The thrills and chills of winter in Narnia were brought to the Wilde Theatre on Friday August 18, as South Hill Park presented The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, writes Judith Creighton.

With some interaction between cast and audience and with part of the action taking place outside, there was plenty to keep the younger members of the audience on their toes.

The focus of this production was on the setting, during the Second World War as the Pevensie children were evacuated from London to a large manor house in the country, home to the mysterious Professor. The long train journey was effectively portrayed through mime and music from that era was used during scene changes.

The impressive set took the form of the interior of the manor house with plenty of period detail and opportunities for entering and exiting the stage in interesting ways – through hidden doors, up spiral staircases and down ladders.

The Wardrobe took centre stage, advancing and retreating mysteriously, turning around slowly to allow entry into the mesmerising setting of Narnia with mood lighting and drifting snow.

The cast acted out the story clearly and effectively. Much was made of the developing relationship between Lucy (Amber Lilly Payne) and Mr Tumnus, the faun, Michael Ayiotis bringing a new dimension to this character, emphasising that his initial intention was to deceive Lucy and hand her over to the Witch. His sprightly, goat-like gait and small horns made him the most memorable character.

The development of Edmund’s character was also clearly conveyed. Much additional material was added to the book at the start of the play as he gets off on the wrong foot with Mrs McCready, the housekeeper, and the children are constantly on the run from the other members of staff.

The scenes with Edmund and the Witch were somewhat hurried, as was the action in the Beavers’ house, but these discrepancies ensured that the focus of the play was not lost.
The journey into the gardens for the battle scenes made effective used of the surrounding woodland and allowed space for clever swordfights.

Unfortunately a heavy downpour coincided with the action returning to the theatre.
The character of Aslan was not as majestic as expected. It took a few moments to realise that this is who he was meant to be.

The choice to make him more of a man than a lion meant that his ensuing death and resurrection were not as powerful as they may have been, though the acting of Lucy and Susan (Ally McEnhill) in this scene was superb.

Condensing this novel into a play of a normal time-span is no mean feat, let alone holding the attention of an audience of youngsters possibly more used to a stage filled with singing and dancing.

The acting, the costumes, the set and the direction combined to provide an effective telling of this story.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at South Hill Park until Sunday. 

For more details, or to book call 01344 484123 or click here

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