Casting is announced today for the smash-hit production of C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which will make its West End premiere this summer at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Lane, London.
The show, which begins rehearsals today, is produced by the same team that recently won 5 Tony Awards for its production of Company on Broadway.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which has been seen by a quarter of a million people on its recent nineteen-week tour of the UK and Ireland, will begin performances in London on 18 July 2022 and play a strictly limited season through until 8 January 2023.
Joining the already announced Samantha Womack as the White Witch are original tour cast members Ammar Duffus as Peter, Shaka Kalokoh as Edmund, Robyn Sinclair as Susan and newcomer Delainey Hayles as Lucy.
Other cast members reprising their roles are: Scott Brooks (Mr Pope and Fox Trot), Rachel Dawson (Miss Chutney, Blue Badger and Spirit of the Moon), Oliver Grant (Mr Wilson, Schrodinger, Red Squirrel, Head Cruel, Aslan Puppeteer and Resident Director), Chris Jared as Aslan, Matthew James Hinchliffe (Mr Marsden, Mauve Mole and Music Captain), Shaun McCourt (Mr Granville, Jack Rabbit, Aslan Puppeteer and Puppet Captain), Christina Tedders (Mrs Beaver), Jez Unwin (Mr Tumnus) and Johnson Willis (Professor Kirk, Father Christmas, Wise Owl and White Mouse).
Actors new to the production are: Myla Carmen (Swing), Jasmin Colangelo (Swing/ Dance Captain), Julian Hoult (Mr Beaver), Ashlee Irish (Swing), Sean Lopeman (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare, Aslan Puppeteer), Micha Richardson (Mrs Pevensie and Robin), Ciaran Roger (Swing), and Charlotte-Kate Warren (Miss Gumley Warmly and Phoenix). Maugrim, Solider, Satyr and White Stag still to be cast.
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.
C.S. Lewis’ book (published by HarperCollins) has been engrossing readers young and old for over 70 years, has sold 85 million copies in 60 languages and is one of the top ten best-selling books of all time. More information about C.S. Lewis from www.narnia.com.
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.”
Tony award-winning 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”
