Review - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe🦁

We were lucky enough to attend the press night of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Milton Keynes Theatre last night, and what a treat it was. Based on the beloved novel by C.S. Lewis, this beautiful stage adaptation has been brilliantly brought to life under the direction of Michael Fentiman, who strikes a perfect balance between honouring the original tale and injecting it with theatrical flair and imagination.

The story follows the four Pevensie siblings – Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – who are evacuated from London during the Second World War and sent to live in a grand country house under the care of a mysterious professor. While exploring the house, Lucy stumbles upon an old wardrobe that unexpectedly transports her to the magical land of Narnia – a once-peaceful realm now trapped in an eternal winter under the rule of the White Witch.

As each of the siblings is drawn into Narnia, they become part of a much greater prophecy. Guided by magical creatures and brave allies, and with the arrival of the great lion Aslan – the true king of Narnia – the children must face betrayal, danger, and temptation. Together, they lead the fight to break the Witch’s icy grip and restore balance, hope, and springtime to the land. It’s a story that blends adventure, fantasy, and profound themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and courage – and this production captures that essence beautifully.

Tom Paris’s set and costume design is nothing short of enchanting. The transformation of the stage from the cold, grey reality of wartime England into the icy wonder of Narnia is seamless and beautifully done. Costumes cleverly blend period detail with fantasy, from the fur-lined capes of the children to the mystical garb of the White Witch and her army. Jack Knowles’ lighting design plays a huge part in setting the tone – from the glimmer of lanterns in the snowy forest to the ominous red wash of the Witch’s lair, the lighting helps shift the mood and pace of the story with great effect.

Music is cleverly woven throughout the show, adding a rich layer of atmosphere to every scene. Performed live on stage, the score blends haunting folk influences with more traditional theatrical sounds. The performers often act as musicians themselves, further blurring the line between cast and orchestra in a way that feels natural and immersive.

One of the most captivating elements of the show is the use of puppetry – particularly in the depiction of Aslan. The towering lion, brought to life through an intricate and expressive puppet, is a stunning centrepiece. As someone who finds puppetry fascinating, this was an exceptional example of the craft being used to powerful and emotional effect. Aslan’s presence on stage is both regal and moving, capturing the essence of the character in a way that CGI never could.

The cast were simply sensational. Jesse Dunbar (Peter), Joanna Adaran (Susan), Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund), and Kudzai Mangimbe (Lucy) worked together with warmth and sincerity, perfectly embodying the sibling dynamic at the heart of the story. Katy Stephens as the White Witch delivered a performance that was chilling yet captivating – striking just the right tone of calculated menace and theatrical grandeur without ever tipping into pantomime. Her portrayal felt genuinely dangerous, as the character should be cold, commanding, and utterly compelling.

It’s worth noting that there are moments in the production that may be a little intense for very young children – the age guidance is 6+. I had forgotten just how dark some parts of the story are, but like many classic children's tales, the darkness makes the light shine brighter, and all comes good in the end.

This production is a must-see while it’s in Milton Keynes – a magical, moving, and thoroughly theatrical experience that will delight both children and adults. Don’t miss it – it’s running until Saturday 26 July.