The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – Review
We may be heading towards the hottest months of the year but at the Regent theatre this
week it is time to don our fur coats as we step through the wardrobe into Narnia – Review by Mel Osborne
Fresh from the West end and directed by Mike Fentiman, The lion, The Witch and The
Wardrobe CS Lewis classic takes centre stage with this timeless magical tale.
Set in World War II evacuees Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy take the adventure of a
lifetime when they are sent away to the professor’s remote mansion.
Emotions run high among the youngsters as they discover another world through the iconic wardrobe. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a classic ‘good vs evil’ storyline with iconic characters such as Mr Tumas, Aslan and the white witch.
(Images: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)
Theatre technology is currently at its peak, so it is exciting for this production to be bought to stage again with advancements in puppetry and special effects – and it certainly didn’t disappoint…
The production was top of its league with extraordinary lighting design, costume and the expertise of illusion professionals thrown into the mix. This stylised performance – similar to National theatre productions – is a combination of acting, dance and music.
The talented ensemble haunt the stage in a variety of symbolic costumes and play instruments live on stage with music inspired by folk jigs and pagan legends.
The changing seasons from winter to summer are representative of good taking over evil and the children, played by adults, were convincing – hard to believe they were not youngsters.
Kudzai Mangombe (Lucy) Alfie Richards (Mr Tumnus) Photo Brinkhoff Moegenburg
Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe) and Edmund’s (Bunmi Osadolar) childlike antics were a joy to watch. Ffion Haf took on the role of White Witch for this performance which was terrifying but mesmerising in equal measure with a mind-blowing finale at the end of the first act.
The absolute showstopper was Aslan who was portrayed by both puppet and actor and the mastery of the puppetry truly convinces the audience to be in the presence of a lion.
Despite reading and seeing this story numerous times in various guises, the poignancy and pain of the stone table scene only gets more real each time.
The ends scenes are dark, very poignant and symbolic of sacrifice and the cast and crew absolutely do this justice in the sensitive and careful way they stay 100% committed to the original story.
Thankfully – despite everything that happens – the light always shines through as the show comes to an end.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a timeless battle of good and evil, resetting the moral compass in both young and old.
This is a family show and although there are some serious scenes children will gasp at the magic and illusion. This is without doubt a superb and triumphant production.
5 Stars
