[Ad-gifted] Last night was nothing but magical with C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe making a grand entrance at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent as it tours UK and Ireland after its successful West End Run.
Based on the best selling book which has also been adapted to film, the story creates a gateway for audience to step through the magical wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. A visual feast of great music, perfectly coordinated movements coupled with stunning stage effects and fantastic puppetry. Audiences were taken on a journey from the moment the production started as they join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter when they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on an adventure to a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.
Produced by Chris Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber this is one show not to be missed by the whole family!
What did I think of Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe?
There are very few shows which I watch and think, wow this is one show I want to come back and watch it again and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe had me speechless. The production was storytelling at its finest, brought to life with carefully choregraphed puppetry, imaginative stage movements and aerial work plus a cast which are not only actors but skilful dancers, singers and basically magicians who are able to transform Regent Theatre’s stage into a world of wonder!
The production starts with the scene where four children (played by adult actors), Peter, Edward, Susan and Lucy are sent away to live with a Professor and his house cat called Schrödinger, due to the war. Lucy (played by Kudzai Mangombe) soon discovers a wardrobe which acts as a portal to the magical kingdom of Narnia. She meets Mr Tumnus (played by Alfie Richards) and has tea with him but only to discover that the Narnia is in turmoil and has not seen the sunlight in over 100 years due to the White Witch (played by Ffion Haf). She heads home and convinces the rest of her siblings to follow her into this unknown world.
This production is not just about the actors but the magnificence of the Set and Costume Design by Tom Paris which gave purpose to the play. The prominent clock as the backdrop with the large cut out Circle where cast members take stage is so wonderfully crafted with the help of brilliant lighting by Jack Knowles and stunning music composition by Barnaby Race as well as Sound Designer, Tom Marshall.
The audience were in awe with the flawless set change when it goes from one scene to the next in the blink of an eye, and characters which disappear into thin air thanks to Chris Fisher who is in charge of Magic and Illusions. There were plenty of oohs and aahs each time the White Witch made her entrance, Ffion Haf‘s aerial suspension was beautifully performed and almost mesmerising with flowing white sheet gown which draped her.
The audience made up of both adults and young kids went silent when the mighty Lion, Aslan appeared on stage with the help of three puppeteers, directed by Toby Olié. Stanton Wright who plays the ‘man’ Aslan took to stage strong, with his presence and demeanour commanding respect and attention, he certainly projected fear onto others yet there was a gentleness to him.
The introduction of various musicians such as violin/cello players and drummers adds drama to each scene and helps with the building of emotions. These coupled with the ballad songs adds extra layers of sophistication to the production. For me personally, it was as if time stood still during the show, and I was absorbed into the whole illusion of the makeshift world of Narnia and I could not believe how quickly the production ended. In other words, there was never a dull moment and I was mesmerised!
I would thoroughly recommend watching the production with your whole family to experience the magic of Narnia and all it has to offer.
Cast
Susan Joanna Adaran
Mr Pope/Foxtrot Archie Combe
Mr Wilson (Schoedinger)/Jack Rabbit/Aslan Puppeteer/Head Cruel Andrew Davison
Mrs Beaver Anya De Villiers
Peter Jesse Dunbar
Mrs Pevensie/Aslan Puppeteer/Robin Molly Francis
Onstage Swing Ruby Greenwood
Miss Gumley-Warmley/Phoenix Ffion Haf
Miss Chutney/Blue Badger Rhiannon Hopkins
Mr Granville/Spirit of the Moon/Red Squirrel Joe Keenan
Onstage Swing Oliver Magor
Lucy Kudzai Mangombe
Onstage Swing JB Maya
Onstage Swing Luca Moscardini
Edmund Bunmi Osadolor
Mr Tumnus/White Mouse/Badger Alfie Richards
White Witch/Mrs Macready Katy Stephens (played by Ffion Haf tonight)
The Professor/Father Xmas/Wise Owl Kraig Thornber
Mr Beaver Ed Thorpe
Mr Brinkworth/March Hare/Aslan Puppeteer Rhodri Watkins
Maugrim/Satyr/White Stag Shane Anthony Whiteley
Aslan/Soldier/Hedgehog Stanton Wright
Creatives
Director Michael Fentiman
Set and Costume Designer Tom Paris
Composers Barnaby Race and Benji Bower
Choreographer Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus
Lighting Designer Jack Knowles
Sound Designer Tom Marshall
Puppetry Director Toby Olié
Puppetry Designer Max Humphries
Aerial Director Gwen Hales
Illusionist Chris Fisher
Casting Director Will Burton CDG
Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer Susanna Peretz
How much are the tickets?
Tickets are priced from £15 to £67.50. For Groups (10 or more), call their dedicated Groups team on 020 7206 1174 or email groupsales@atgtickets.com. A transaction charge applies to online/phone bookings. Age guidance: 6+.
How do I book tickets to watch The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe?
Tickets are now on sale online by visiting ATG’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will be running until Saturday, 7 June 2025. The show runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes including interval at 7pm everyday with matinee shows at 2pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while the Pottery Centre carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at 11pm
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
You may also want to read this:
The Whip Crackin Musical Calamity Jane blows into The Regent Theatre
Review: &Juliet at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent
Review: SISTER ACT at The Regent Theatre in Hanley
Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane at The Regent Theatre
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
10 comments
If the lion and witch had you speechless, it is a must see for sure…I would love it if they came to my city, that would be amazing….
I am sure they are touring Karen, worth checking to see where they are headed to next
This is definitely a much loved story through generations and definitely a show the whole family can enjoy. I am going to look out for it coming near me
Hope you do get a chance to watch the production Samantha
I am so impressed with the set pieces for The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. They did an amazing job!
Yes they did indeed Beth! Loved the show
I loved the book and the movies, so I’d really love to see this play. I really enjoy the costumes and the set.
You would totally love it Ben, what a show!
As a big fan of the book and movies, I’m eager to see the play, especially for its costumes and set design
It is one production worth watching if you ask me