THE first big show run of the year has arrived at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, with a truly enchanting production of C.S. Lewis's classic, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, writes Neil Edwards.

Producer Chris Harper, has used all his experience with Warhorse on the Westend and Broadway to bring this adaptation, skilfully to life on stage, capturing the wonder, danger and excitement of the fantastical world of Narnia.

Considering there is no backdrop, (unfortunately too big to fit inside the theatre), the clever use of set design, transitioning seamlessly from mundane wartime England to the snowy, mystical landscapes of Narnia, is particularly impressive on a backdrop of black. With genius use of lighting, snow machines and sound all thoughts of landscapes are easily forgotten.

This is a modern representation, and no more is this evident than with the young cast portraying the Pevensie siblings, Joanna Adaran, Kudzai Mangombe ,Jess Dunbar and Bunmi Osadolor - all young black actors who bring a believable vulnerability and growth of courage. Their interactions feel authentic, capturing the sibling dynamics with both their squabbles and their unwavering loyalty.

The fantastical elements are key to this story, and the production excels in bringing them to life.

Aslan, portrayed with a commanding presence and gentle wisdom by Stanton Wright performed with a resonant voice and regal bearing, alongside impressive puppetry created by award-winning Toby Olivier, reminded me much of Mufasa from the Lion King, a truly majestic figure albeit unfortunately for too short a time on stage.

The creatures of Narnia, from the friendly Mr. Tumnus, played with charming nervousness by Alfie Richards, to the menacing wolf Maugrim (Shane Anthony-Whitely), are brought to life through inventive puppetry and costume design with the comedic element provided by the two wily Beavers Anya De Villiers and Ed Thorpe.

Make no mistake, this is not for the faint hearted and this lies in the portrayal of the White Witch by Katy Stephens, who is undoubtably THE most menacing villain I’ve seen on stage, delivering a ‘chilling’ performance, embodying her icy cruelty and power.

Her entrance alone is enough to send a shiver down your spine, and her interactions with Edmund are particularly compelling, showcasing the seductive nature of evil, with her scene at the end of the first half one of the best moments of theatre I’ve experienced.

While the play largely stays true to the source material, the adaptation cleverly utilizes theatrical devices to enhance the narrative. The use of movement and choreography during the battle scenes is particularly effective, conveying the scale and urgency of the conflict without resorting to excessive violence.

The musical score, while perhaps not overly prominent, subtly underscores the emotional beats of the story, adding to the overall atmosphere and which is cleverly produced on stage - no need for musicians in the Portakabins outside for this one!

There are moments where the pacing felt slightly rushed, particularly in the initial transition to Narnia, although this isn’t a criticism as Narnia is the beast the story is based on, but the key prop the wardrobe, although majestic in design just felt a little empty, with no obvious room around it, although the moment Lucy steps through the fur coats there is no mistaking where she has landed.

The overall message of courage, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil resonates strongly, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and wonder making it a perfect theatrical experience for families and those young at heart.

This is a triumph of theatrical imagination. It's a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that successfully transports audiences to a magical world, paying perfect ode to the book’s 75th Anniversary. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the books or experiencing the story for the first time, this production is a must-see for anyone seeking a touch of enchantment.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe runs at The Princess Theatre until Saturday, April 5.