The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Full Length New Dramatization

by Joseph Robinette (Adapter), C.S. Lewis

This dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this exciting dramatization. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.

Genres: Plays, Drama, School, Fantasy, Read For School

60 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Madeline · Rating 1 out of 5]

This script was terrible. I understand that I was initially written for a younger age group, but as one who was looking to direct a play for this particular age group it was inappropriate. I understand, also, that the book is religious in nature, but this would be difficult to pull off in a public school. Ok, fair enough, maybe do not do this for public school - there are plenty of schools that would be happy to do this. Lastly, as a theater teacher, the stage directions are impossible: "a plate 'magically' appears", or over the top descriptive of how to do it. No consistency. Drove me nuts. Never would have thought a play could be this level of frustrating after a life dedicated to the theater.

[Kira · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible script. You know when an adult writes something for children but thinks that children are stupid and have to have everything spelled out? Condescending. Dated, cringy dialogue. Poor to no interpretation of Lewis' themes. Relationships and characters are watered down.

No sense of time (i.e. WWII setting). Adds additional characters styled like modern tropes of childish, sparkly, fairy-like wood nymphs and Christmas elves. Decides, out of all the possible animals mentioned in the book, to give speaking roles to a centaur and a unicorn, because horses are obviously the easiest animals to interpret seriously on stage and with a minimal budget.

I finished this script and literally cried because it was so bad and yet is still being used in theatres. Then I got so angry, I decided I would write a stage adaptation myself.

[Evan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a horrible adaptation. I’ll admit, I have never been a huge Narnia fan; however, when doing this play in high school, I did the research and read the original The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. What I read was a delightful fantasy novel for children which, despite its heavy-handed allegory, was a lovely brief read. So what happened with this adaptation? Why are the lines cringy and awkward? The level of writing was vastly superior in the original book, and because of the drop in quality this play inadvertently loses the charm of the original prose. This is just a terrible adaptation all-around. It talks down to its younger demographic of both audiences and actors, something C.S. Lewis never did. If you are looking for a play for your youth theatre, I could not recommend this adaptation in the slightest.

[Gregory Andis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reasonably faithful (but brief) adaptation for the stage of the original by C.S. Lewis. In an epic battle of Good vs. Evil, it's always great to know the Good wins in the end. It's not Shakespeare, but then, what is?

[Kelsey Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do think the script had quite a few cringy line moments; however, I just finished stage managing this show and had the BEST time working on it with my high schoolers. Many core memories were made, so it just has to hold a special place in my heart.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great script for drama students

[Joshua Casburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great book. Not a fan of the adaptation.

[Alea Cobb · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible lines. So incredibly cringy!

[Anneliese Wolfgang · Rating 1 out of 5]

worst play i’ve ever read. do not curse yourself by experiencing this “literature”

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does this count as being read? I mean I did read it like 20 times, and have heard it many more... since I’m in it.

[Rebecca]

Reading this stage adaptation for the theater production that I am in. First rehearsal tomorrow!