A SPELLBINDING INCANTATION: NARNIA BLOOMS AT SADLER’S WELLS

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

I was excited to step through the wardrobe and leave my expectations behind for this acclaimed production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, now playing at Sadler’s Wells to mark the novel’s 75th anniversary. It’s not merely a retelling but a delightful re-enchantment of C.S. Lewis’s classic. This is a world where magic is conjured not with words, but through the sheer, dazzling artistry of theatre itself and a wee bit of aerial arts. 

From the moment the lights dim, we are plunged into a world of wonder. ‘We’ll meet again’ is sung by the cast as they set the scene of 1940s World War 2 London. Tom Paris’s set design is a stunning feat of theatrical cleverness, a multi-layered playground of connected circles and hidden compartments that evokes both a dusty old house and an infinite, frozen kingdom. The quick changes between scenes are seamless, a magic trick in their own right that maintains the show’s thrilling pace without sacrificing an ounce of wonder. Jack Knowles’s impressive lighting paints the stage, masterfully defining the stark contrast between the gloom of war-torn Britain and the enchanted perpetual winter of Narnia.

The spell is woven further by delightful costumes that balance a rustic, folk-tale charm with witty, surprising touches that keep the world feeling fresh and inventive. This creative vision culminates in truly magnificent puppetry. From the smallest forest creature, the cheeky professor’s cat,  to the mighty Aslan himself, the puppetry is the soul of the show. The puppeteers operating Aslan deserve immense praise for their incredibly lifelike embodiment of a lion, moving in perfect, powerful sync with Stanton Wright, who is fabulously commanding in the role. His presence elicits a palpable wave of excitement—that unforgettable feeling of ‘Oooh, it’s Aslan!’. 

Katy Stephens is fantastically menacing as the White Witch, a performance heightened by a breathtaking illusion where she appears to levitate, defying gravity and logic to cement her otherworldly menace. Opposite her, the Pevensie children, Joanna Adaran (Susan), Jesse Dunbar (Peter), Kudzai Mangombe (Lucy), and Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund) form a perfectly balanced and endearing quartet. Mangombe is particularly charming as Lucy, radiating a warmth that instantly makes you care for her journey. All the young actors skillfully navigate making their characters accessible for a younger audience without ever tipping into caricature, ensuring they remain grounded and likeable.

Special mention must go to the entire supporting cast who bring Narnia to life. Anya de Villiers and Ed Thorpe are a delightful, double act as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and Alfie Richards brings a touching vulnerability to the faun, Mr. Tumnus.

If there is a minor critique, the ending feels ever so slightly rushed, a necessary casualty of condensing an epic tale into a family-friendly runtime. But this is a mere quibble in a production that otherwise excels.

Under Michael Fentiman’s visionary direction, this is a show that makes a story told countless times feel fresh. The song and dance numbers were enjoyable and emotive. It is a highly recommended, fabulous all-rounder that is perfect for families but has more than enough sophistication and artistry to captivate audiences of all ages. This production doesn’t just tell you the story of Narnia—it invites you to live it, breathe it, and believe in it all over again.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is running at Sadler’s Wells until Sunday 7 September. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic.

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Photo Credit: Brinkhoff/Moegenburg

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE FULL CAST AND CREATIVES

Cast:

The Pevensie Children

• Lucy Pevensie: Kudzai Mangombe
• Edmund Pevensie: Bunmi Osadolor
• Susan Pevensie: Joanna Adaran
• Peter Pevensie: Jesse Dunbar

Principal Roles

• The White Witch: Katy Stephens
• Aslan: Stanton Wright

Supporting Cast

• Mrs. Beaver: Anya de Villiers
• Mr. Beaver: Ed Thorpe
• Mr. Tumnus: Alfie Richards
• The Professor: Kraig Thornber
• Mrs. Pevensie: Molly Francis
• Maugrim / Satyr: Shane Anthony Whiteley
• Mr. Brinkworth / March Hare: Rhodri Watkins
• Miss Chutney / Blue Badger: Rhiannon Hopkins
• Miss Gumley-Warmley / Phoenix: Ffion Haf
• Mr. Granville / Spirit of the Moon: Joe Keenan
• Mr. Pope / Foxtrot: Archie Combe
• Mr. Wilson / Jack Rabbit: Andrew Davison

Onstage Swings

• Ruby Greenwood, Oliver Magor, JB Maya, Luca Moscardini

Creative Team:

• Director: Michael Fentiman
• Original Director: Sally Cookson
• Set Designer: Tom Paris
• Lighting Designer: Jack Knowles
• Puppetry Director: Toby Olié
• Puppet Design: Max Humphries
• Illusions: Chris Fisher
• Composer: Benji Bower
• Musical Director: Barnaby Race
• Choreography: Shanelle ‘Tali’ Fergus
• Aerial Director: Gwen Hales