North East actor to star in classic childrens story on stage

Marking the 75^th anniversary of the publication of C.S.Lewis’ novel and following its celebrated West End run, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is set to enchant North East audiences when it visits Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 25 Feb – Sat 1 Mar) as part of its 2025 UK tour.

Step through the wardrobe into the magical 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.

Gateshead born actor, Andrew Davison is looking forward to returning to the North East with this production, playing several roles, including puppeteering Aslan. Davison, who lives in Seahouses, trained at SA Performing Arts Centre in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He went to school in Alnwick and last appeared on stage at Newcastle Theatre Royal 10 years ago at the age of 17, in Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies.

Andrew Davison said: “I am loving every minute of appearing in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and can’t wait to bring the show to the Newcastle Theatre Royal.  The citymeans so much to me and it’s an honour to bring this amazing show to the North East in the year that we celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the book. I am working alongside a brilliant cast of actors and musicians, who are all bringing CS Lewis’ magical story to life through dance, music and of course puppetry.  It’s the perfect treat for all the family.”

Joining Andrew on stage as The White Witch will be award-winning actress Katy Stephens, who said: “The level of talent on stage is incredible. I’ve been in awe of the stunning musicianship, beautiful dancing, and powerful performances. I’ve laughed, I’ve been moved, and I feel so privileged to be part of this production. I know the audience will feel the same way. Above all, it’s a beautiful, powerful, and truly magical show – the warmest, most enchanting spectacle you could imagine.”

The cast is completed by:  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) Ffion Haf(Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix), Rhiannon Hopkins (Miss Chutney and Blue Badger), Joe Keenan (Mr Granville, Spirit of the Moon and Red Squirrel), 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), Rhodri Watkins (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer) and Shane Anthony Whiteley (Maugrim, Satyr and White Stag) and Stanton Wright as Aslan.

C.S. Lewis’ novel was first published in October 1950.  Since then, over 85 million copies in 60 languages have been sold, making it one of the top ten best-selling books of all time. The stage adaptation of Lewis’ iconic book enjoyed a hugely successful West End run, loved by audiences and critics alike.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 25 Feb – Sat 1 Mar 2025.

Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.