Review

Winter Magic - photos

We all need a little magic in our lives and here it was. We sat and enjoyed this lovely, nostalgic, light-hearted production. What a coup! A week before the release of the film, this story was here in the village.

I liked the attention to detail in the 1940s children's clothes and the edgy unease caused by Mrs. Macready's attitude. Great performance by Beth Trimmer in the dual role as the White Witch also.

The creaking wardrobe door and the spooky voice as Lucy (shared by Jodie Fowkes and Rosie Clements) led us into the wintry wood was the start of the magic.

I admired the Arts and Crafts design of that door.

One of the most striking skills achieved by Julie and Richard Kingcott's Producer/ Directorship was the way all the spirits, fairies and other cast members focused rapt attention from their perch on the side of the set on the centre-stage action.Only those who've worked with children will appreciate how difficult this is.

The malevolent glares of Maugrim (Louise Barker) sent shivers down my spine.

All the creatures played their roles believably- didn't you just love Mrs. Beaver's rustic accent? (The Cox sisters Abie and Jessie shared this part). Sean Turner made a gentle Mr. Tumnus.

The transformation from winter to spring was so joyous. Birds singing, green-clad spirits, flower fairies and that amazing bee buzzing its way through the auditorium. With such a large cast it's difficult to acknowledge everyone's contribution.

The underlying message of C.S.Lewis's story has great black/white moral significance and these children are going to remember it for a very long time.

The adults supporting this venture with scenery, sound/lighting and encouragement should be so proud at the success of such a quality event.

When in the 1940s an old Aunt of mine was trapped in a wardrobe that toppled over on her I bet the stars she saw were not at all like these!
Rosemary Hodges

[Ed: And when Aslan (Peter Ellis) first burst onto the stage in his long curly multicoloured wig, I thought for one second that Led Zeppelin had re-formed specially for the occasion]

One of the most striking skills achieved by Julie and Richard Kingcott's Producer/ Directorship was the way all the spirits, fairies and other cast members focused rapt attention from their perch on the side of the set on the centre-stage action.Only those who've worked with children will appreciate how difficult this is.

The malevolent glares of Maugrim (Louise Barker) sent shivers down my spine.

All the creatures played their roles believably- didn't you just love Mrs. Beaver's rustic accent? (The Cox sisters Abie and Jessie shared this part). Sean Turner made a gentle Mr. Tumnus.

The transformation from winter to spring was so joyous. Birds singing, green-clad spirits, flower fairies and that amazing bee buzzing its way through the auditorium. With such a large cast it's difficult to acknowledge everyone's contribution.

The underlying message of C.S.Lewis's story has great black/white moral significance and these children are going to remember it for a very long time.

The adults supporting this venture with scenery, sound/lighting and encouragement should be so proud at the success of such a quality event.

When in the 1940s an old Aunt of mine was trapped in a wardrobe that toppled over on her I bet the stars she saw were not at all like these!
Rosemary Hodges

[Ed: And when Aslan (Peter Ellis) first burst onto the stage in his long curly multicoloured wig, I thought for one second that Led Zeppelin had re-formed specially for the occasion]