Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (Leicester)
At the time of year when theatres traditionally fill up with children cheering friendly panto dames and booing the villain, it’s good to know that age-old classic stories still have the power to enchant.
It is a few years since the Royal Shakespeare Company staged Adrian Mitchell’s adaptation of this classic CS Lewis story, and the stage show now undergoes a new treatment under the direction of Paul Kerryson at Leicester Haymarket Theatre.
So audiences can head out with the evacuees into the countryside, explore a large country house and discover what happens once you step through the wardrobe door. For the four children of the story, it’s an opportunity to join the eternal battle against evil and learn some valuable lessons about life along the way.
With a collection of simple yet effective and humm-able songs, a host of enchanting characters and an episodic storyline, it’s a great Christmas treat of a show for those who like a little more substance to their festive entertainment than that offered by pantoland.
Kerryson ensures enough visual delights and a fast pace to keep adults entertained, while Ben Harrison’s sound and Tom Hall’s video production add a powerful filmic quality which should drag even the most reluctant youngsters away from their games consoles and television sets. A video sequence projected onto gauze offers the exact view of Lucy as she pushes her way through a mass of fur coats, then fir trees, as she finds herself transported into Narnia.
A strong ensemble brings the incredible characters to life, but the youngsters had roars of approval for fabulous Dougal Irvine’s loveable and quirky faun Mr Tumnus, and the four human children, played by Veronica Leer, Danny Nutt, Patrick Moy and Michelle Lobo. Leer in particular is a superb actress whose childlike expression of wonder never falters.
As for the inhabitants of Narnia, Sarah Niles’ White Witch is terrifying and boasts a booming voice which stops even the most boisterous in their tracks; Rex Obano makes Aslan a wise old friend and Stella Madden delights as Mr Beaver.
It’s good fun, production values are high and it lasts just two hours, plus interval. The wardrobe door awaits…what are you waiting for?
– Elizabeth Ferrie
