The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe

Thank you very much for the kind invitation to me to cover for Terry Rymer for the Spotlight production of ‘Lion, Witch and Wardrobe’, a story that is enchanting and appealing to ‘children’ of all ages. And now in the refurbished Public Hall at Beccles, certainly you have such a welcoming and pleasant venue.

Very clever use of film to set up the period and rationale background to the children and evacuation period. Also liked that projection for the ‘snow’ sequences, worked well.

Must congratulate Cheryll Titchmarsh for the consistently high level of the harmonies and singing by the whole cast in a difficult Celtic-style score.

The four children really were of their period in appearance and style of character and they maintained their performances throughout. Molly Ellis as Lucy was outstanding in her vocals which were difficult, and her whole demeanor and attitude and interactions ideal through the story. The Susan from Bethan Roscoe as older sister was strong in portrayal and worked with that team, and Peter (David Hughes) definitely had the seniority and command needed for his family. James Morrison as Edmund had the stubbornness and defiance and difficulty to get everything in conflict with family and in the land of snows, not a very nice little boy. This team family had the right relationships to spark off each other.

I always love Mr Tumnus and Tom Holt had all the appeal, charm, and friendliness wanted as he met with Lucy in the wood. And the friendship and mutterings and advice of the Beavers (Stephen Taylor and Vanessa Hambling) as they pack up their house and travel through the snows with the children added to story and appeal.

On the cold and wicked side, Emily Holt had the looks, the shrill powerful aggressiveness and cold personality to dominate in her wicked plans as she sped through the snow in her sleigh, certainly not one to cross in deed or thought. Her henchman Grumpskin definitely deserved to work for her and kept up the cold and bad feel. And Cerys Roscoe as Maugrim led her team of wolves in pursuit with speed; the sequences at the Stone Table with cast and dancers from Funky Feet School of Dance certainly built up the momentum and hatred in a very energetic and mood-giving style, quite frightening.

And to counter-act the bad, we had the warmth and strength and dignity and power portrayed with style, the Aslan of Joe Learner as he dominated in correct and sympathetic fashion.

Back in the house, Mrs Macready (Clare Jameson) was all that one should expect of a harassed housekeeper dealing with unwanted evacuees. And perfection in casting, and as said in programme, eccentric and a little strange, a part made for him, Terry Rymer was the Professor and definitely his special role.

Julia Rymer had assembled a great team for her cast to realise one of those special stories for the Christmas period, so loved by all who know it, great.

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