⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Spellbinding, enchanting and astounding”
Showing at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 12th March 2022 is the most epic production of my childhood favourite book by C.S. Lewis; The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Performed as both a musical and play in one, I had goosebumps take over the right side of my body during scenes from this show. The emotions that this production created are fabulous. From sadness, to happiness, to excitement and fear. Narnia is as magical as I expected and the way it was portrayed on stage this evening was downright fabulous.
The set design was spellbinding, the costumes and acting were enchanting and the choreography and music, astounding.
As people take their seats in the theatre, a soldier sits and plays the piano. Setting the scene that we are in the 1940’s as he plays war time classic “We’ll Meet Again”. From this moment on, I am captivated by the whole performance and as the stage fills with musicians, the stage slowly turns into a busy train station where we meet the main stars of the show and see their train (portrayed using a model train), take the twisty country routes to their temporary home.
For those unaware of the story, it follows the journey of Lucy (Karise Yansen), Susan (Robyn Sinclair), Edmund (Shaka Kalokoh) and Peter (Ammar Duffus) who are escaping wartime Britain. They are sent to Scotland to live with Professor Kirk (Johnson Willis) and his cat, Schrödinger (Oliver Grant) who has a rather large mansion with a room housing just a wardrobe. A magical wardrobe where we meet a talking Faun named Mr Tumnus (Jez Unwin), an unforgettable Lion (Chris Jared) and a mean White Witch (Samantha Womack).
Everything about this stage show is set to WOW you. It is no surprise to hear that the stage sets and props take up to six lorries. This is a production that has a large number of actors, dancers, singers, puppeteers, musicians, stage managers, sound technicians, wig and make up artists, directors, producers, wardrobe supervisors and general managers. There is no expense spared here and it shows. A truly magnificent performance and production that is perfect for both children (aged 7 and above I would personally recommend although our mature 6 year old loved it) and adults alike.
It is hard to choose stand out performances as each and every person was brilliant. All of the ensemble cast were outstanding playing musical instruments around the stage and are a real credit to the show. The siblings portrayed their naivety and innocence well and Samantha Womack as the Witch was both terrifying and seductive.
Should you get tickets to this show? Without a shadow of a doubt… YES!
Book Tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
I want to take a moment to mention that this production was dedicated to Ami-Jayne Steele-Childe, the Company Stage Manager who sadly passed away on the 26th of January 2022. Having read the most beautiful tribute by her brother-in-law in The Stage, I know the world will be a duller place without her.
Disclaimer: We were invited along to the press showing of the performance. All thoughts and opinions are entirely our own. Professional photographs by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.