The magnificent West End production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the publication of C.S. Lewis novel, brings the magical world of Narnia to the Empire Theatre during Spring Half Term in February.
Kudzai Mangome, who plays Lucy Pevensie in the classic production, graduated from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) in 2021. Kudzai, who is excited to be coming back to the city in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, said: “I am loving every minute of playing Lucy and can’t wait to bring the show to the Liverpool Empire. The city means so much to me and it’s an honour to bring this amazing show to Merseyside in the year that we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the book and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Liverpool Empire. I am working alongside a brilliant cast of actors and musicians, who are all bringing CS Lewis’ magical story to life through dance, music and of course puppetry.
A perfect treat for all the family coming to Liverpool during the half term holidays.”
Playing the other Pevensie Children are: Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund. Award-winning Katy Stephens plays The White Witch. Katy’s extensive stage career includes leading roles at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company with whom she is an Associate Artist. Katy was part of the team that won the Olivier Award for Best Ensemble Performance for the RSC’s Histories Cycle where her roles included Joan of Arc and Margaret of Anjou.
Katy will also play Mrs Macready. Katy Stephens said: “I’m thrilled to bring this show to life for audiences. They won’t believe their eyes and ears! For two and a half hours, they’ll be completely transported. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening – a show that will captivate both adults and children alike. The level of talent on stage is incredible. I’ve been in awe of the stunning musicianship, beautiful dancing, and powerful performances. I’ve laughed, I’ve been moved, and I feel so privileged to be part of this production. I know the audience will feel the same way. Above all, it’s a beautiful, powerful, and truly magical show – the warmest, most enchanting spectacle you could imagine.”
The cast is completed by: Archie Combe (Mr Pope and Foxtrot), Andrew Davison (Mr Wilson Schroedinger, Jack Rabbit, Aslan Puppeteer and Head Cruel), Anya de Villiers (Mrs Beaver), Molly Francis (Mrs Pevensie, Aslan Puppeteer and Robin) Ruby Greenwood (Onstage Swing) Ffion Haf (Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix), Rhiannon Hopkins (Miss Chutney and Blue Badger), Joe Keenan (Mr Granville, Spirit of the Moon and Red Squirrel), Oliver Magor (Onstage Swing), JB Maya (Onstage Swing), Luca Moscardini (Onstage Swing), Alfie Richards (Mr Tumnus, White Mouse and Badger), Kraig Thornber (The Professor, Father Xmas and Wise Owl), Ed Thorpe (Mr Beaver), Rhodri Watkins (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer) and Shane Anthony Whiteley (Maugrim, Satyr and White Stag) and Stanton Wright as Aslan.
C.S. Lewis’ book was first published in October 1950. Since then, over 85 million copies in 60 languages have been sold. It is one of the top ten best-selling books of all time. The stage adaptation of Lewis’ iconic book enjoyed a hugely successful, critically acclaimed London run in 2022/3. Producer Chris Harper said: “We can’t wait for children and adults alike to join us on this spectacular new journey through the wardrobe and are proud to be marking the 75th anniversary of the publication of CS Lewis’ novel with this tour.”
Director Michael Fentiman added: “I’m delighted to be taking our beautiful production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe on a major tour of the U.K. and Ireland in 2025. 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.”
Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet Mr Tumnus the faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.
LISTINGS
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe
Liverpool Empire Theatre
Tuesday 18th February – Saturday 22nd February 2025.