This festive season, climb through the wardrobe (or should I say the doors of Leeds Playhouse) to experience the wonder and magic of Narnia in the UK tour production The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Following a hugely successful run in London, this production will be making its frosty return to Leeds from Monday 18 November 2024 until Saturday 25 January 2025.
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S Lewis’ iconic novel, audiences will be transported to the extraordinary land of Narnia inhabited by many fantastical creatures. The audience follows the Pevensie children, Susan (Joanna Adaran), Peter (Jesse Dunbar), Lucy (Kudzai Mangombe) and Edmund (Bunmi Osadolor) on their adventures through the wardrobe to Narnia. This is not one to be missed!
An incredibly talented team of cast and creatives have collaborated to take audiences into their magical world, and Leeds Quarry Theatre is the perfect backdrop to kick start their UK tour. Tom Paris has expertly designed sets and costumes to help bring to life the magical kingdom of Narnia, each complimenting the other to fully transport you to the place where it’s always winter but never Christmas.
I was lucky enough to be invited to climb through the wardrobe early, getting a sneak peek into the magical kingdom of Narnia. I was transported right back to WW2 England, and with live music and set to match, it was hard to remember I was still in Leeds.
It was truly incredible to be able to see some of the costume sketches alongside the actual pieces. The design team have really managed to bring their visions of each character to life. Up close, you can really appreciate the attention to detail and small quirks which are unique to each character. My personal favourite was the White Witch’s fur coat surrounded by icy bubbles, which was regal in its own right.
Hearing from the creative team was a great way to learn about the collaborative efforts involved in the production. The show’s director Michael Fentiman told us “I’m delighted to be taking our beautiful production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe on a major tour of the UK and Ireland in 2025. The production celebrates the magic of live theatre and is led by a multi- talented cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers; it is a celebration of the possibilities of the collective imagination and the boundless wonders of individual skill.”
Prepare for the spectacle that is the White Witch, to be played by Katy Stephens. She will add to her already successful career as Her Imperial Majesty Jadis, Queen of Narnia. For Katy “the thought of casting a spell over Narnia to make it always winter but never Christmas is simply tantalising. Let the magic begin!”
Not forgetting of course, the mighty Aslan, who is brought to life by the incredible skill of a team puppeteers. His surprise appearance was truly captivating and dare I say the highlight of the evening for all who attended.
If Shaun McCourt’s, (who originated the role of Mr Tumnus) performance of ‘When there was Spring’ is anything to go by this production will be an incredible display of the talent of the show’s cast. The song was both beautiful and sorrowful. I look forward to hearing more from the cast.
The entire production is a prime example of the power of collaboration and skill required in live theatre. The event concluded, very aptly, with a warm hot chocolate and Turkish delight, the perfect ending to my short time in Narnia.
The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe first performed at the Leeds Playhouse in 2017 and is making its magnificent return this Christmas to mark the 75th anniversary of the publication of the C.S Lewis novel. Since its first publication in October 1950, millions of copies of the novel have been sold worldwide and now audiences can enjoy the whimsical world of Narnia live on stage.
The world of Narnia comes to life through the incredible set, lighting and costume designs, and of course a touch of your own imagination. This production encapsulates the true limitlessness of our own imaginations, from animals playing musical instruments to lifelike puppeteering – there is something for everyone. Designed for all ages, this production is sure to inspire the same wonder and magic of the novel, a perfect day out for friends and families alike.
Join the Pevensies as they explore Narnia this season at the Playhouse’s Quarry Theatre before they embark on their UK tour. They take on a mission testing their faith and bravery. Will you join them this festive season as they challenge the evil powers of the White Witch?
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
18 Nov 2024 – 25 Jan 2025 at Quarry Theatre
TICKETS: https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-2/
Photography by Tallulah Treadaway.
