PREVIEW: Narnia at Southwick

Following the group's acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers, in last year's Adur Festival, this year's production will be performed at The Barn Theatre, in Southwick Street, Southwick, from June 11 to June 14, as part of the annual arts extravaganza.

Incorporating physical theatre skills, mime, special effects and fantastic masks, the cast will transport audiences into the magical, frozen world of Narnia in this timeless tale of good triumphing over evil.

Evacuated during the Second World War, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy find their way into Narnia by accident while playing hide and seek in their new home in the country.

Ruled by the wicked White Witch, the land of Narnia has been covered in snow and ice for over 60 years.

Frightened and frozen, its inhabitants live in perpetual terror and dare not rebel, under the threat of being turned into stone by the Witch, who has declared herself Queen of Narnia.

But the Queen's power is threatened when the four children appear.

More than 30 adults and children auditioned for the show, with competition fierce for key roles such as the Lion, Aslan, the White Witch and Mr and Mrs Beaver.

David Frost, remembered for his wonderful portrayal of Ren in Adur Theatre Company's 2006 festival production, 'Allo 'Allo, will play Aslan, with Frank Horsley and Jill Leslie recreating Mr and Mrs Beaver.

The evil White Witch will be played by new member Gill Etter, whom regular theatregoers at The Barn Theatre will remember for her memorable performance in Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, last year, and, most recently, as Mrs Robinson in Wick Theatre Company's production of The Graduate.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe '“ written by C. S. Lewis and adapted for the stage by Glyn Robbins '“ is being directed by Fiona Cameron.

Fiona said: "Our production will appeal to all ages and our special effects will ensure a visual feast.

"We recreate the world of Narnia and the creatures living there through lighting, sound, projection and using physical theatre skills to interpret the characteristics of the different creatures involved."

Following the group's sell-out panto in January this year, Adur Theatre Company is returning to The Barn Theatre for a second time, owing to October's fire which wrecked the Harper Hall at the Shoreham Centre, the company's usual venue.

However, the group will return to the Shoreham Centre next year, when the renovations will be fully completed.

Curtain-up at the Barn Theatre is at 7.30pm and a matine will be staged at 2.30pm on Saturday, June 14. Tickets, priced 8, are available now, from the Barn box office on 01273 597094 or online by clicking here

-------------------------------------

Click here to go back to leisure.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: [email protected]