The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Watched at the Threesixty Theatre in Kensington Gardens

Closing 9th September

For more info see: http://web.lionwitchtheshow.com/

There are not many stage shows i get wowed by. I usually find that children's shows are often a tad too patronising for an adult audience at times. I have to say that C.S. Lewis' The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is one of my all time favourite childhood books and to say i was dubious about how a stage production would capture the magic of Narnia, is an understatement. However, one of my dear friends surprised me with tickets for the show.

Armed with some fond childhood memories of the book (I refused to watch the film), i headed to see the play at Kensington Gardens with some apprehension.The theatre itself is rather impressive with it's 360 degree stage which means the entire audience gets a good view of the actors. I was seated next to the doors where the actors entered and it was fascinating to see how the actors were in character from the moment they stepped through them. The format of the venue means that all the characters can interact with the audience, from the creepy staring tree i was treated to, to the rather scary wolf growling fiercely. 

Rupert Goold's adaptation of the book is rather enchanting from the word go, however and does pull in the audience from the word go. This play does edge towards being a musical and for the most part, succeeds, however i am hard pressed to remember the songs.  Seated in a round theatre meant that we were treated to movement throughout, with the cast constantly moving around and portraying the tale with a lot of energy.

My favourite was the characterisation of Aslan, the true king, who is voiced by David Suchet and has a rather regal presence on stage. The lion is well designed and has some great movements, you can't help but be fascinated by him. 

A great show but be aware that some kids of nervous temperament would find this scary as the second half is dark and is not for the faint-hearted!