Theatre: The Lion, The witch and The wardrobe

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The Review - THEATRE by SUSIE SEABROOK
Published: 26 March 2009

Narnia’s magic through a church wardrobe

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
St Stephen’s Church

THANKS to the impressive space provided by the newly renovated St Stephen’s Church, Hampstead, this production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is spellbinding from the outset.
The opening air-raid sirens and searchlights coupled with the fear and confusion of the children instantly transports us into the mysterious world of the Pevensie brood.
The incredible acoustics in the space allow the audience to be entirely enveloped in the play’s sound effects and songs.
Adrian Mitchell’s adaption is fundamentally faithful to the CS Lewis novel. Some familiarity with the book or film is advisable for full enjoyment of this two-and-a-quarter-hour production, and is particularly beneficial to any young child in understanding the plot of the play – which must necessarily be cut down due to time allowances.
Interspersed between plot points there are songs that are catchy and enjoyable for younger audience members.
This original production has some truly magnificent points of interest.
The costumes are exquisite, ranging from see-through wire frame unicorn masks, wonderfully lit secret police wolves, and the African majesty of Aslan.
At one point the entire backdrop of the stage disappears, revealing the ornate chancel that lies behind to great effect.
Alice Fernbank gives a wonderfully mean performance as the White Witch and Jayne Dickinson believably portrays Lucy the Valiant, an ever so positive, trusting child.
The church setting does little to play down CS Lewis’s appropriation of Christian theology; however, conversely, the building also serves to remind us that something of historical value can be reused and reinterpreted and given entirely new use and meaning.
Until April 19
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