The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

This was my first visit to Burley Theatre Group, and what an interesting night it was. Cast members of all ages treated us to a version Of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, dramatized by Joseph Robinette. The scenes were punctuated by a range of music, much of it quite contemporary, played by guitars, a violin and a trio of harps. What a very talented bunch you all are.

The show opened by taking us to the war years with a Vera Lynne song performed by Kathy Jackman. Kathy then bobbed up again as the witch’s goblin- a great performance. Kathy and her mistress, Lauren Varley, who played the White Witch really revelled in being the baddies. Damien Burras also made an excellent anti hero as Ulf. A group of Beavers (young scouts, not wild animals!) sitting in front of me were mesmerised by them all.

The goodies were represented by the four Pevensie children and by Aslan. Rachel Holroyd (Susan) Finlay Quinton (Edmund) Ted Scott (Peter) and Olivia Frobisher (Lucy) were all excellent in their roles. They sang beautifully and convinced in their fight scenes. They were supported in virtue by John Wise who was a very imposing Aslan with a dramatic roar which again had the Beavers reacting with enthusiasm.

Mr and Mrs Beaver (not young scouts, but wild animals) the Unicorn and Mr Tumnus all brought joy to the stage. A dance for Spring by Ceris Manger, who was also the choreographer, worked beautifully with a live violin accompaniment by the excellent Clare Richards.

This was a production filled with multi-talented, triple threat actors and proved a splendid alternative to a traditional pantomime. Well done to Tony Clegg aka Mr Tumnus for Musical Direction. Amanda Clegg showed great flair in her direction, especially the use of the whole hall, including the balconies. The stage has limiting factors for set, but the standard of props was extremely high, most particularly the brilliant sleigh on which the White Witch made her dramatic first entrance. Aslan’s stone slab worked well and really foreshadowed the parallels with the open tomb and the resurrection to eternal life.

Elsie Wood was a splendid cheeky elf, but all the younger animal performers did an excellent job. Their make-up was absolutely stunning. All the costuming was superb with some very original approaches to animal costumes, which worked most effectively.

Our National President had travelled from Devon to be with the group on opening night, also his consort and the Regional Councillor. In the battle of the medals, I definitely came last. But we all thoroughly enjoyed your interesting production. I look forward to visiting again.

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