THE
LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
BY
CS LEWIS
DRAMATISED BY ADRIAN MITCHELL
MUSIC BY SHAUN DAVEY
St
Stephen's, London
17
March - 19 April 2009
As
the Blitz rages in London, four young children are evacuated
to a mysterious country house. There they discover an enchanted
wardrobe that leads them into an adventure more exciting than
they could ever have imagined.
Stepping
through the wardrobe door, they are transported into the frozen
world of Narnia. Can the children help the great lion Aslan
defeat the evil White Witch and break the spell that has held
the land locked in Winter for a hundred years?
After
30 years of winter, celebrate
the re-opening of St. Stephen's, Hampstead, with Antic Disposition's
magical new production of this much-loved family adventure.
Time
Out:
"Adrian
Mitchell's adaptation, originally written for the RSC, really
is a thing of beauty. He captures precisely what it is about
the book that makes it so loveable.
"This
production … is utterly charming and completely effective."
The
Stage:
"The
first show since the renovation of St Stephen's has been completed,
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe showcases the grand and
atmospheric venue to perfection. The production itself is incredibly
slick.
"Jayne
Dickinson as Lucy is especially impressive … She portrays
Lucy's effervescent character and warm-heartedness enthusiastically.
"Ross
Hugill's Mr Tumnus looks and sounds exactly as one would imagine.
His endearingly hesitant interaction with Lucy … is a joy
to witness.
"At
the centre of the innovative costumes and scenery is the enormous
wardrobe - almost a character in itself, which is the highlight
of a stunning set. Using the rest of the church as an extension
of the stage in the second half is an inspired move and one
that will no doubt be utilised again in this magnificent setting."
Mark
Shenton, Shenton's View:
"I
saw the wonderful possibilities for restoring a magnificent
church to the heart of its community on Friday, when I went
to the opening night of a new production of The Lion, The Witch
and the Wardrobe at St Stephen's Church on Rosslyn Hill in Hampstead.
"The
sweetly touching and sincere staging of The Lion, the Witch
and the Wardrobe with which Antic Disposition have launched
their season is a good omen for things to come."
London
Theatre Blog:
"Charismatic
lion-king Obioma Ugoala benefits from a marvellous long entrance,
as the back-wall of the stage opens to reveal the apse beyond,
bathed in golden light.
"One
small person near me responded to the revelation of Aslan's
return with a loud gasp of awe, as the primitive magic of a
communal desire to believe started to catch hold of the audience.
"The
Lion, the Witch and the Warbrobe bodes well for a productive
conjunction of company and venue. As spring banishes winter,
and virtue emerges triumphant, a warmly hymnal finale seemed
a fitting conclusion to an evening of promising new beginnings."
Camden
New Journal:
"Thanks
to the impressive space provided by the newly renovated St Stephen's,
Hampstead, this production is spellbinding from the outset.
"This
original production has some truly magnificent points of interest.
A faultless set, meticulous costume and polished performances
from an experienced cast did full justice to CS Lewis's wartime
children's fantasy.
"Alice
Fernbank gives a wonderfully mean performance as the White Witch.
"The
Victorian Gothic architecture will be at its best when the Bard
visits in June, and Antic Disposition's residency deserves to
attract many more worshipers back to this church."
