As someone who has long cherished the work of C.S. Lewis, stepping into the Theatre Royal tonight feels like returning to a cherished childhood dream. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was the first book that truly transported me – its pages a portal to a world of wonder, courage, and redemption. Lewis’s ability to weave profound allegory into a thrilling adventure has always interested me, and his work continues to capture my imagination. So, to get the chance to see this story unfold on stage, especially in celebration of its 75th anniversary, is nothing short of exhilarating.
From the moment the lights dim, director Michael Fentiman’s production casts its spell. Wartime Britain is evoked with haunting precision: smoke curls across the stage, a lone piano tinkles out nostalgic tunes, and the Pevensie children – Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter – are swept from air-raid sirens into the mysterious country house that hides the wardrobe. The transition from reality to fantasy is seamless, and the wardrobe itself becomes a character – its mighty frame beckoning us into Narnia.
Kudzai Mangombe’s Lucy is radiant with innocence and wonder. Her scenes with Mr. Tumnus, played with gentle melancholy by Alfie Richards, are tender and poignant. Bunmi Osadolor’s Edmund captures the character’s inner conflict with nuance, making his betrayal and eventual redemption deeply affecting. Joanna Adaran and Jesse Dunbar as Susan and Peter bring a grounded maturity to their roles, anchoring the siblings’ dynamic with warmth and resolve. They are a believable family, and we as an audience can quite easily invest in them as characters.
But it’s the staging that truly astonishes. Tom Paris’ design conjures Narnia with a steampunk twist—cogs, gears, and swirling snow blend into a dreamscape that feels both timeless and fresh. The White Witch, portrayed with icy grandeur by Katy Stephens, glides across the stage in a chariot of blades, her voice slicing through the air with chilling authority. Her scenes are visually arresting, especially the moment she turns creatures to stone with a flick of her staff—an effect achieved through clever lighting and puppetry. Kudos to lighting designer Jack Knowles and Illusionist Chris Fisher who have created a visual masterpiece here.
Aslan’s arrival is a triumph. Stanton Wright voices the noble lion with gravitas, while the puppet itself – massive, golden, and expressive – is operated with such skill that it feels alive. The three puppeteers (Molly Francis, Rhodri Watkins, and Andrew Davison) work together perfectly to create a living, breathing king of the beasts. The Stone Table scene is heart-wrenching, and the resurrection that follows is staged with ethereal beauty, bathed in golden light and accompanied by a swelling score that lifts the entire theatre.
The large ensemble cast of actor-musicians bring Narnia’s inhabitants to life with flair, all whilst playing a vast array of instruments live onstage. The Beavers (Anya De Villiers and Ed Thorpe) are comical and endearing, their banter a welcome relief from the tension. The wolves and other minions of the Witch are menacing, their choreography by Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus being sharp and animalistic. The final battle is a whirlwind of movement and sound, culminating in a cathartic victory that leaves the audience breathless.
Throughout, the production remains faithful to Lewis’s themes: the triumph of good over evil, the power of sacrifice, and the importance of faith. Yet it never feels preachy. Instead, it invites reflection through spectacle and emotion. The use of music – both original compositions by Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, and well known wartime melodies – adds depth, underscoring the story’s emotional beats with subtlety.
This production doesn’t just retell a story – it rekindles the magic that made us believe in talking animals, enchanted wardrobes, and the possibility of redemption. Whether you’re revisiting Narnia or entering for the first time, this adventure at The Theatre Royal is a journey worth taking. It’s a celebration of imagination, courage, and the timeless power of storytelling. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest winter, spring will come, and with it the promise of renewal. What’s not to love? Go and see it – but maybe take your own Turkish Delight.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at The Theatre Royal, Nottingham until Saturday 8th November 2025. Limited tickets remain.
