The acclaimed stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – the first book in The Chronicles of Narnia series – has just kicked off its second UK tour, which will, once again, be stopping at Lowry over the holiday season. Lowry held a launch event (their third of the week!) in the Compass Room. It might seem a little early but if this surprisingly cold September has revealed anything it’s that Winter is coming!
The play follows the four Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who evacuate wartime London to stay in the countryside, where they find a wardrobe leading to the fantasy world of Narnia. The siblings learn that their arrival was prophesied and they must rally its inhabitants under Aslan to defeat the forces of Jadis, the White Witch.
The event was, once again, hosted by the incredible local presenter Michelle Eagleton. She first interviewed director Michael Fentiman, who gave us a rundown of the show, including its origin in a previous production he co-directed with Ruper Goold. Fentiman is naturally funny and unashedly sardonic.
“It has genuinely been a labour of… well, a labour… At times, a labour of love. And I’ve never been through a labour but I have witnessed it,” he said hilariously. “You felt every contraction,” replied Eagleton.
Fentiman was then joined by aftor and puppeteer Rhodri Watkins (Mr Binkworth | March Harse | Aslan puppeteer) and later actors Katy Stephens (White Witch | Mrs Macready) and Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund). It was nice to hear from both a theatre veteran and an actor straight out of drama school. There was also a special appearance from Andrew Davison, who controls a cat puppet.
The final special guest was Aslan, himself, also led by Davison.
We were treated to four songs from the play with music: ‘We’ll Meet Again’ (which opened the event), ‘Myra the Gift Giver’ (complete with Christmas presents), and ‘The Lion Walks’ (which closed the event – and where Aslan appeared).
The event was culinarily on point, with tea, cakes, and, of course, Turkish delight!
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe runs at Lowry (Lyric Theatre) from December 3 2025 until January 111 2026 – the last stop of its UK tour.
Photo: Phil Tragen
JADAR 