Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE roars into Wales Millennium Centre next month. This much-anticipated stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved classic will feature three incredibly talented Welsh cast members, set to bring new layers of magic to this epic tale.
The production, which visits Wales for the first time and celebrates the 75th anniversary of the publication of the C.S. Lewis novel, includes FFION HAF (Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix) from South West Wales, JOE KEENAN (Mr Granville, Spirit of the Moon, Red Squirrel and Cello) from Penarth and RHODRI WATKINS (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer) from Briton Ferry.
Rhodri told us…..
“I performed at Wales Millennium Centre in Mamma Mia around eight years ago, which was really special, so I’m excited to come back home to Wales and bring this spectacular show to audiences here. Prior to training professionally, I was part of the National Youth Dance Wales and National Dance Company Wales associates’ program and I’m very grateful for all the opportunities that have led me to where I am now.”
Joe added…..
“When I was in school, we used to do a lot at WMC and I have worked there professionally too, but never on the main stage, so I’m excited to do it for the first time with this phenomenal show.”
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.
We spoke to Rhodri recently ahead of the tour visiting South Wales. It’s been a long time since he performed on the Donald Gordon stage, on fact the last time was also his first time professionally, he was in the Mamma Mia tour some 8 year (ish) ago. He’s been in many shows since, including Back to the Future The Musical in London.
We walked about his training, which happened right here in Wales. He attended Gower College, Gorseinon and then National Youth Dance Wales. But we started with the WMC itself and just how special his appearance back home is going to be……
Award-winning Katy Stephens plays The White Witch, and the cast is completed by Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, Kudzai Mangombe as Lucy and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund, 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) F, Rhiannon Hopkins (Miss Chutney and Blue Badger), 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), 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.
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE is at the Wales Millennium Centre from Tuesday 11th through to Saturday 15th February. Due to phenomenal demand, an extra performance has been added at Wales Millennium Centre on Friday 14 February at 2pm. For more information and to book tickets go – HERE.
