storm soon to rage within; a single piano stands centre stage but this too will transform within the storytelling.
Set and costume designer Tom Paris has done an exemplary job – we wave goodbye to wartime England, yet through the detailed costuming, the memory looms. Soldier uniforms create the foundations for many of the fantastical creatures ready to greet us, keeping the parallel conflict central to the plot.
The cast brought a multitude of talent to the stage, led by our four adventurous children, who despite being played by adults were youthful in their approach, finding the perfect balance between wide-eyed wonder and squabbling siblings.
Joanna Adaran played our wise Susan, Jesse Dunbar stoic Peter, Kudzai Mangombe our curious Lucy and Bunmi Osadolor making his professional debut as our misunderstood Edmund. As these four travelled through the mystical land of Narnia, we were introduced to an abundance of new characters including beautiful puppets created by Max Humphries and brought to life under Toby Olié’s supervision.
The overall direction and choreography by Michael Fentiman and Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, was extremely well thought out. You can see how their storyboard approach took perfect shape onstage, and where this success lay was actually in the transitions themselves; offering perfect synchronicity and beautiful movement between scenes, keeping spectators immersed and amazed as the story progressed.
Each character was superb in their performance, offering evocative portrayals from extraordinary grand beasts to demure and fearful creatures. Two of which were crowd favourites, our beloved Mr and Mrs Beaver (Ed Thorpe and Anya de Villiers), their scenes were like a warm hug and the audience couldn’t get enough of their hysterical onstage chemistry.
Not only were they excellent performers, but musicians too, and these musicians definitely stole the show. Littered amongst the talented cast, the performers created the ongoing soundtrack, whether grandiose musical numbers or devastatingly sombre accompaniment. They deserve their own crown of laurels as this added an extra layer of magic to the overall spectacle.
And this magic was certainly felt, through impressive illusions created by Chris Fisher and grand entrances like the eagerly awaited arrival of Aslan (Stanton Wright) – you didn’t have to be a child to feel its wondrous effect.
In fact, I would heed a warning to those with children that this show is not for the faint-hearted, whether it be the biblical-based self-sacrifice or Katy Stephens’ floating and flying portrayal of The White Witch with her terrifying Maugrim (Shane Anthony Whiteley) by her side, even adults in the room felt the depth of its darkness. This being said, there is no doubt it appeals to all audiences and offers something extraordinary for everyone.
This production is sweeter and more delicious than Turkish Delight itself – don’t miss out on joining this magnificent adventure where courage, loyalty, and love prevail.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 25 January 2025. Tickets start from £15 and are available via the Leeds Playhouse website.
The show is also visiting York on it’s tour – catch it at the Grand Opera House York in April 2025.