THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE - Leeds Playhouse (22/11/24)

It’s a testament to the ability of any writer to effectively tell a story, that decades after their work’s initial publication, it’s still being told, adapted, reimagined and universally beloved by generations, and C. S. Lewis is one such author. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a story that delivers in spades, not only on everything promised by the title, but so very much more besides.

The combined efforts of directors Sally Cookson and Michael Fentiman, this latest stage adaptation of Lewis’ best known work, first premiering in 2017, is by far its most ambitious, adventurous and artistically unique interpretation we have seen on stage. It is wonderful to see it return to where it all started, Barnaby Race and Benji Bower’s gorgeous score and Tom Paris’ stunning scenic design in particular continuing to delight audiences of all ages.

Kudzai Mangombe, Stanton Wright and Joanna Adaran (credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

Fentiman’s updated vision for Cookson’s initial staging very much follows a similar formula to that of his 2019 staging of the musical “Amélie”, utilising an actor-muso cast whom all double up as musical accompaniment, and it is always a pure joy to see such a supremely talented company on stage. The songs penned by Race and Bower gave the piece a quasi-musical feel, the inclusion of the expanded score adding to the already considerable magic of what we see on stage.

As so many performers had their chances to feature, this, like much of Fentiman’s work, in that very much felt like an ensemble piece rather than having a bona fide lead/supporting cast . Shakespearean regular Katy Stephens was truly terrifying as the White Witch, whilst Stanton Wright as Aslan commanded the stage with gravitas, accompanied superbly by Rhodri Watkins’ masterful lion puppetry.

The company of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

The four actors portraying the children were wonderful, but the standout was Kudzai Mangombe, magnificently reprising her role from Birmingham rep. Whether you’re a die hard fan of the original book, or have never experienced Lewis’ original tale before, you will certainly walk away with a reinvigorated sense of childish wonder after experiencing this beautiful, magical, irresistibly imaginative piece of theatre.

★★★★☆

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe plays at Leeds Playhouse until the 25th of January, following which it will embark on a UK tour.

{PR/Gifted Tickets}