The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Koorliny Arts Centre’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe might easily be described as ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – Spectacular’. This lavish, large scale production - featuring a large ensemble, puppet magic and strong visuals - is a sensory delight.

Most characters are played in puppet form - with ensemble members puppeteering a wide variety of animals, birds and trees - with beautifully choreographed movement sequences providing emotion and atmosphere. The ensemble is constantly moving, changing characters and executing choreography, while facilitating set changes. The stage flow, managed by Stage Manager Rachel Monamy, is very evident.

Particularly notable performances came from Aaron O’Neil and Katie E. Williams’ very personable Beavers, while Kairen Thorpe creates a powerful Aslan (with a lovely doubling as the Professor). Steven Correia is strong in a masked performance as the Dwarf, with strong community theatre debuts from Michael Schutte as a delightful Tumnus and Keenan Parish as a sinister Maugrim.

Nat Burbage is a wonderfully wicked white witch, in a larger than life performance, with Craig Griffen’s costume design giving her an “other world” feel.

Lovely performances from “the children”, played by adults, who capture both childish innocence and the burden of responsibility. Liam Gobbert is an earnest and forthright Peter, Ruth Bennet a sweet Susan, Tay Broadley is an appropriately infuriating Edmund, with Madeleine Shaw embodying girlish wonder and enthusiasm as youngest child Lucy. Their enthusiasm and belief in this world, allows the audience to be drawn into the experience.

Not only visually impressive, the soundscape of this production is integral to creating the magic of Narnia, with strong and meaningful musical arrangements by Kairen Thorpe.

This is a production that has strong directorial vision and has used theatrical magic to create a magical world. A theatre experience to remember for all ages.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: Deprimo Photography