The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will transfer to the Gillian Lynne Theatre this Summer, marking the plays West End debut.
C.S. Lewis’ beloved tale is brought to life on stage by director Michael Fentiman, based on Sally Cookson’s original Leeds Playhouse production.
Director Michael Fentiman said: “I’m delighted to be bringing our production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to the Gillian Lynne Theatre. The production celebrates the magic of live theatre and is led by a multi-talented cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and puppeteers; it is a celebration of the possibilities of the collective imagination and the boundless wonders of individual skill.
This story, about a community battling hardship in the darkest of winters, who together find freedom again in the light of summer, couldn’t be more pertinent for these times.”
The evil White Witch will be played by former EastEnder Samantha Womack who returns to the stage following performances in the West End and touring production of The Girl On The Train. Womack’s other stage work includes the Tony award-winning production of South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, The Addams Family and Harold Pinter’s Betrayal .
Further casting for the West End premiere of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is to be revealed.
Joining Michael Fentiman on the creative team are Set and Costume Designer Tom Paris, Composers Benji Bower and Barnaby Race, Choreographer Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, Lighting Designer Jack Knowles, Sound Designers Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, Puppetry Director Toby Olié, Puppetry Designer Max Humphries, Aerial Director Gwen Hales, Illusionist Chris Fisher, Music Director Toby Higgins, Casting Director Will Burton CDG, Fight Director Jonathan Holby, Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer Susanna Peretz, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl for Propworks, Dramaturg Adam Peck and Movement Consultant Dan Canham.
The production will follow Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella which was unexpectedly pulled from the venue due to poor ticket sales.
Producer Chris Harper said: “This wonderful production has been delighting audiences up and down the country and I am so thrilled that we can bring this magical family show to the West End this summer. We can’t wait for children and adults alike to join us on this spectacular journey through the wardrobe”
Produced by Elliott & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber the show is based on the original Leeds Playhouse production which broke box office records in 2017 and played to packed houses and critical acclaim at the Bridge Theatre in London in 2019.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will run from 18 July 2022 until 8 January 2023 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, London.
See images from the London production below.
