Production PhotosStep Through the Wardrobe Into Narnia With New Pictures From The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in London's West End
Mike Fentiman directs the stage adaptation of the C.S. Lewis book, beginning at the Gillian Lynne Theatre July 28.
By
Logan Culwell-Block
July 28, 2022
Sam Womack and Chris Jared in The Lion, The Witch, and The WardrobeMatt Crockett
Following a U.K. and Ireland tour and a 2017 world premiere at Leeds Playhouse, a new stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe begins at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London's West End July 28, where it will continue through January 8, 2023.
Samantha Womack stars as the White Witch, alongside Ammar Duffus as Peter, Shaka Kalokoh as Edmund, Robyn Sinclair as Susan and Delainey Hayles as Lucy.
The cast also includes Scott Brooks as Mr. Pope and Fox Trot; Rachel Dawson as Miss Chutney, Blue Badger, and Spirit of the Moon; Oliver Grant as Mr. Wilson, Schrodinger, Red Squirrel, Head Cruel, and Aslan Puppeteer; Julian Hoult as Mr. Beaver; Matthew James Hinchliffe as Mr Marsden, and Mauve Mole; Chris Jared as Aslan; Sean Lopeman as Mr. Brinkworth, March Hare, and Aslan Puppeteer; Shaun McCourt as Mr. Granville, Jack Rabbit, and Aslan Puppeteer; Emmanuel Ogunjinmi as Maugrim, Solider, Satyr, and White Stag; Micha Richardson as Mrs. Pevensie and Robin; Christina Tedders as Mrs. Beaver; Jez Unwin as Mr. Tumnus; Charlotte-Kate Warren as Miss Gumley Warmly and Phoeni; and Johnson Willis as Professor Kirk, Father Christmas, Wise Owl, and White Mouse.
Rounding out the company are swings Myla Carmen, Jasmin Colangelo, Ashlee Irish, and Ciaran Roger.
Mike Fentiman directs the production from Sally Cookson's original, leading a creative team that includes scenic and costume designer Tom Paris, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designers Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, composer Benji Bower, composer and musical supervisor Barnaby Race, choreographer Shannelle 'Tali' Fergus, puppet director Toby Olié, puppet designer Max Humphries, aerial director Gwen Hales, illusion and magic designer Chris Fisher, fight director Jonathan Holby, music director Toby Higgins, co-orchestrator Samuel Wilson, original movement director Dan Canham, and original writer in the room and dramaturg Adam Peck. The production is cast by Will Burton, and wigs, hair, and makeup are by Susanna Peretz.
The musical, a reinvention of Tim Burton’s cult classic film Edward Scissorhands, uses the pop music of Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Alanis Morissette, and more.
Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, the production played the Chichester Festival Theatre this past summer and will arrive in London in December.
The play comes on the heels of a broader cultural conversation about Dahl's work and the prejudice that was embedded in many of his most beloved stories.
