The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe UK and Ireland Tour Review: Narnia Comes to Life on Stage!
- Richard Brown
- May 7
- 3 min read
Step through the wardrobe into a spellbinding theatrical retelling of C.S. Lewis’s beloved tale. In this review of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe UK and Ireland tour, I explore how the magical world of Narnia is brought to life with stunning visual effects, clever direction, and powerful performances. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the Chronicles of Narnia, this production offers a fresh take on a timeless classic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe- A Stunning Retelling of a Classic
I’ll always remember the thrill of reading C.S. Lewis’s novel for the first time, how exciting it was to follow Lucy and her siblings as they stepped into a world far beyond their own. That same sense of wonder came rushing back last night at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, where the foyer buzzed with excited children eagerly awaiting the opening of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It was clear that this production was about to rekindle the magic for a new generation.
If you haven’t read the classic novel (or seen the acclaimed film adaptation), The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is set during World War II and follows four siblings who are evacuated from their home and stumble upon a mysterious wardrobe that transports them to the enchanted land of Narnia. There, they encounter woodland creatures, a terrifying villain, and a battle between the dark winter and hopeful spring. As the story unfolds, the children are drawn into a journey that challenges their courage, tests their loyalties, and asks them to believe in something far greater than themselves.
What Really Stood Out About The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe?
There is very little in this world that is as daunting as creating the winter wonderland like Narnia onstage every night, but the overall visual elements really made this show magical. From the clever direction by Mike Fentimen and choreography by Shanelle 'Tali' Fergus, the shows pace and transitions really stood out. From the train journey to their new home, to the introduction of the magical world of Narnia, each technical element really complimenting one another. Another triumph was the lighting design by Jack Knowles which created an atomsphere distinct from the real world to the one fantasy. This was supported by wonderful set pieces and stunning costume design by Tom Parris, striking puppets by Mark Humphries and clever illusions by Chris Fisher.
Unfortunately at our performance, we had some slight sound issues with microphones crackling or being off (hey, that's live theatre for you!) but really enjoyed the sound design by Tom Marshall. The technical team worked well in the theatre to ensure the sound travelled throughout the theatre, which can be a difficulty for touring productions. They also had the challenge of balancing the Actor-Musicans (performers who are playing instruments), which was achieved well in this performance.
Speaking of actor-musicians, the ensemble-led cast truly shone in this production, especially the performers playing the children. Kudzai Mangombe delivered a standout performance as Lucy, leading the cast with quiet strength and sincerity. Her portrayal captured Lucy’s innocence and curiosity in a way that beautifully anchored the story. She was strongly supported by Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund, each bringing unique energy and depth to their roles. The contrast was Kathy Stephens who played the Witch, who plays her role with power and control, not allowing it to fall into a pantomime villian, which could easily happen.
With such a talented ensemble, it’s difficult to single out individual performances without overlooking others. Each plays their role with gusto, with some fabulous vocals. That said, Andrew Davison as the whimsical cat Schrödinger quickly became a crowd favourite (particularly among the younger audience members).
Overall, this was a wonderful evening of family entertainment that reminded us why theatre matters, especially in challenging times. In a world that often feels heavy, productions like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe offer a rare kind of magic, to simply escape. Through stunning visual effects and captivating performances, this show doesn’t just entertain; it uplifts, and reaffirms the theatre’s unique power to transport us somewhere entirely new.
Ticket Information and Show Times for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in Dublin.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe runs from the 7th-10th May 2025 at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office on +353016777999 or through their website https://www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/show/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe/
Location: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin.
Date of Review: 6th of May
Star Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐1/2
Disclaimer: I was invited to review this show as part of the Press Night on May 6th, 2025 by the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. All views are my own and we're not influenced by the invite.
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