Opening night of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Eltham Little Theatre was memorable. The theatre’s setup enhances its charm as a quaint, intimate venue, ideal for dinner theatre. The cozy arrangement encourages a close connection between the audience and performers, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere that perfectly suits productions like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a faithful adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved novel, transporting audiences to the magical land of Narnia. The story follows four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—who stumble upon a wardrobe that serves as a portal to Narnia. Once there, they discover a land under the spell of the White Witch, who has plunged Narnia into eternal winter. Guided by Aslan, the noble lion and rightful king, the siblings join the fight to free Narnia from the Witch’s tyranny. Through betrayal, redemption, and courage, they fulfill their destinies, embracing themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and hope. The play captures the enchanting world of Narnia with vivid storytelling, rich characters, and imaginative staging, making it a timeless tale for all ages.

The costumes in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Eltham Little Theatre were a highlight, adding both visual richness and character depth. The design captured the magical and mythical essence of Narnia, with each costume reflecting the traits of the characters. The White Witch’s icy, regal attire contrasted beautifully with the warm, earthy tones of Aslan and the humble wardrobes of the children. These thoughtful choices helped transport the audience into Narnia, enhancing the story’s immersive experience. 

The puppetry used for Mr. and Mrs. Beaver was a creative and engaging choice, adding a whimsical touch to the production. Controlled by James Banger and Georgina Topp, the puppets brought the beloved characters to life in a unique way, adding to the charm and magic of Narnia. This inventive use of puppetry highlighted the production’s playful and imaginative approach, blending with the cast’s performances. I particularly enjoyed the impressive construction of the Aslan puppet. Its craftsmanship added gravitas to the lion’s commanding presence on stage, beautifully complementing David Murray’s heartfelt and authoritative portrayal of Aslan. The combination of intricate puppetry and Murray’s performance created a standout element of the evening. This attention to detail and character depth brought the magical world of Narnia vividly to life for the audience.

The minimal set design effectively focused attention on the characters and the story. The creative lighting using warm tones to depict the cozy, homely atmosphere of the house and contrasting cool tones to evoke the magical, icy world of Narnia. This simple yet effective design choice helped set the mood for each setting, ensuring the transition between worlds was both visually and emotionally impactful for the audience. An unfortunate mishap occurred towards the end when the door to the wardrobe accidentally broke. While these kinds of technical issues can occasionally disrupt a performance, the cast and crew handled the situation with professionalism and poise, ensuring the flow of the scene continued smoothly. 

The crowning ceremony served as a pivotal moment in the production, both narratively and visually. As the young actors transitioned into their adult counterparts, the ceremony symbolised their growth and newfound authority as the rulers of Narnia. This moment was enhanced by the grandeur of the ceremony itself, with the actors embodying the confidence and responsibility of their roles, marking the children’s transformation from innocent adventurers into leaders of the magical realm. Overall, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Eltham Little Theatre was an enjoyable night out, the warm atmosphere of the venue, combined with strong performances, made for an entertaining evening that was both magical and heartfelt, leaving the audience with a sense of satisfaction. Despite some technical hiccups, it was a charming and memorable performance.