The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
By C.S. Lewis. Willeton Senior High School. Directed by Stefan Brand. Willeton SHS, Willeton, WA. Aug 26-28, 2021
In a way, seeing a production at Willeton Senior High School is like entering a magical world. From the moment that you enter the school you are embraced by its inhabitants - a huge team of smiling and welcoming Front of House staff who make you feel welcome and valued. This continues throughout the evening, and is especially noticeable in this production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
Entertained prior to curtain, we enjoyed the piano talents of Harmoniche Deng - in a beautiful performance - with other audiences being serenaded by the Guitar Ensemble or Devanarayan Vernugopal - a credit to the Music Department.
Interval is also a special treat. Escorted to an undercover area, we were fed absolutely delicious finger-food by the Hospitality Students. Led by teachers Bradley Curran and Kristen Gibson, these students have wonderful culinary expertise and serve their food with manners and grace.
The show itself is a delight, with a lovely blend of actors and puppets creating a special world.
The four central characters - the Pevensie children - were given believable family relationships. Shashank Gupta gives Peter Pevensie a lovely ‘older brother’ feel in a very earnest performance. Jazlyn Skinner (who shared the role with Dionne Sebastion) was a gentle, mature Susan. Em Sanders (alternating with Blake Davies) revelled in the selfishness and priggishness of Edmund, while Kelsie Dowley (sharing the part with Jemma Walker) was a delightful, kind-hearted Lucy and worthy heroine.
Jemma Roach created an elegant but evil White Witch, well supported by Leah Adderly as Maugrim, Natalia Baluszynska as the Dwarf and TylerHewitt’s wolf.
The puppets are exquisite. Regular theatre goers may have seen them before, in Koorliny Arts Centre’s production of the same story - but credit to these performers, as they made the characters their own. Luke Brown is a loveable and complex Tumnus, the Beavers were gorgeously created by Jonah Palelei and Tenaya Kickett (or Stefanie Crossley at some shows) in endearing performances. The most complex puppet is Aslan - with head and voice mastered by Ishika Kharola and body manoeuvred with style by Letitia Kosonen, Annabelle Turner and Georgia Hunt.
Performers in smaller roles made the most of their appearances, with solid support from David Phillips as the intriguing Professor, Isabella Aroura O’Connell as nasty Mrs Macready and kind Father Christmas, and CJ Russel and Mischa Hartle as the leopards.
A strong team of dancers, thoughtfully choreographed by Cheryl Venter, added atmosphere and helped to move the story.
Lots of student involvement behind the scenes including a large efficient crew led by Stage Manager Jesse Langman, great sound from Lara Given and dramatic lighting from Luke Smith.
Like Lucy, being found and embraced by Mr Tumnus, Willeton SHS have embraced and charmed their audiences. Thanks to all involved in creating this special magic world.
Kimberley Shaw