The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe At Theatre Royal Plymouth Review

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

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

How lovely to see a return visit to the Theatre Royal Plymouth of the classic story The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

There is always something special about attending the Theatre Royal Plymouth especially in the lead up to Christmas, with all the festive lighting along Royal Parade creating such a welcoming sight. When we arrived last evening, the foyer was very busy and the atmosphere was great as people were being welcomed and directed to their seats by the helpful front of house staff.

I had not previously seen this show – although had some knowledge of the book – so I was interested to see how the story transferred to a musical stage version.

Before all the audience had entered the auditorium, a lone soldier could be seen playing war-time songs on a piano on the stage and this set the scene for the story to commence as a war-time atmosphere was created with children being evacuated to the safety of Scotland.

This story is based on the journey of the four Pevensie children – Lucy, Susan, Peter and Edmund – to the home of the Professor where they discover an old wardrobe which leads them to the magical land of Narnia.

What a captivating story this was with amazing visual effects throughout. The opening scene of the train journey to Scotland was so impressive with the lights of the train being manoeuvred around the stage and the superb movements of the actors really capturing the feeling of being on the train.

The Professor – played by Kraig Thornber – was great, a welcoming character who worked to put the children at ease in their new surroundings. His diction and delivery was outstanding.

When the children discover Narnia via the old wardrobe ( another amazing effect as they entered and left the magical land) they become involved in the fight to reclaim Narnia from the control of the White Witch. They meet many characters on their way each with their own personalities. Such a talented cast who took on several roles and even played varying instruments as they traversed the stage.
Directed by Michael Fentiman , the production certainly has the WOW factor. With very clever use of lighting by Jack Knowles and incredible choreography by Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, the whole show was mesmerising. Directed by Ben Goddard Young, the atmospheric music was well integrated into the production.

The set and costume designs by Tom Paris with added magical touches had the audience captivated. Such a clever use of drapes to change and create scenes.

Katie Stephens as the White Witch really owned the stage and the effect of her rising over the action was spectacular. The four ‘children’ each played their parts faultlessly. The illusion of the Marshmallow Man was very clever.

An element of comedy was added by Mr&Mrs Beaver – played by Ed Thorpe and Anya de Villiers – a well matched pair.

The impressive Aslan was spectacular. Such a detailed puppet handled by very talented puppeteers.
What an enthralling, captivating show. Overall a magical story with incredible use of puppetry and visual effects supported by a fantastic cast.

A brilliant, pre-Christmas treat for all the family.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £33.00

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 26th – 29th Nov 2025.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com