The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe 75th Anniversary Launch
Stepping through the wardrobe into the world of Narnia has never been more magical! I had the pleasure of attending the launch event for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Leeds Playhouse on Thursday, 26th September. This year marks the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis’s iconic novel, and the event celebrated not only the book but the play's return to the Playhouse since its 2017 run. With the festive season fast approaching, this timeless tale will once again transport audiences to the frosty wonderland of Narnia, starting at Leeds before heading off on a major UK tour.
A Magical Entrance
The event, held in the Bramall Rock Void, felt as though it could have come straight from the pages of Lewis’s book. Upon entering, we were greeted by an elegant wardrobe—a nod to the one that opens the story. Walking through its fur coats and stepping out on the other side, it was as if we had emerged into Narnia itself. The space was scattered with costumes from the production, each piece a testament to the imaginative vision behind the show.
As if that wasn’t enchanting enough, the room was filled with live music from pianist Scott Brooks, later joined by Oli Grant on the Violin, this created an atmosphere as whimsical as Narnia itself.
Behind the Scenes with the Creatives
After a few moments to admire the costumes and get up close with the intricate designs, we were introduced to some of the creative minds behind the production. The Associate Director Pip Minnithorpe and designer Tom Paris took to the stage to talk us through the process of bringing this adaptation to life. They spoke about the magic of theatre—how the costumes, lighting, and puppetry combine to create the immersive world that audiences will experience this Christmas. Paris’s work is particularly breathtaking, with each costume carefully crafted to reflect the character’s essence, from the wicked White Witch to the noble Aslan.
A Musical Treat and a Roaring Finale
We were treated to a beautiful performance of When There Was Spring by Shaun McCourt, who originally played Mr. Tumnus in the West End production. His voice filled the room with both hope and longing, much like Mr. Tumnus himself when he first encounters Lucy. The music captured the heart of Narnia’s story—its beauty, its sadness, and the enduring hope for a brighter future.
Then came the grand reveal: Aslan himself! Brought to life by a team of highly skilled puppeteers, the majestic lion made a surprise appearance, reminding everyone in attendance of the show’s most awe-inspiring creation. Watching Aslan move, you could almost believe he had walked straight out of Narnia.
The Sweet Finale
As the event came to a close, we were all treated to hot chocolate and, of course, Turkish delight, evoking the famous scene between Edmund and the White Witch. Each guest also received a copy of the beloved novel to take home, a perfect way to keep the magic of the evening alive.
Conclusion
This launch event provided a captivating glimpse into what promises to be an extraordinary theatrical experience. Whether you're revisiting the magic of Narnia or discovering it for the first time, this production is sure to ignite your imagination. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will run at Leeds Playhouse from 18th November 2024 to 25th January 2025, before embarking on a national tour in the new year. Don’t miss your chance to step through the wardrobe into this enchanting world!
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will run at Leeds Playhouse from 18th November 2024 to 25th January 2025, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.
If you'd like more information about the show or to see its upcoming tour locations, click the button below to visit the official website
Photo Credit - Sarah Monaghan
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