The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Review – Leeds Playhouse
By Kirsty Masterman, November 2024
Growing up, one of my favourite books was C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. So, when I discovered it was heading to Leeds Playhouse for the festive season, I simply had to take the younger version of myself, my 10-year-old daughter Jessica, to relive the magic of my childhood.
The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe was first brought to my attention back in the 80s, when I was just a child and the serialised TV version gripped me of a Saturday teatime. Fast forward 30+ years, and once again, I’m sat excitedly waiting for that magical moment when the wardrobe opens, so that I can push past the fur coats and be once again immersed in the fantastical world of Narnia.
As we take to our seats in the intimate Quarry Theatre, a simple, yet somewhat haunting scene of a piano, its player and a suitcase with the backdrop of a moon-phase clock face greets us. The pianist plays contemporary songs alongside Glenn Miller tunes for a good fifteen minutes before the show opens.
“Rich and textured”
As the show begins, and the clock face opens to reveal a busy train station in wartime Britain, the stage bursts to life with a roaring rendition of ‘We’ll Meet Again’. It is here we first meet the four squabbling Pevensie children – Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe), Edmund (Bunmi Osadolor), Susan (Joanna Adaran) and Peter (Jesse Dunbar) – as they are evacuated to the Scottish countryside. Once safely ensconced in the home of an eccentric professor and his cat Schrödinger, the story quickly transitions into the fantastical realm of Narnia, discovered by Lucy through the iconic wardrobe, and the adventure that follows.
From the offset, the staging and visual effects are outstanding, immersing the audience in the landscape of Narnia and its creatures.
Puppetry is central to the production, from the eccentric professor’s mischievous cat Schrödinger to the majestic Aslan, enhancing the sense of wonder and otherworldliness. Later, as Aslan prowls the stage, it’s easy to forget he is a puppet. Other animals are portrayed by a mix of actors and puppets, and this works well. These elements, combined with the Celtic-inspired musical score by Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, imaginative staging, enchanting puppetry and flawless performances create a rich and textured atmosphere, drawing the audience in and bringing the magical world of Narnia to life.
“Chilling”
The white witch, played by Katy Richards, is as icy as you would expect, and as she sweeps onto the stage in a mechanical sleigh pulled by her scary minions, her commanding presence and icy demeanour leave a lasting impression as the story takes a more sinister turn.
Directed by Michael Fentiman, the play is a lovingly crafted recreation of the classic tale. Masterfully balancing the whimsical and the dramatic, capturing the eternal winter imposed by the chilling white witch and the hope symbolised by the return of Aslan.
The performances are uniformly strong, from Alfie Richards’ warm and humorous faun, Mr Tumnus to Katy Richards’ frosty representation of the White Witch alongside the wolf-like Maugrim, played by Shane Anthony Whiteley, who leaps around the stage on hand-stilts in a truly menacingly way, while the adult actors portraying the Pevensie children authentically capture sibling dynamics with a mixture of affection, rivalry and bravery. The sibling bickering is certainly relatable!
“Heartwarming”
The supporting cast, which encompasses the likes of Mr and Mrs Beaver and other Narnia creatures, move the story along, while providing a little comic relief along the way. From the hapless Mr Beaver and his strong Yorkshire accent to Edmund’s downfall – the giant, moving, red cubes of Turkish Delight. The little touches like this, is what makes the production so unique.
The inclusion of Father Christmas, Kraig Thornber (who also plays The Professor and Wise Old Owl) makes for a joyous if unexpected, happy scene, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
This adaptation manages to retain the sense of magic of the original. Through its imaginative use of music, lighting and puppetry it is a spectacle of a show in every way. Although, whilst the puppetry of Aslan is impressive, for me and my daughter, it was slightly confusing having both an actor and a puppet portraying the majestic beast.
This is a festive theatrical treat for adults and children alike. With its subtle humour, it is a heartwarming and visually stunning production of courage, love and redemption, making for an engaging experience, and a must see this festive season.
‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ is at Leeds Playhouse until 25th January 2025
images: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
