Last night we went along to the press night of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at The Grand Opera House in York. Right off the bat, I am going to say that this production was absolutely magical, a five star show! It runs until this Saturday, the 26th of April.
This stage version of C.S. Lewis’s classic children’s novel isn’t just a trip to Narnia – it’s a full-on experience, packed with heart, wonder, and just the right sprinkle of nostalgia on an epic scale (huge cast).
We loved the innocence of the Pevensie children, but what made it for us were the charismatic animals in the cast, particularly Mr Beaver (who reminded me of the scout master from Ghosts. Maybe it was the accent, maybe it was the blustering wholesomeness!). The play shifted from wistfulness and wonder, to foreboding and then to comedy, but handled it wonderfully.
The set throughout was impressive, particularly for Narnia – think frosted trees, shimmering snow, and a haunting stillness that makes the Witch’s eternal winter feel real. There’s a beautiful contrast between the cold, eerie chill of Narnia and the warm, cosy vibes of Mr Tumnus’ home or the Beaver’s dam – it makes stepping into the magical world feel all the more dramatic.
And Aslan was wonderful – brought to life through stunning puppetry, he’s as majestic and moving as you’d hope. The White Witch, meanwhile, is gloriously icy, with just enough glam to make you love to hate her.
We also loved the music. It ran a whole gamut of styles from wartime Bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover to folksy music that made me think of the fairies in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Combine that with clever choreography and some truly magical set design, and you’ve got a world that feels totally immersive.
It’s got drama, laughs, a few chills (hello, eternal winter), and lots of heart. Whether you’re a lifelong Narnia fan or discovering it for the first time, this production hits all the right notes. Pure theatre magic.
