The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe shows at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week, telling the classic story of four children’s adventure away from home - first evacuated to spend the Second World War with an eccentric professor, then magicked away to the land of Narnia.

Finding a path through the titular wardrobe, they discover that the White Witch (Katy Stephens) has cast a spell over the land - it’s always winter, but never Christmas… The four siblings - Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe), Edmund (Bunmi Osadolor), Susan (Joanna Adaran) and Peter Pevensie (Jesse Dunbar) - assist the great lion, Aslan (Stanton Wright), and attempt to defeat the Witch.

It’s a story that has been told many times, since C.S. Lewis’ book was published in 1950, and it’s not the first time that Narnia has been brought to the stage - but, directed by Michael Fentiman, the production breathes new life into the tale, with a multi-talented company who act, sing, dance and play live instruments, filling the otherwise sparse stage with action. 

The production, originally created by Sally Cookson in 2017, feels tantalisingly deconstructed, but still magical. The set and costume design by Tom Paris (originally Rae Smith) carries echoes of the real-world wartime setting, as the animals of Narnia also prepare to fight against a great evil.

In spite of the high stakes, the performances are often lighthearted and silly - the setting and atmosphere on stage might be dark, but it's still a story to be enjoyed by children. The ensemble cast often provide comic relief - particularly Mr & Mrs Beaver (Ed Thorpe and Anya De Villiers, respectively). 

In contrast, Aslan speaks with solemn gravitas throughout - the lion is simultaneously represented by Wright, alongside a puppet, operated by Andrew Davison, Molly Francis and Rhodri Watkins. Stephens as the White Witch is never cartoonishly evil, but always sinister and powerful. Kraig Thornber as the Professor is a delightful counterbalance to the children’s anxiety, welcoming them into his home with kindness, integrity, and humour.

There’s quite a lot of plot to pack into two hours of theatre, and there are moments when the scale of the story feels a little lost, but the heart of the production lies in the music, woven into the fabric of the play, under the Musical Direction of Ben Goddard Young. It’s here, when an upright piano spins across the stage, or when Mr Tumnus (Alfie Richards) picks up a Double Bass, that the talent and spark behind the company is felt to its fullest.

Four Stars

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was reviewed on Tuesday 28 October by Jessica Clixby at The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, where it shows until Saturday 1 November