The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury this week.  Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr. Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.

This show’s production is on another level of phenomenal.  It’s so magical I spent most of the show with my mouth open in awe gasping at the effects, lighting and set changes.  My first gasp was the train taking the children to Scotland.  Beyond magnificent and that was only the start of this masterpiece.  The puppeteering of both the cat and the lion is perfection and there is magic in this show that had me, an adult, excited to witness it.  The lighting and music in the show elevates the show and even going through the wardrobe feels enchanting. Some of the ideas delivered on stage are incredible.  I loved the idea of a Turkish Delight monster.  Add into this a talented cast and musicians playing music on stage as a perfect balance to how you are feeling and you have a show you will never forget.  The outfits are captivating and supernatural in parts to a point that I imagine some small children could be scared, but this show does not hold back – its really taking you to Narnia.  Imagine living in a land where it’s been winter for over 100 years and there is no Christmas.  Then imagine your excitement when rumours of Aslan’s return mean that spring is on its way.  Statues start to melt; flowers start to bloom and Santa turns up with gifts for all.

Katy Stephens plays The White Witch.  Her diction, and the way she delivers the script is the exact measure of how a witch should be.  Cunning enough to attempt a kindness when really your motivation is domination of Narnia.  Katy is outstanding and the image of her rising to the top of the stage in her white outfit and icicle crown will be with me forever.  This really is the stuff of dreams.  Is it wrong for me to want her white fur coat?

Playing the Pevensie Children are Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, Kudzai Mangombe as Lucy and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund.  All were excellent in their roles.  Stanton Wright plays Aslan flawlessly.  Compassionate, wise and willing to sacrifice himself for a son of Adam.  Think Aquaman as a lion with a sprinkling of Jesus and you are on the right tracks.  Stanton was excellent as was the puppetry of the big growling lion besides him.  

I loved the few songs that are in the show.  This is not a musical but the odd song in an Irish folk style feels right.  I also love the animals, Alfie Richards is perfect as Mr Tumnus, the fawn.  But I also loved the Irish beaver played by Anya De Villiers and Badger played by Alfie Richards, the characters give some light relief to the show.  It’s actually funny when the children take their fur coats off and the reaction from the Beaver and Badger is ‘removeable fur!’

This extraordinary show rose way above my expectations.  It’s a truly astonishing spectacle of theatre.  Make sure you get there early as the show starts at 7pm and if you go early you can hear war songs played on the piano.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury until 11 October.