West Yorkshire Playhouse have begun creating the magical world of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in a brand new adaptation for this Christmas season.
CS Lewis’ classic tale tells the story of four wartime evacuees, whose venture through an old wardrobe sets them on a courageous journey to save the mystical world of Narnia from the evil White Witch.
Directed by acclaimed director Sally Cookson, with a company of multi-talented performers including physical theatre artists, musicians and circus performers, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a West Yorkshire Playhouse, Elliot & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber co-production.
In a first glimpse of rehearsals, the actors are pinned and fastened into rolls of faux fur and silk and adorned with glasses, tails, crowns and furry tails by an on-hand Wardrobe department as they start to bring their characters to life.
Designer Rae Smith said: “Experimenting with costumes, materials, puppets and props is a brilliant and interactive way of creating a character from within the rehearsal room. By simply dressing up and playing in role with the actors they begin to develop the physical storytelling of the show. A costume could come out of the imagination of the actor, or the story itself, making it a richer starting point which can give surprising results.”
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, is at West Yorkshire Playhouse from Wednesday 29th November to Sunday 21st January. Book online at wyp.org.uk or call the Box office 0113 213 7700.
