The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Sadler’s Wells
The classic tale of the most famous wardrobe in the literary world returns to London, after its initial West End premiere in 2022. Revived to the stage by Michael Fentiman through Sally Cookson’s 2017 production, it celebrates 75 years of the beloved works by CS Lewis.
A beautiful rendition of Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again sets the scene, after tonight’s pianist tells everyone in received pronunciation to turn their phones off. A miniature train complete with golden-lit carriages carried by the cast traverses across stage, from which the evacuated children Peter (Jesse Dunbar), Susan (Joanna Adaran), Edmund (Bunmi Osadolor) and Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe) are dropped off to the Professor’s house, played to warm and benevolent effect by Kraig Thornber; Lewis was a host during the Second World war, and took in three girls, which was the inspiration behind the books.
The Pevensies soon enter their new home and begin exploring, accompanied by the adorable little cat, Schrödinger, that follows them with its loveable meowing, puppeteered by Andrew Davison. When Lucy discovers the wardrobe in the spare room and enters the bewitching world of Narnia, the moment is accompanied by minimal electronic music and falling snow, a nod to the avant-garde theme of the whole production. Musicians accompany the cast throughout, and double as woodland creatures, including the highly amusing Mr Beaver (Ed Thorpe), while evocative and atmospheric lighting by Jack Knowles supports the changes between scenes, complemented by sound designer Tom Marshall.
The minimal Irish folk melodies like the flute piece by Mr Tumnus (Alfie Richards) feel more nuanced and compatible with the story than the frequent jigs; as the popular saying goes, less is more, while the ingenious disappearing acts of the characters are credited to magic and illusions architect Chris Fisher.
The darkness of Lewis’s story is brought to formidable effect, particularly through Jardis the White Witch (personified by Katy Stephens) and her minions, led by the wolf leader of the Narnian secret police, Maugrim (terrifyingly life-like amid growling realism by Shane Antony-Whitely); it is no coincidence these black-clad creatures are reminiscent of the Nazi SS. Stanton Wright’s Aslan is also a standout; while he is dressed in a large faux fur, with an expansive mane, a big wooden figure is led by three people.
Narnia is envisaged in this production with a number of theatrical methods to convey the message of good versus evil. The play may be a tad long for young children, due to the frequency of songs and large ensemble, and the final act feels abrupt. Overall, although a lot of effort has gone into the production, it fails to bring Lewis’s rich world truly to the fore.
Selina Begum
Photos: Brinkhoff/Moegenburg
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at Sadler’s Wells from 20th August until 7th September 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS