The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe At The Waterside, Aylesbury Review

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

The Lion Witch & The Wardrobe at the Waterside Aylesbury opened tonight on a cold wet windy night, The Waterside remains one of my favourite Theatres, with good local parking and easy access. Arrive with good time to show your COVID pass and tickets electronically on the door, entry is swift and efficient. There was a good turnout of all ages tonight and I for one was filled with anticipation for the show. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by DS Lewis is a firm childhood favourite of mine, I was intrigued to see how the book translated on the stage.

I don’t know where to start, which is very unusual for me. The beginning you say, start at the beginning. It’s dark it’s spectacular it’s visual it’s at times breath taking. The story I won’t spoil but four children, a wardrobe a witch and a Lion is all you need to know.

Astonishing staging, favourite moment was the white witch uplifted with the most amazing effect created by her wonderful dress. Or maybe the presence of Aslan the Lion on stage. I can’t begin to unravel the sights my eyes have seen tonight and the glorious music. The musicians were very much part of the show and their music was exquisite, one moment it felt very dark then strangely uplifting. I loved it. The cast were all brilliant and the many costumes and characters were outstanding. The group dances were, or looked, flawless. It had something of everything for everyone, especially children. So many things to take in, the music was so fitting to the story, and even though the songs were unfamiliar you strangely found yourself pulled in and humming along.

Not a moment to waste taking in the costumes of everyone involved, I don’t think I have seen a show outside London as impressive as this tonight. The atmosphere created on stage captivated me. I think I would need to see it again to see what I may have missed. The dancing, the cat, the lion everything was truly amazing. Samantha Womack doesn’t disappoint as the White Witch, and has a stunning white fur coat. The whole presence created by the stage set and lighting was nothing short of incredible.

I haven’t seen the Lion King, nor Riverdance but I have seen several Cirque du Soleil productions and this stage show feels like Lion King meets Riverdance meets Cirque. Awesome doesn’t touch the sides. Go buy a ticket and see for yourself, treat your senses to a stage show that doesn’t disappoint on any level. The cast the staging the lighting the musicians the costumes, all outstanding and top class, and all in your back yard. What an incredible production. Everything and more that musical theatre should be. You won’t spend a better few hours this week than watching this outstanding show which is in Aylesbury until Saturday 20th November. Get you and your family a ticket and enjoy the best night out you will have had for a while at the Theatre.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets start from£13 plus transaction fee £3.65
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Aylesbury from 16-20 November 2021 for more information or to book tickets visit atgtickets.com or call the Box Office on 020 7206 1174
Aylesbury Waterside Aylesbury HP20 1UG