Review: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, Sadler’s Wells

If it ain't broke, don't fix it - but by all means develop it into a one-show-does-all situation, which is very much the case for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe currently showing at Sadler’s Wells. The production is geared towards a younger audience, however anyone who goes won't be able to escape the magic and undeniably high level of the entire production.

2025 is the 75 year anniversary of C.S. Lewis’s timeless novel, and the narrative hasn't lost any of its power. Whether one is analysing the philosophical underpinning or the journeys of individual characters.

This version has it all; song, dance, live music, puppetry and an incredibly strong cast. Likewise the creatives involved have developed a show that deserves longer than just three weeks in the capital.

Tom Paris's minimal set design evokes the all-encompassing power of time and travel, music by Barnaby Race and Benji Bower feels original and heartfelt, puppetry design by Max Humphries transports to another world and Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus' choreography is a heady fusion of folk and urban vernaculars.

The story follows the Pevensies, four siblings evacuated up to Aberdeenshire during the Second World War, and if these main characters aren't fully realised, problems will arise. Safe to say Joanna Adaran, Jesse Dunbar, Kudzai Mangombe and Bunmi Osadolor all gave outstanding readings, each carving and communicating believable and deep renditions.

Stanton Wright brought understated depth to Aslan (and all characters he performed) and Katy Stephens as the White Witch is the stuff of nightmares - especially when 10 metres above the audience or with a dagger in her hand!

I highly recommend catching this short run whilst you can - as no one will leave disappointed. My only warning is that it's advertised for 6+...but I think for some it might still be a bit too much on the dark side! Bring a cushion to hide behind!!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe runs at Sadler’s Wells until 7 September, then continues touring around the UK

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