The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

Four Stars (****) “…you are kept under its bewitching spell throughout.”

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a magical escape to Narnia, and you are kept under its bewitching spell throughout. Set within the world of WW2 of nostalgic music and evacuees we begin our journey on a beautiful steam train puppet, the show calls to all of us to keep fighting for goodness and light. We escape through the wardrobe to experience the snow and magic of Narnia with this timeless classic that celebrates 75 years since being published.

Tom Paris has delivered a stunning and unique design that plays with circles and light and the show is a piece of performance artistry. Credit must go also to the beautiful collision of the intricate sound scaping (Tom Marshall) and striking lighting (Jack Knowles). The movement (Shanelle ‘Tali’ Fergus) is boldly and sensitively conducted throughout from the children’s line up to the trees twitching as they hear Lucy and Mr Tumnus’s private conversation. 

Performance wise, the whole cast are a tight ensemble and Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe) leads the charge as our dynamic protagonist. The White Witch (Katy Stevens) gives a bold and eery portrayal and the professor (Kraig Thornber) is charming and comedic. Mr and Mrs Beaver (Ed Thorpe and Anya De Villiers) are an endearing duo that give us a taste of true Narnians.

My one question is regarding Aslan, we have a clever puppet that showcases expert puppet craft but why do we have two Aslans: one puppet and one actor? It feels a confusing choice, leaving us unsure of where to direct our focus. We lose the puppet altogether for the stone table sacrifice, leaving us to assume it doesn’t fit for the magic trick they are trying to pull off.

The show certainly drugs us with its intoxicating magic potion but is there a key ingredient missing that would make us want to stay in Narnia and never leave?

Perhaps we all must come back home to reality at some point. It’s an enticing delight that truly mesmerises with moments of awe and beauty, it’s a must-see adventure into this enchanted world.

Reviewed by Ben Castle