75 years of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at Wycombe

Katy Stephens, known for her leading roles at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe, will take on the role of the White Witch as well as Mrs Macready in the stage adaptation of C.S.Lewis' novel.

Ms Stephens said: "The role of Her Imperial Majesty Jadis, Queen of Narnia in this thrilling stage version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is something I can’t wait to play.

"The thought of casting a spell over Narnia to make it always winter but never Christmas is simply tantalising.

"Let the magic begin."

The play will open at Leeds Playhouse on December 14, 2024, and will go on a UK and Ireland tour in 2025, and will play at the Wycombe Swan Theatre, High Wycombe from 8 – 12 April 2025. 

Other cast members include Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, Kudzai Mangombe as Lucy, and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund.

The production, directed by Michael Fentiman, is based on the original production by Sally Cookson.

Producers Chris Harper and Catherine Schreiber first produced the play at Leeds Playhouse.

Producer Chris Harper said: "We can’t wait for children and adults alike to join us on this spectacular new journey through the wardrobe, and are proud to be marking the 75th anniversary of the publication of CS Lewis’ novel with this tour."

Director Michael Fentiman added: "I’m delighted to be taking our beautiful production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe on a major tour of the UK and Ireland in 2025.

"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."

The play follows the story of Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter as they leave wartime Britain and enter the magical land of Narnia where they meet the faun Mr Tumnus, Aslan, and the White Witch.

Tickets can be purchased on the theatre's website.