Review: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Sadler's Wells / UK & Ireland Tour)

Review by Daz Gale

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s been 75 years since readers first fell in love with C.S. Lewis’ classic novel The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the first instalment of the iconic series ‘The Chronicles Of Narnia’. To mark that occasion, the acclaimed stage production returns to London for a strictly limited season at Sadler’s Wells. Having fallen in love with this production when it was in the West End three years ago, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to step through that magical entrance once again, before it became lost once again. Would this production be able to bewitch me as much this time around?

First seen at Leeds Playhouse in 2017, this production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has gone from strength to strength in the years since, enjoying a London run, West End transfer, and multiple UK tours. In a prolonged stop on its current tour of the UK and Ireland, it finds itself back in London for three weeks only, though who knows how long that actually is in Narnia? It tells the story of the four Pevensie children who are relocated away from their mother during a wartime evacuation. Exploring the large house they find themselves in, they discover a wardrobe that transports them to the magical land of Narnia. Finding the land stuck in an eternal winter, they learn of a prophecy that will break the spell of the White Witch, and realise they may hold they key to defeating her once and for all.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a story many of us know and love, spanning multiple generations. Its ability to capture the imagination of children while allowing adults to regain their childlike wonder is a big part of what has made this story so enduring for three-quarters of a Century, and this production is a great example of that. Unafraid to tap into the darker elements of the story, it mixes magic and wonder with a surprising grittiness in a production that doesn’t shy away from the aspects of the story where characters are murdered in cold blood (however temporary that may be).

The creativity in this production is what has seen it continue throughout the lion’s share of a decade now, with gorgeous design from Tom Paris transforming Sadler’s Wells into Narnia with some simple flourishes. Great use of lighting from Jack Knowles, illusions from Chris Fisher, and choreography from Shanelle ‘Tali’ Fergus ensures the production is always visually thrilling – we even get a moment where the White Witch defies gravity, fittingly at the end of Act One – no war cry is to be found from her, however. Is it the puppetry that really takes your breath away, with a puppet of Aslan accompanied by a human actor, offering some of the strongest sequences of the show.

All these elements are tied together through Michael Fentiman’s skilful direction, keeping one foot in the fantasy world and the other rooted in reality, representing the perfect balance found in the Narnia series, and the Pevensie's travels throughout the two worlds. If I’m to be slightly critical, perhaps the production didn’t have the same allure as it did on my multiple visits when it was in the West End, but perhaps it is unfair to compare it to that previous iteration, as some allowances will have to be made for a touring production. Looking around at an audience full of first-time viewers of this show, it was clear that they were spellbound by it. Watching through their eyes reminded me of my first visit to this spectacular production, and made me realise I needed to melt the ice in my own heart to truly appreciate its wonder.

Music plays a big part in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe with a smattering of songs, moving the story along. Though it’s unlikely you’ll come out of the theatre humming any of the numbers, they add a purpose and bring a folksy and worldly aspect to the production that feels fitting to the world of Narnia. Bringing something distinct to the production, Barnaby Race and Benji Bower’s compositions make this a Narnia like no other, immersing you into this weird and wonderful world. The fact these numbers are performed by a cast of actor-musicians is one of the biggest strengths this production has, bringing a sense of authenticity while demonstrating the impressive talents of all involved. For example, I didn’t expect Aslan to be so musically inclined, but he really is a beast at the drums.

Joanna Adaran, Jesse Dunbar, Kudzai Mangombe and Bunmi Osadolor take on the roles of the four Pevensie children, playing Susan, Peter, Lucy, and Edmund respectively. All strong in their own right, Mangombe particularly shone in her time as Lucy, with the warmth needed to thaw even the coldest of winters. Ed Thorpe is a particular highlight with a small but mighty turn as Mr Beaver that required no deep shame for his portrayal at all, while Stanton Wright delivered a cool and collected performance as the mighty Aslan. Katy Stephens is magnificently menacing in her turn as The White Witch, and a special mention has to go to Rhodri Watkins for a vast array of characters, taking on roles including the Professor and Father Christmas, making his presence felt every time.

You would hope that any trip to Narnia would feature a dose of magic, and this production has no shortage of it. Through its inspired direction and fantastical puppetry, walking into Sadler’s Wells this time around will transport you to a faraway land full of spectacle, all while staying within Zone 1 of London. While it might not quite have the same sheen it did in its previous West End run, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe still manages to be both a faithful and creative interpretation of the C.S. Lewis classic, and a fitting addition to its legacy, helping to ensure the story will continue to entertain audiences for the next 75 years.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe plays at London’s Sadler’s Wells until 7^th September. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/play/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-london-tickets

It continues its tour until 11^th January 2026, including a Christmas season at The Lowry in Salford. Dates and tickets at https://www.lionwitchonstage.com/tour-dates

Photos by Brinkhoff/Moegenburg