Despite a late start and some very clanky dialogue to explain the wartime evacuation of the four Pevensie children on whom the story centres, the plot quickly moves to inside a wardrobe from which Lucy Pevensie (Emily Hardy) discovers the magical kingdom of Narnia. Here, thanks to the White Witch (Megan Prosser), self-proclaimed Queen of Narnia, it's 'always winter but never Christmas'.

Tumnus (Dave Walton) is the first to burst into song, followed by a ditty from Edmund Pevensie (Rob Frimston) on the joys of Turkish Delight - used by the White Witch to trick him into supporting her. It takes a long time for all four children to get through the wardrobe, with much early concentration on Professor Kirk (Freddie Hutchins), who, it's hinted, knows more than he admits. Mr Beaver (Uriel Adiv) and Mrs Beaver (Natalie Kesterton) take it upon themselves to take the children – minus runaway Edmund – to find lion Aslan (Sami Abu-Wardeh) at the Stone Table and solve Narnia’s problems by sitting on the four thrones at Cair Paravel. Running from the Witch, they meet Father Christmas, who has presents for the children, as well as being the first hint that the Witch’s spell is being broken.

Aslan gives his life to the Witch to protect Edmund and fulfil Narnia’s Deep Magic – and, it turns out, Deeper Magic that restores his life. In the meantime, the children must fight the witch. Peter Pevensie (Edward Rowett)’s sword and Edmund’s bravery in breaking the Witch’s wand set them towards victory. After reviving Edmund with her rescue potion, Lucy, together with Susan Pevensie (Hannah Lee), tends to the injured. They head to Cair Paravel, are crowned, and rule for many years as mature adults, before accidentally ending up back through the wardrobe and children again. Characters involved in the story include Grumpskin (Lowri Amies), Maugrim (Zoe Cooper) and the ensemble (Holly Hunt, Jenni Mackenzie, Lucy Marks, Julia Parlatto).

There’s much to enjoy in this production, which manages to be well-targeted for children, without ever seeming too childish. Once it kicks off, the story maintains pace, and the evil characters manage to seem scary, but not too terrifying. There are some issues, however, such as the songs, which feel a little crowbarred in, especially at the early stages, although this improves over the course of the show. Sadly the singing quality is also variable, with key roles seeming to be picked more for looking the part – which all do – rather than vocal strength. More easily addressed is the fact that characters doing anything low at the front of the stage are impossible to see, especially for small children in the back row. Overall, a great way to pass an hour and a half accompanied by children - and not a bad one even without.

Cast (alpha order): Sami Abu-Wardeh - Aslan. Uriel Adiv - Beaver. Lowri Amies - Grumpskin. Zoe Cooper - Maugrim. Rob Frimston - Edmund Pevensie. Emily Hardy - Lucy Pevensie. Freddie Hutchins - Professor Kirk. Natalie Kesterton - Mrs Beaver. Hannah Lee - Susan Pevensie. Megan Prosser - White Witch. Edward Rowett - Peter Pevensie. Dave Walton - Tumnus. Ensemble - Holly Hunt, Jenni Mackenzie, Lucy Marks, Julia Parlatto.

Band: Trumpets – Jo Skelker, Mike Collins. Flute – Sally Printall. Clarinet / Saxophone – Ben Davies. Violin – Chris Richards. Percussion – Sam McEvoy, Belinda Sherlock.

Company: Writer of original story - CS Lewis. Adapted for stage by - Adrian Mitchell. Music by - Shaun Davey. Director – Charles Arrowsmith. Musical Director – Luke Rogers. Assistant Musical Director – Sarah Bodalbhai. Technical Director – Alex Brett. Production Assistant – Hannah Fair. Company Stage Manager – Scarlett Crème. Lighting Designer – Rob Mills. Production Designer – Claire Butcher. Costume Designers – Louise Barker, Bethan Bide, Bethany Sims. Originally written for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Company - Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club (Cambridge University ADC). Edinburgh Fringe Official Category: Childrens Shows, recommended for ages 5+. www.cuadc.org. www.aslanisonthemove.co.uk. Producer – James Baggaley.

END

(c) Gill Smith 2007

reviewed day 1 August 07 / C Venues

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008