THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE AT CURVE LEICESTER

C.S Lewis’s classic novel has been enchanting readers for decades and now Leicestershire audiences are about to be wowed by the UK stage tour of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, at Curve. Prepare to be lost in the mythical kingdom of Narnia as the story comes alive during wartime UK in this stage adaptation. This timeless novel that leads the imagination of both adults and children to the snow covered mountains of Narnia is celebrating its seventy fifth anniversary this year and what better way to relive those captivating  childhood memories of escapism, than to experience the UK tour for yourself?.

**All Production Photography by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg (Unless otherwise stated)**

Disclosure: Be-lavie received a press invite to experience ‘The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe”. All opinions, and views are our own along with non-production photography and therefore remain a copyright of be-lavie. For further information, refer to our disclosure policy

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The Plot

At the midst of wartime Britain, four of the Pevensie children; Susan (Joanna Adaran, Trunky in The Enormous Crocodile, Regents Park Open Air Theatre), Peter (Jesse Dunbar, Benvolio in Antic Disposition’s Romeo & Juliet), Edmund (Bunmi Osadolor, Crongton, Boarders and Doctors – BBC), and Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe, Hansel and Gretel R&D -Shakespeare’s Globe) are packed off on the train to stay in the idyllic rural Scottish countryside with Professor Kirk (Kraig Thornber, Hello Dolly! West End Palladium). Whilst the siblings’ stay in this eerie, dark mansion house, they discover a wardrobe that unknowingly leads them into the magical world of Narnia. In this lightless world where animals can talk, Jadis, the wicked White Witch (Katy Stephens, Joan of Arc/Margaret of Angelou in the RCS’s The Histories Cycle) rules and has banished Narnia in an eternal winter. 

Lucy first discovers Narnia but the children have to work together to save Narnia from the grasp of the Jadis by forming allegiances with the gentle yet noble lion, Aslan to ensure the eternal winter is destroyed and once more returns the tranquil lands of Narnia. Of course, there are plenty of challenges along the way, including Edmund betraying the White Witch and in turn the ultimate sacrifice Aslan makes to save Edmund. Alas Aslan is resurrected and the queen eventually becomes defeated, ending in the coronation of the Pevensie children as the Kings and Queens of the lands of Narnia.

The story of good verses evil, betrayal, forgiveness, love, courage and restoring a magical world has been thoughtfully translated by Michael Fentiman, creating a visual feast a production based on the one that Sally Cookson originally directed in 2017 at the Leeds Play house.

Although the intriguing turn of pages in the book are a tad different in terms of the characters, the storytelling of this production reels you wanting more with its staging, score, lighting, choreography as well as its well executed aerial scenes and precise puppetry creating a strong stage presence.

Notable Performances

The cast of the show work collaboratively together with ease and all deliver an arresting performance, in particular the actor musician jovial notes definitely lift the mood from darker screens to toe tapping energy. 

However when it comes to notable performances, there are quite a few that impressed us. 

Firstly, the casting of the Pevensie children presented believable representations from each even if they do differ slightly from the book. Each one of the actors/actresses managed to encapsulate the personalities of their characters with ease and conscientious devotion of qualities. Edmund’s performance is notably fantastic whilst he masterfully agitates the audience with his events in the storyline. 

Combined with the music composed by Benjo Bower, the entrance of the rightful king of Narnia, Aslan is a show stopping moment. The song ‘The Lion Walks’ brings slight tingles to your spine as the audience look on in amazement. Toby Olié, the shows puppetry director and Max Humphries, who made the original Aslam design, have worked to bring Aslan to the stage in a sympathetically made puppet exterior. Brought and carried around the stage by three skilful puppeteers (Andrew Davison, Molly Francis and Rhodri Watkins) who control every lion like action to mimic the big cats carnal mannerisms. Working in partnership on stage with the puppeteers Stanton Wright (The Kite Runner,  portrays the emotion and voice of Aslan to the audience seamlessly adding another layer of individuality to this production.

Another stand out performance would have to go to Jardis, The White Witch who commands an undeniably authentic representation of the evil character. With great stage presence and often aerial placement, she depicts the stone cold persona immaculately.

Alfie Richards (Treason (London Palladium/UK Tour) as Mr Tunmus, one of the Narnia inhabitants brings across his affable spirit to the audience, making him such a memorable character.

Staging

The varying dark tones of the staging with clever lighting as well as magic and a good mix of illusions (by Chris Fisher) adds a generous helping of drama to the performance and the odd “oh’ from the audience. The aerial work (by Gwen Hales) is truly and effortlessly incorporated and portrays the dramatic commanding presence of characters, especially that of the White Witch.

The existence of two worlds in the set and costume design by Tom Paris is really noteworthy in terms of the White Witch and the animals of Narnia. The White Witch’s icy and evil persona represented by a virtually translucent face, flowing white gown and frosted icicle crown is genius. The hair and makeup by Susanna Peretz is crucial to the witch’s menacing character and appearance. Similarly the animals of Narnia are cleverly dressed in fur, hats and other pieces showing their wild existence in Narnia. This is particularly relevant for the White Witch’s intimidating pack of wolves who have crutches used as extensions to their limbs to allow faster movement.

The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe at Curve: Final Words

Enter a dark room with the promise of being transported to another world as you join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter through the wardrobe and into a magical journey through Narnia. A journey where they make new friends, face new obstacles, ones that are terrifyingly dangerous and learn the ultimate life lessons of courage, sacrifice and love that would shape their futures. The truly wonderful world of Narnia awaits on stage, with its tonal hues, illusions, occasional funny anecdotes, creative costume design and the true masters of the show, the cast. The orchestra is choreographed into the performance on stage with various cast playing instruments during the scenes. Join the true king of Narnia, Aslan and his new allies the Pevensive Children, in resurrecting a new kingdom full of hopes and dreams whilst banishing the evil snowy reign, through learning lessons of peace and kindness. Although a different stage adaptation to the classic novel, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a wondrous feat on stage. 

Images: (3) by Bejal /BE-LAVIE

The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe at Curve, Leicester is on until 8 February, after which it proceeds with it’s UK and Ireland Tour.

Head to the official website for tour dates and further information 

The Details

• Address: The Curve. Alexandra House, 60 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1SB I 0116 242 3595.
• Map Location: Curve Leicester.
• Box Office: Email: tickets@curvetheatre.co.uk.
• Website: Curve Theatre.

À bientôt

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