WHEN this wonderful play version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe opened at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford in 1998, it broke all box office records. Opening at Ilkley Playhouse this week, there is every reason why this production should enjoy equal success here.

This adaptation is true to C S Lewis’s original and certainly won’t disappoint those wanting to introduce a new audience to this classic story. Using a team of narrators to shadow the four Pevensie children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, the adventure begins with as they are evacuated from London in the Second World War. Arriving at their mysterious uncle’s house they soon find a portal into a very different reality, a land where a witch’s curse means that it is always Winter and never Christmas.

In Damien O’Keeffe’s stylish production, excellent use is made of revolving stage furniture which is slickly wheeled into position to represent the many locations of the story. Using the full depth of the stage enables this large ensemble cast to have the space to create layered images, which give the impression of other worldliness and allows dramatic and impressive entrances.

The White Witch, Joanne Martin, personifies beautifully the cold atmosphere that she has created, wonderfully regal and gracious before becoming cutting and cruel. Mr and Mrs Beaver, Susan Wilcock and Bruce Sturrock, are a delightful comic turn, instantly lightening the mood and warming the stage with their rodenty twitching and fussing before bursting with gusto into song.

Of course it is a magical moment when Father Christmas, Peter Lindsay, appears with his sack of presents which will help the children restore proper order. The appearance of Alsan is majestic. In a commanding and richly toned performance by Faz Singahteh, the audience is left in no doubt that good will triumph over evil.

The music and singing raises the spirit of this wonderful story to an even higher plain and is sure to warm hearts. It runs until the December 17 and is the very essence of a Christmas treat. Don’t miss out!

by Becky Carter