The production will begin performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from the 18th July.
It has been announced that Michael Fentiman’s production based on the original production by Sally Cookson of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be heading to the West End this Summer, having proved popular on its UK tour.
Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.
It has also been announced that Samantha Womack will reprise her role as the evil White Witch, with further casting yet to be announced.
C.S. Lewis’ book (published by HarperCollins) has been engrossing readers young and old for over 70 years, has sold 85 million copies in 60 languages and is one of the top ten best-selling books of all time and is part of the Chronicles of Narnia series.
Joining Michael Fentiman on the creative team are Set and Costume Designer Tom Paris, Composers Benji Bower and Barnaby Race, Choreographer Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, Lighting Designer Jack Knowles, Sound Designers Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, Puppetry Director Toby Olié, Puppetry Designer Max Humphries, Aerial Director Gwen Hales, Illusionist Chris Fisher, Music Director Toby Higgins, Casting Director Will Burton CDG, Fight Director Jonathan Holby, Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer Susanna Peretz, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl for Propworks, Dramaturg Adam Peck and Movement Consultant Dan Canham.
Talking about the news, Michael Fentiman said: “I’m delighted to be bringing our production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to the Gillian Lynne Theatre. The production celebrates the magic of live theatre and is led by a multi-talented cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers; it is a celebration of the possibilities of the collective imagination and the boundless wonders of individual skill. This story, about a community battling hardship in the darkest of winters, who together find freedom again in the light of summer, couldn’t be more pertinent for these times.”
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will play at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from the 18th July until the 8th January 2023. Book tickets here.