Step Through the Wardrobe: A Spellbinding Journey into Narnia at the Wales Millennium Centre

The production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the Wales Millennium Centre on February 11, 2025, was nothing short of enchanting—a masterclass in storytelling that blended striking performances, evocative music, and innovative stagecraft to create a truly immersive theatrical experience.

From the outset, the production demonstrated a clear and confident vision, bringing C.S. Lewis’s beloved novel to life in a way that felt fresh and dynamic while still honouring the timelessness of the original story. Director Mike Fentiman made bold choices in staging and pacing, ensuring that the emotional beats of the narrative were given space to resonate, while never allowing the energy of the show to falter.

Music: The Soul of Narnia

One of the most arresting aspects of this production was its music. Far from being a mere backdrop, the score served as a vital storytelling device, heightening key moments with an emotional depth that lingered long after the final bow. There were moments when the music swelled to underscore the grandeur of Aslan’s presence, and others where it subtly wove its way through the more intimate, human moments between the Pevensie children. The hauntingly beautiful choral arrangements added an ethereal quality that reinforced the sense of wonder and danger lurking in Narnia.

Staging and Scene Transitions: A Masterclass in Theatricality

The staging was minimalist yet deeply effective. Rather than relying on elaborate set pieces, the design team employed a cleverly understated approach, allowing lighting, movement, and suggestion to do much of the heavy lifting. This choice not only evoked the vastness of Narnia but also left space for the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps—a technique that felt wonderfully in tune with the experience of reading a book.

Perhaps the most technically impressive aspect was the seamless nature of the transitions between scenes. The use of blackouts was particularly striking, creating an almost filmic effect as one moment dissolved into the next. These transitions, executed with pinpoint precision, allowed the story to flow uninterrupted, keeping the audience wholly engaged.

Performances: A Cast That Brought Narnia to Life

The success of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe rests heavily on the strength of its cast, and this production delivered across the board.

Katy Stephens was a commanding presence as the White Witch, exuding icy menace with every gesture and line delivery. Her performance was controlled and measured, making her all the more terrifying—never descending into pantomime villainy but instead presenting a figure of real power and cruelty. The intensity of her scenes, particularly her interactions with Edmund, was electrifying.

Speaking of the Pevensie siblings, each actor captured the essence of their character beautifully. Jesse Dunbar (Peter) embodied the reluctant leader, balancing his character’s protective instincts with moments of self-doubt that made his eventual rise to heroism all the more satisfying. Kudzai Mangombe (Lucy) was full of warmth and wonder, bringing an infectious energy to the stage that made it impossible not to root for her. Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund) nailed the complexities of his role, portraying a boy torn between jealousy and insecurity while never losing sight of his eventual redemption arc. Joanna Adaran (Susan) provided a grounded, maternal presence, subtly portraying the weight of responsibility Susan begins to feel as the eldest Pevensie sister.

Alfie Richards’ Mr. Tumnus was a highlight of the evening, imbuing the role with both charm and vulnerability. His interactions with Lucy were among the most heartfelt moments in the show, making his arc particularly moving.

And then there was Aslan. The majestic lion was brought to life through a combination of Stanton Wright’s powerful and resonant voice work and stunning puppetry handled by Andrew Davison and Molly Francis. The design and movement of Aslan were nothing short of breath taking, striking the perfect balance between strength and gentleness. Every step, breath, and head tilt was imbued with meaning, creating a figure that truly felt worthy of the reverence the characters bestowed upon him.

Overall Verdict

This production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was a triumph in every sense—an innovative, beautifully crafted piece of theatre that transported its audience to another world. It captured the heart and soul of Lewis’s novel while using the magic of theatre to elevate the storytelling in ways only live performance can.

From its breath taking music to its intelligent staging and a cast that brought these beloved characters to vivid life, this was a production that did more than just tell a story—it made you feel it. A truly enchanting evening of theatre, and one that will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of those who experienced it.