The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Zoey Caldwell

This evening, I was taken on a journey back to my childhood and the wonderful imagination of C.S. Lewis. I remember as a child in the 80’s reading of Aslan the lion, Mr Tumnus and the wonders of Narnia and just being awestruck. I quickly read through the chronicles, then came the movies and I cried many tears of Aslan on the cold stone. I was truly bewildered how this wonderful novel would be transferred to the stage.

I need not have worried; this show is one of the best productions I have seen. It blew me away.
The story is set during the evacuation of children in WW2 and follows evacuee children, Peter, Susan, Edward and Lucy on their journey from London to remote Scotland. Finding themselves in a large country home with a rather eccentric Professor as their host.

The magic and wonder starts with how the train journey is performed, with exquisite use of lighting, music and dance the train comes to life. The set looks simple but it is used brilliantly, each cast member discreetly moving items through dance to transform the stage to whatever world the director is taking you to.

When Lucy first discovers Narnia, the use of fake snow, lighting and costumes cleverly takes you to the wintery world full of wonder and magical creatures. Lucy’s first meeting with Mr Tumnus is so innocent, both Kudzai Mangombe (Lucy) and Alfie Richards (Mr Tumnus) portray the true innocence of youth and the wonder of meeting a new friend.

The entire cast is phenomenal; the production is so professionally put together. Many of the cast play more than one part and they transition effortlessly. The show has a few songs; each well placed and not forced my favourite being when Father Christmas makes an appearance! Kraig Thornber (The Professor, Father Christmas and the Wise Owl) is fabulous, each one of his characters different but all bring a level of joy and positivity to the performance. Although I very much enjoyed the part where Edward became ill and there was large pieces of dancing Turkish Delight!

A journey to Narnia would not be complete without meeting the two greatest powers, White Witch ( Katy Stephens) and Aslan (Stanton Wright) the thought and creativity into making these characters pop out of a magical story book and onto the stage is faultless. From the White Witch’s opulent gown and fur to the awe and wonder of her being lifted high into the air, flying high on the stage. Her presence is felt with each one of her powerful words. The White Witch is the self-proclaimed Queen of Narnia and her followers and dark and possibly scary for little children. Maugrim is excellent, but terrifying! His voice reminded me of something from Lord of the Rings- brilliantly played. When the White Witch calls for war, she summons all that is dark and creepy out, so if you have younger children be warned!

Aslan is just as strong and powerful as the lion I so loved in the books and the movies. The puppeteering is fabulous and the precision with which Aslan the puppet and Aslan the actor move together is so clever.

I did fear that as I had when reading the book and watching the film that I would be brought to tears at the Traitors’ stone scene- fortunately for those around me I managed to hold myself together!

Every aspect of this show is five stars, the set is magnificently thought out- looking simple to the audience but with the use of aerial lifting, lighting and props it stunning. The costumes were brilliant- look out for what looks like an old-fashioned snowshoe as beavers tail. Porcupines’ spikes are wonderful. The White Witch is glorious, and Aslan is well furry! The clever use of music throughout the entire production is second to none- I adored the folk style music that the creatures in Narnia brought to life. It provokes emotion and atmosphere that elevates what is already a masterpiece production to a whole new level.

As I wrote at the beginning of the review this must be one of the best shows I have seen. This is a high-end wonder of a production, and I would happily watch it again and again. I may even pick up a copy of the book and be taken back to Narnia the original way. It is a powerful production of awe and wonder, magic and love.

Rating: 5/5 Easily 

Tickets cost from: £26 plus £3.95 transaction fee.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 22nd July until Saturday 26th July 2025.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com or call the box office on 0844 8717615.

Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes. MK9 3NZ