Review: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

It is 75 years since The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published – a much-loved children’s classic which has seen many adaptations. None has captured the atmosphere and magic of CS Lewis‘s story better than this production. 

As the audience enters the auditorium, a lone soldier is playing a piano on stage. The scene melts into a busy railway station where a crisp RP announcement tells people to turn off their communications devices. The choreography of this scene, and indeed the whole production, is remarkable as travellers intermingle and then turn their suitcases to create the actual train, with carriages lit up behind a steam engine speeding across the stage.

The four Pevensie children, evacuated during WWII, are played convincingly by adults, especially Kudzai Mangombe, who perfectly captures Lucy’s innocence and kindness. Kraig Thornber has excellent characterisation as their benefactor, the Professor, clearly not revealing all he knows but still gently guiding his charges. “A mind is like a parachute”, he says, “– no good unless it’s open.” His cat is a cleverly manipulated puppet, amusingly called Schröedinger.

Narnia is beautifully realised. As Lucy emerges from the wardrobe, snow is falling, the lighting is stunning, and dancing characters reverse their fur coats and are now all in white. Mr Tumnus’ house is created by a descending billowing canopy, and it is all visually delightful. Mr Tumnus is played warmly by Alfie Richards, and his song about Narnia before the White Witch is so beautiful, with on-stage actor/musicians providing almost ethereal harmonies, that the mesmerised audience forgot to applaud.

With an adaptation like this, the audience has certain expectations, and it is a brave director who chooses not to fulfil them. I was happy to see the White Witch was exactly as she should be, dressed all in white with an icicle crown, entering on a carriage. She is played with perfect imperiousness and malice by Katy Stephens. When she rises on wires and fills the entire stage, her power over Narnia is clear.

The scene changes are incredibly slick and so impressive. When Lucy returns from Narnia, the others are seated at a large dining table, which seems to simply appear on its own. There are many witty choreographic touches in this production. The talented ensemble at one point creates a Turkish Delight monster with impressive precision. 

Comedy is provided largely by Mr and Mrs Beaver, entertainingly played by Ed Thorpe and Anya de Villiers. Mrs Beaver is the leader of the Narnian resistance and greets the children by telling them to listen very carefully as she “will say this but once”, gaining chuckles from the audience members who recognised the reference. Mr Beaver has many comic moments, but his disappointment with only getting pants and socks from Father Christmas is delicious.

Aslan is a large and majestic puppet with three operators and a human counterpart (Stanton Wright). His second half entry is graceful and dignified, but there is also a clear, latent power and awe as the lion growls while the enigmatic Wright speaks for him.

The second half loses pace a little in comparison to the scintillating first half, but the magic of Narnia and the epic battle of good versus evil are beautifully delivered. The songs are all glorious and have a folky feel, with lots of strings creating a wonderful sound, played and sung on stage. This is a hugely impressive and hard-working ensemble; they sing, they play instruments, they dance – all incredibly well.

The authenticity and atmosphere of this production are excellent. Anyone who grew up loving the Narnia books will not be disappointed.

Directed by Mike Fentiman
Based on the original production by Sally Cookson & the book by C.S. Lewis
Set & costumes designed by Tom Paris
Lighting designed by Jack Knowles
Sound designed by Tom Marshall
Composed by Barnaby Race & Benji Bowers
Choreographed by Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus
Music directed by Ben Goddard
Magic & Illusions by Chris Fisher
Original puppetry by Max Humphries

The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe plays in Sheffield until 18 October
and is touring in the UK until 11 January