Theatre Royal Brighton – 11th-15th March 2025
5 stars
Theatre Royal Brighton has opened the wardrobe door and let Narnia spill onto its stage in a dazzling production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Siblings Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter step out of wartime Britain and straight into a land of wonder. They meet the gentle Mr Tumnus, join forces with a pair of quick-witted talking beavers and prepare to stand alongside Aslan in a battle against the wicked White Witch. Every moment feels alive with imagination.
The staging is ingenious. Actors double as set pieces, shifting the scenery seamlessly with clever use of props and lighting. The train journey to Scotland is brought to life through puppetry and even the professor’s cat, Schrödinger, makes an appearance in a very creative way. This production excels at making feel Narnia real.
The costumes are spectacular, reflecting the story’s changing seasons. Aslan’s magnificent coat adds to Stanton Wright’s commanding performance, his deep, resonant voice making the lion feel every bit as noble as he should.
Katy Stephens is mesmerising as the White Witch, her chilling presence and powerful delivery making her a villain to remember.
Live music adds another layer of magic with the cast showcasing their musical talents throughout. The result is a spellbinding, theatrical feast that captures the heart of CS Lewis’ timeless tale and leaves the audience enchanted.
