Based on a novel by our very own Belfast boy C.S.Lewis, the touring production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has arrived at the Grand Opera House for 9 almost sold out performances.
This is a massive and impressive musical theatre show. The set is epic and the transition from the spare room into Narnia is well executed, it’s almost magical as the children walk through the portal to another world with a 100 year winter. We immediately started meeting the characters of Narnia as snow fell in the Opera House.
Director Michael Fentiman has created a wonderful piece of theatre, and a show with influences from other stories in the fantasy genre. There are hints of Wicked, Wizard of Oz, and some of the epicness of Game of Thrones.
It’s a very dark piece of theatre overall, with Aslan arriving in the 2nd act to give hope to the land. Aslan appearing on stage is a moving and uplifting moment, an inspiring character with quite a stage presence, and who gives up his own life to save a human in the fight against the witch.
There are dark and scary characters accompanying the White Witch wherever she goes. Evil masks and dark magic are the order of the day. I’m not sure how much of a kids show this is.
Musically it’s folk or trad, a genre which suits the earthiness feel to Narnia.
If you’re going this week, or at any time during the UK tour you’re in for a treat. This is a wonderful night at the theatre. But of course for the Belfast audience, we have the biggest link to the Narnia world thanks to Belfast boy C.S.Lewis and his inspiration from the city and beyond. Inspiration from his time at Campbell College, the view of the Mourne Mountains from Rostrevor, County Down, coastlines and castles. Not forgetting our very own C.S.Lewis Square which is surely worth exploring again to see all the characters.
If you can get tickets, I’d grab them quick!
