It is 75 years since CS Lewis’ classic The Chronicles of Narnia first landed in bookshops. To celebrate this landmark, a new stage show has been created that is touring the UK, arriving in Stoke-on-Trent this week.
The historic Regent Theatre provides the perfect setting for this magical retelling. Created from a book that has kept magic alive for so many years, for so many children, the stage show does a fantastic job of capturing that magic and reimagining it for a whole new audience.
Combining dance, songwriting and acting amid an atmospheric setting, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a truly fantastic example of storytelling that entrances the audience from start to finish.
The show sees the four children arrive at their bolthole in Scotland to escape the bombing raids in London during World War II. Once here the young lives take an unexpected turn as the professor’s house unravels a secret through the doors of a wardrobe.
And here begins a story of everyday courage set amid a backdrop of persecution that echoed what had been unfolding across Europe at the time.
This tale of confronting your fears and finding the courage to protect those you love never loses resonance. While that sentiment may sound heavy, both the play and the book cleverly weave this into storytelling focused on a mythical land – Narina. In this world evil takes the form of a white witch luring an unsuspected Edmund into betrayal through eating Turkish delight, while a lion – and his army of animals and fauns – are the saviours the inhabitants are looking for, and of course a group of young children.
Edmund, played by Bunmi Osadolor, Peter, played by Jesse Dunbar, Lucy, played by Kudzai Mangombe, and Susan, played by Joanna Adaran, are all excellent as the children on a quest of self-discovery as they unwittingly walk into a land that needs saving from the oppression that has kept it trapped in a winter for 100 years. Their host, The Professor, played by Kraig Thornber, and his cat Schrödinger are also worthy of a mention – their quirky roles being a highlight of the show.
Tiny particles of snow fall on the stage while the white witch, played by Ffion Haf, dazzles as she casts an evil spell across Narnia, surrounded by a dystopian army clad in black that crawl at her feet. Clever lighting, set design and music, deliver an ambience that evokes the darkness and winter around the queen but also the hopefulness and quest to reawaken spring carried by the other characters.
With the story largely told through dialogue, the characters at times also sing folk-tinged songs to bring an added level of emotion and warmth to the storytelling and share the characters’ plight.
Alfie Richards, as Mr Tumnus, the brave faun who defies the queen is excellent, while Mr and Mrs Beaver, played by Ed Thorpe and Anya De Villiers, who give the children sanctuary, offer a great comic interplay. Then, of course, there is the majestic Aslan, played perfectly by Stanton Wright. He was flanked by a large, expertly commandeered, puppet to ensure the larger-than-life presence of this animal as he tackles the white witch’s army and plays a key role in telling the story of courage and love defeating evil.
A powerful and, at times, emotional show, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a fantastic example of the new breed of theatre that combines all the best elements to deliver a truly atmospheric stage show.
The show will appeal to all ages, from those familiar with the book from their own childhood to those yet to discover it. It is a truly excellent piece of theatre.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see this incredible 75th anniversary tour – catch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Regent Theatre, in Hanley until Saturday, June 7. Tickets available online now.
-CNM-
