St. Stephens Reopens with Lewis’ Wardrobe

After resting unused for over three decades, St. Stephen’s will reopen its doors next month with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (17 March – 19 April). Presented by Antic Disposition, this performance will be the first to grace the stages of St. Stephens following its recent £4 refurbishment.

Co-directors Ben Horslen and John Risebero – who also co-founded Antic Disposition in 2005 – bring to life a new staging of the classic CS Lewis tale. The play stars Alice Fernbank, Jayne Dickinson, and James Pellow as the White Witch, Lucy, and Professor Kirk/Father Christmas, respectively.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe follows four young children as they seek safety from the London Blitz.

On reaching their country house, the children travel through a mysterious wardrobe which leads them to the winter wonderland of Narnia. Here they help Aslan the lion as he tries to break the evil White Witch’s spell, restoring Narnia from its one hundred year winter.

The theatre space has been designed by Risebero to match the frosty surroundings of Narnia, transporting viewers to the fantasy world of the play.

Celebrity patron Helena Bonham Carter calls attention to the staging of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by stating, “I’m delighted that St. Stephens is finally being brought back to life – it will make a unique and brilliantly atmospheric venue for live performances.”

– by Katie Blemler