Monday, November 25

Tag: Chris Jared

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe – Gillian Lynne Theatre
29Jul By Maani WayNo Comments
London

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe – Gillian Lynne Theatre

“It’s all in the wardrobe like I told you” The story of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis has been engrossing all readers, both young and old, for over 70 years. Selling over 85 million copies and in 60 languages, this book has been one of the ten best-selling books of all time and will continue to enchant readers and now viewers. As the audience arrive, they are immediately transported back in time to World War II as we are welcomed by a solo pianist playing on stage. Starting the show with the piano and a rendition of “We’ll Meet Again” is an emotional opening, reminding audiences of past turmoil and loss, while setting the scene for where the story and the opening of The Wardrobe. Music is tremendously important throughout the show and the choice to have the ens...
Read More
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – New Wimbledon Theatre
14Apr By Zoё MeeresNo Comments
London

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – New Wimbledon Theatre

C.S Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe absolutely mesmerised me as a young child – and it’s a fixation that has followed me into adult life. Narnia has always held a special kind of magic for me. Notwithstanding the troubling alternative readings of C.S Lewis’s works, the concept of a door to another world full of talking beasts, dwarves and other mythical creatures, only accessible to children who are able to become national heroes, was just too seductive. Add some Christmassy undertones, some genuinely scary creatures and storylines and a feel-good character arch or two and it’s a pretty perfect story. It’s also a story that’s been told many, many times - from the 1988 BBC dramatization (which I tracked down on DVD in later years), listening to the full Chronicles of Narnia ...
Read More
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – King’s Theatre
9Feb By Oliver GigginsNo Comments
Scotland

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – King’s Theatre

Direct from London, this Elliott & Harper Productions, Catherine Schreiber and Leeds Playhouse show is an adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic children's book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, voted the nations favourite book in 2019. It's directed by Michael Fentiman (based on the original production of Sally Cookson) and stars Ammar Duffus, Robyn Sinclair, Shaka Kalokoh and Karise Yansen as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, four children evacuated from London during the Second World War who find themselves transported to the magical world of Narnia and into the conflict between its ruler Aslan and its usurper, The White Witch (Samantha Womack). With its mix of fantasy and reality (transitioning through the titular wardrobe), this story demands a certain amount of imaginati...
Read More
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe – The Lowry
10Dec By Jo TillotsonNo Comments
North West

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe – The Lowry

There can’t be many people who don’t know the story of the four Pevensie children and their adventures in Narnia, overcoming evil while learning about sacrifice and redemption. Edmund’s rescue from the thrall of the White Witch, Mr Tumnus’s bravery and Aslan’s triumphant return are some of the many key moments from the book that make it onto the stage in this vibrant adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s classic story. Condensing a whole book into 105 minutes is not an easy task, but director Michael Fentiman and his creative team met the challenge head on. The production succeeds particularly in its incredible design, and not only visually. Set (Tom Paris), lighting (Jack Knowles) and music (Benji Bower, Barnaby Race) are beautifully layered so that the audience can clearly understand exactly whe...
Read More
Amélie The Musical – Criterion Theatre
3Jun By Gemma PrinceNo Comments
London

Amélie The Musical – Criterion Theatre

Based on the hit 2001 French film by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant of the same name, Amélie tells the story of a young Parisian waitress living in her own little vibrant world. Following a sell-out tour in 2019, the musical adaptation has finally arrived in the West End. I must confess, I have not yet seen the motion picture although I am familiar with it, but after watching the show, Amélie is certainly at the top of my must watch list. Michael Fentiman’s production certainly creates the imaginative world of the young heroine I was hoping for. From the joyful opening number to Dik Downey’s creative puppetry of Amélie as a child struggling to cope with her distant father (Jez Unwin), the production really delves into the colourful imagination of the quirky lead. Audrey Bri...
Read More