A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
Everybody knows this classic story by C.S. Lewis. Four children head into the country to stay with a man in his big house, as refugees from the war. Whilst there they find another world, called Narnia, through a wardrobe in his spare room and have some magical adventures.
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It seems silly to say of a show in the theatre that “it is very theatrical” but that was what I kept thinking during this production. From the amazing set to the gorgeous costumes, from the occasional singing to the gorgeous music, played on stage by the actors as they went through their parts. To start with it seemed strange when the lady at the train station had an accordion on her chest, and a double bass wandering around is definitely an unusual sight. However, you soon stop seeing the instruments and focus on the characters whilst enjoying the music.
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There was also some very theatrical dancing which occasionally brought certain scenes to life, such as the children travelling into the countryside by train. It was all very well choreographed, and indeed acted, with the music giving the story even more movement.
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Magic also featured, as would be expected in Narnia. A pressed flower in a book suddenly sprang to life, the White Witch waved her wand and a piece of paper burst into flames.
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There were puppets for Aslan and Schrödinger, the cat of the Professor the children go to stay with. The puppeteers were clearly visible on stage with the puppets but moved as one with them so not attracting your attention.
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It was a large cast, with an equally large creative tea including the stage management. This too was theatrically impressive. Although the set didn’t move the lighting changed it, the White Witch made the floor icey cold looking whereas Aslan brought the warmer colours of summer. There was a round bit high up at the back of the stage that was sometimes lit up so we could see the characters up there and sometimes in darkness when not needed.
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Basically, it was utterly awesome. A complete escape from reality into the magical world of the theatre. In the interval several people were proclaiming “that was scary”, but obviously we all know how the story ends. It’s a delightful performance well worth experiencing. Sometimes revisiting an old friend, such as a classic story, is just the tonic we need, so please, don’t deny yourself the joy.
Further information: https://www.lionwitchonstage.com/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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