On the opening night at the Grand Opera York, celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis's classic novel, we watched in awe and wonder as The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe came to life in this spectacular production, directly from the West End.

York Grand Opera House’s stage isn’t as large as some venues (I’d previously seen a more ambitious staging of this production at Leeds Playhouse last November ), but I can honestly say that this show adapts brilliantly to both large and small stages, and I was equally impressed with both performances; the intense, dramatic, magical atmosphere was created thanks to an amazing creative crew and talented cast.

The stage was often filled with whirls of wonder, with amazing multi-rolling and ensemble acting, all complemented by atmospheric lighting (Jack Knowles ) and sound (Tom Marshall ). Composers Barnaby Race and Benji Bower have created the most brilliant original songs for the show, all played superbly by talented actor/musicians, adding to the whole immersive experience.

Directed with flair and imagination by Michael Fentiman, based on the original production by Sally Cookson, backed up by awe-inspiring and uplifting choreography (Shanelee ‘ Tali ’ Fergus) and clever set designs and imaginative costumes (Tom Paris), the whole story unfolded magically in front of our astounded eyes.

The four Pevensie children were brought to life by actors Jesse Dunbar (Peter), Joanna Adaran (Susan), Bunmi Osadolor (Edmund), and understudy Molly Francis (Lucy), with Anya De Villiers stealing our hearts as Mrs Beaver and Ed Thorpe and his 'Deep Shame' antics as bumbling, benevolent Mr Beaver helping to breathe life into C.S. Lewis’s endearing animal characters. The ensemble animals were a delight to watch on stage, with too many to mention here.

Kraig Thornber shone in all his roles as The Professor/Father Christmas and Wise Owl, bringing a sense of mischief, kindness and wisdom; Santa’s Gift Giver number was indeed a gift to all who watched it.

One of my favourite characters in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is the faun Mr Tumnus , and actor and multi-instrumentalist Alfie Richards was superb in the role, touching all our hearts.

Katy Stephens excelled herself playing the wicked White Witch, whom we all loved to loathe; oooh, the end of Act One sent shivers up the spine!

The scene stealer was Aslan, though, particularly when he first appeared. No spoilers, but it was an inspired idea to use both a man and a huge puppet (worked with great skill by three performers ), and Stanton Wright commanded the space with dignity and compassion, making Aslan totally believable as the one who would restore peace and harmony in Narnia.

Shane Antony – Whitely made the role of Maugrim his own; the sheer evil of his character was chilling, yet his proud portrayal of the White Stag was just as convincing, all credit to this talented actor’s versatility.

We were taken on a roller coaster of emotions, from deep fear to high joy, all brilliantly delivered in many stunning, seemingly effortless ensemble scenes time and time again, all adding to the powerful storytelling.

The cast thoroughly deserved the rapturous, appreciative applause at the finale.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe ( Ages 6+ ) is on at Grand Opera House, York, until Saturday 26 April 2025