8th November Narnia and beyond
Probably the most famous book written by renowned Christian author C.S.Lewis, it is one that has been on the book list of childen down through the ages, I can certainly remember reading it and then being disappointed that none of the wardrobes in my house transported me to a magical land.
This year celebrates the 75th anniversary of the classic C.S. Lewis’s novel which was first published in October 1950. Since then, the novel has been translated into over sixty languages and sold more than 85 million copies.
Whilst not really ticking the 'festive box, this was the ideal dose of spellbinding escapist theatre for a windy November night. A real treat for the eyes and ears with a live on stage band providing the musical score and accompaniying the various songs, the staging was at times magical.
From the innocence of the four children, to the eccentric nature of the professor in whose house they find themselves, from the icy stare and nature of the wicked Queen in her dazzling white outfits to the unnumerable other characters that populated Narnia.
Then, of course, there was Aslan, brought to life through the puppetry of Toby Olié, whose previous work include War Horse, and the accompanying actor Stanton Wright. The nobility of the lion was beautifully created in its smooth and graceful movements that managed to instill both animal and human insticts. Gentle in its movements across the stage the hint of power and ferocity was never too far away.
The simply use of suitcases to create a moving steam train, the yards of billowing silk, the creative lighting and the bits that I am still trying to work out just how they did it, all combined to produces a fantastic nighte escapism. A night full of nostalgia, full of surprises and reasons to remind both of us that we need to get out to the theatre more often than we manged to do.
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