Theatre Review: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe at The Alexandra Birmingham

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2025 Touring Production of “The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe” at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*

It may be almost June, but there’s a distinct chill in the air at the Alexandra Theatre Birmingham. If only there were a wardrobe full of fur coats somewhere…

I missed the 2022 run of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe” at the Alex when Mr Fletche decided to catch Covid fashionably late. So I’m excited to finally see it on stage, especially as I have fond memories of the story from childhood. Directed by Mike Fentiman, this stage adaptation brings the magic of Narnia to life with breathtaking visuals. Lewis’ iconic characters make a smooth transition from page to stage, from the icy White Witch to the majestic Aslan.

C.S Lewis’ classic book is 75 years old this year. “The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe” was the first of the Chronicles of Narnia series to be written, but is second in chronological order after “The Magician’s Nephew”.

Always winter but never Christmas

Set in wartime Britain, “The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe” tells the story of the four Pevensie children: Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. They are evacuated from London to Abderdeenshire, to the home of an eccentric professor. (Look out for his cat Schrödinger). Whilst exploring, Lucy stumbles upon a magical land and discovers (from a talking faun) that a White Witch, calling herself the Queen of Narnia, is keeping the land in an eternal winter. Initially disbelieving, first Edmund finds his way into Narnia and then all four siblings. Mr & Mrs Beaver tell of the prophecy that states that the witch’s rule can only end when “two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve” sit on the thrones at Cair Paravel, and Narnia’s true ruler will triumph. But Edmund has other ideas, captivated as he is by the enchanting White Witch.

Joanna Adaran, Jesse Dunbar, Kudzai Mangombe and Bunmi Osadolor are outstanding as the Pevensie children. They portray a strong family unit whilst facing conflict and danger in both of their worlds. Osadolor is particularly impressive as complicated Edmund. Using older actors in children’s roles doesn’t always work but here they are convincing. This is particularly useful later on in the show, as the Pevensie children subtly age during their time in Narnia.

Katy Stephens is a delightfully wicked White Witch Jadis, and her portrayal avoids becoming too pantomime. Stephens also puts in a stint as Mrs Macready, the Professor’s stern and unwelcoming housekeeper. Stanton Wright plays a commanding and powerful Aslan, supported by some skilful puppetry (by Andrew Davison, Molly Francis and Rhodri Watkins) which gives the lion an awesome – or should that be roarsome? – stage presence.

For Narnia, and for Aslan

This is a truly impressive show visually. Tom Paris’s epic set takes us from spare room to snowy Narnia with a stunning transition. We watch Narnia go through the seasons, beautifully lit by Lighting Designer Jack Knowles. Subtle changes of ensemble costume denote changes of location; I particularly loved the white coats that signified winter and twirled like falling snowflakes. It remains fast-paced throughout, although occasionally this means we lose some of the emotional significance of key events.

The choreography, puppetry, aerial sequences and stage trickery are enthralling. I dare you not to think of Wicked at the end of Act 1. It is these pivotal moments that make this an unforgettable spectacle. The iconic Narnia lamppost sparks pangs of childhood nostalgia. And from the off, the opening scenes are staged beautifully, depicting the train carrying the evacuated children. Multi-talented actor-musicians performing folk melodies as Narnia’s animal population add to the ethereal atmosphere.

He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.

At the centre of the story is the simple premise of good triumphing over evil, thanks to courage, kindness and friendship. Although this is a tale for children, there’s a dark element running through, particularly in the first act. Aslan’s arrival however provides an uplifting moment of hope. There are many that consider that there strong Christian links in the story, with Aslan representing a Christ-like figure who sacrifices his own life to save others, yet rises again.

I urge you to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, a magical production which will transport you back to childhood, whatever your age. I’m going home to check if my wardrobe leads to a fantastical world with talking animals and Turkish Delight.

Expect more Narnia content coming your way in 2026 with the release of Greta Gerwig’s “Narnia”

All Production Images by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 31st May 2025. Purchase your tickets here. The UK Tour continues until Jan 2026; for a full list of dates, visit the official website.

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.