Review of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Milton Keynes Theatre

C.S. Lewis' novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, was first published in 1950. While it formed part of a seven-novel series, it has remained the best known and most easily adaptable of the series, having seen many versions over the years on film, TV, and indeed the stage, as this adaptation, first brought to life in 2017, proves. Now arriving at Milton Keynes Theatre as part of an extensive new tour, following two London runs and a previous UK and Ireland tour, it continues to be a massive success with audiences.

Based on the original production by Sally Cookson, the show opens with a suitably rousing, full-company performance of "We'll Meet Again," evoking the period of the tale as the Pevensie children are whisked by train in wartime evacuation to the home of the Professor, a kindly yet curious soul. Here they discover a wardrobe to a magical world populated by a world of curious animals and ruled over by the White Witch.

The production by Michael Fentiman is predominantly beautiful to experience above all. The visual care with the production is second to none, with sets and costumes from Tom Paris perfection, including a cleverly designed circle cavity sunk into the back of the stage, which reveals moments of mystery. Jack Knowles' lighting is also pinpoint in its definition, and this, alongside Tom Marshall's sharp and at times incredibly eerie sound design, makes the whole piece easy on the eye and slick on the ear.

There is also such care in movement, as the ensemble creates the world of Narnia and the children's lives through clever choreography and movement design. The train journey, for instance, is beautifully realised by a miniature engine and carriages made from suitcases, just sublime. Add to this top-notch additions such as the playful but slightly creepy Turkish delight man to look out for, and you have a stunning visual feast.

All this before getting to the performances, and these are equally quality. The Pevensie children are a delight in the hands of Joanna Adaran (Susan), Jesse Dunbar (Peter), Kudzai Mangombe (Lucy), and Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund), each a distinct character bringing the boisterousness of the family to the stage, but all working together to defeat evil in the end.

Alfie Richards as Mr Tumnus is a thrill, a kindly but troubled fawn who needs to do the White Witch's bidding but fights his own battle to resist it. Also, a kindly little chap is the Professor, lovingly played by Kraig Thornber, hiding secrets of his own, perhaps, but playful and a gentle soul.

Aside from the Pevensie children, the two main characters are, of course, The White Witch and Aslan the lion. As the Witch, Katy Stephens has a natural presence on stage; however, at times, she is not as scary as you might hope. The scares often come more from the demonic assistants she has, and the natural storytelling scares. This isn't a show for nervous young children at times, that is for sure.

There is more success with Aslan, as Stanton Wright has an unearthly, silky voice that is perfect for the presence of the powerful, yet also eerily calm Aslan. The production presents Aslan in two forms: a giant puppet controlled by three performers, and then Wright, standing to one side, telling the great lion's words. It takes a little getting used to initially, but ultimately, it becomes a success due to the way the two forms are used. The only disappointment, perhaps for many children, especially, is how long it takes the great lion to appear.

The show achieves its most tremendous success during the first half, where the inventiveness of the design keeps the show moving and engaging. By the second half, you have grown accustomed to this, and we are left with a slightly muddy story where battles are won at a rapid pace, and the story is wrapped up unexpectedly quickly.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an age-old story of good over evil and the good in most of us. With this production, it is the perfect time to see a live adaptation of the heartwarming tale. With impeccable production values at its core, this is sure to remain a roaring success on its extensive tour, which runs throughout 2025.

A totally pawsome and visually stunning interpretation of a children's classic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Tuesday, 23rd July 2025, at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 26th July 2025.

For details of the tour, see the website at https://www.lionwitchonstage.com/

For further details about Milton Keynes, see their website at http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

Production photos: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

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