The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

This was the first full-length play from a new youth theatre venture from Swanage Drama Club, and everyone was clearly full of anticipation, with a full theatre, a very attractive programme and an excited buzz in the air.

The young cast had worked hard at characterisation: Edmund was so obnoxious he seemed hardly to be acting at all, but at the end of the play he achieved an impressive transformation into the reformed and wiser younger brother which many an older actor would fail to pull off; Mrs Macready was officious and bossy, just the sort of person children dislike; Susan gave a very mature performance, with strong, clear diction; Peter was a kind and caring older brother, burdened with responsibility; Lucy was bright and full of vitality; Tumnus was an endearing Faun; the well-spoken White Witch was haughty and imposing as she bewitched Edmund into doing her bidding; the Witch’s amusing henchmen had a sense of fun; the Beavers were a kindly couple and Mr Beaver’s excitement about the sluice gate was infectious; Father Christmas spoke well and his (unintentional) disorganisation was entertaining; the Professor was sufficiently matter-of-fact to make us believe he had been to Narnia; Aslan had a gentle authority; Maugrim and Greyback fought bravely in their fight scene; the Leopards and Duncan Dwarf battled more humorously; Duncan Dwarf spoke very well in addressing the White Witch; Aslan’s People worked well as a group, reacting well to the Witch; the Wood Mice were a gentle and sweet presence at the Stone Table; the Witch’s Uglies were evil, cackling and spiteful tormentors of Aslan.  In short, everyone knew who and how they should be.

Visually, this play was a feast: as we entered Narnia the trees, snow and haze combined with professional lighting to create a truly magical atmosphere; the Faun’s study was cosy and comforting; the Stone Table was attractively decorated; the Pavilion was very colourful and all props were of a high standard.  Costumes were just right.

There were a couple of first-night technical hitches, but when rehearsal time is short there is extra pressure, so learn the lines as soon as possible and speak out to the audience. Sound effects can often begin under dialogue, and can then quickly be brought up to full volume. 

This was a really good first show, a beautiful production, full of fun and future promise and I look forward to hearing about the next young people’s production from Swanage Supernovas.  Very well done, indeed.

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