Friday 22nd November 2024 at Leeds Playhouse
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Based on C.S Lewis’ hugely popular novel, this production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (based on the original production by Sally Cookson) is a theatrical feast for all the family.
Michael Fentiman directs a fantastic cast who bring Lewis’ tale to life with energy and pathos. The four children evacuated in war time are an endearing bunch, as is their host, the Professor (played with a pitch-perfect blend of mystery and quirkiness by Kraig Thornber).
Adorable youngster Lucy is given a huge heart and adventurous spirit by Kudzai Mangombe while the more mature Susan is given wisdom and warmth by Joanna Adaran. The fed up Peter is played with a well balanced comic edge by Jesse Dunbar and the troublesome, Turkish Delight-loving Edmund is played with a petulant, skittish energy by Bunmi Osadolor.
As for the Narnians, there’s plenty of talent there, too, and their voices lend themselves beautifully to the Scattering of songs used to move the tale along (Composers: Barnaby Race and Benji Bower). Alfie Richards is a rich-voiced Mr Tumnus while Ed Thorpe and Anya De Villers bring out the comic potential of domestic bickering as Mr and Mrs Beaver. Aslan, iconic feline hero of page, stage and screen is given a dual presence here, with Stanton Wright as his human form and his physical form given great power by puppeteers Andrew Davison and Rhodri Watkins.
Katy Stephens gives the all-important White Witch real grit and villainous flair, supported by her mildly unnerving henchman Maugrim, played with impressive force and agility by Shane Anthony-Whiteley. In fact, the villainous forces, from gruesome masked figures to henchman to the witch herself, add a pretty sharp darkness to the piece at times which is a real thrill – no more than Scar and his hyenas though I’d say, so worry not!
The old notion of it taking a village to rise to a challenge is also very apparent with this show. Tom Paris’ set designs conjure spectacular scenes with its layered levels, lit with a kind of cosmic air, and costume designs pave the way for clever solutions to the tricky task of staging a fantasy piece like this.
Magic and illusions from Chris Fisher are brilliant and keep us rooted in magic and wonder, while Gwen Hales’ aerial direction gives flight to some great visuals. And of course there’s the fabulous puppetry (original design: Max Humphries; original puppetry director: Toby Olié) which brings Aslan and the Professor’s cat to life with such charm and gravitas.
At times thrillingly threatening, often spectacular and frequently charming, this is a richly satisfying show. It’s as much of a hit in its current revised form as it was back in 2017 when it first played the Playhouse, and it’s not one to miss!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is at Leeds Playhouse until January 25th 2025 – more information and tickets can be found here.
Always Time For Theatre 
I must have watched a different play. Disappointing at so many levels, apart from the sets.
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really enjoyed everything about how you managed to portray all aspects of the show. Felt the same ‘fear’ and excitement that I did when I first read it. Just a bit disappointed in the lions mane- looked too stiff and plastic looking especially compared to the poster. Great show.
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l really enjoyed the show but was disappointed with it’s depiction of Asll
Perhaps the actor could have donned a lion’s head rather than standing beside half a what seemed like a plastic puppet
Very confusing for smaller children
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loved it. The adaptation from screen to stage is really well done. The lion was especially good, and the little additions like the manual illuminated steam train was brilliant. Most enjoyable. Richard.
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