Aslan makes early appearance in Salford to mark countdown to festive fun of hit show The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Performers brought Narnia to Lowry for the day to give an exciting sneak preview of the critically-acclaimed production.

The celebrated production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, brought Narnia to Salford today, Friday 26^th September, at a special launch event for the show – which comes to Lowry for a 5-week run this festive period.

Guests were treated to performances from the show, Q&As from cast and creative team members, got to look at costumes from the show, enjoyed themed treats like hot chocolate and Turkish Delight, and even got up close to the iconic character Aslan as the stunning puppet from the show made an appearance.

The production runs at Lowry from Wednesday 3^rd December 2025 to Sunday 11^th January 2026.

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.

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.

Award-winning Katy Stephens plays The White Witch.  Katy’s extensive stage career includes leading roles at Shakespeare’s Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company with whom she is an Associate Artist.  Katy was part of the team that won the Olivier Award for Best Ensemble Performance for the RSC’s Histories Cycle where her roles included Joan of Arc and Margaret of Anjou.  Katy will also play Mrs Macready.

Katy Stephens said:  “I’m thrilled to bring this show to life for audiences. They won’t believe their eyes and ears! For two and a half hours, they’ll be completely transported. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening – a show that will captivate both adults and children alike. 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.”

Playing the Pevensie Children are:  Joanna Adaran as Susan, Jesse Dunbar as Peter, Kudzai Mangombe as Lucy and Bunmi Osadolor as Edmund.

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.

Producer Chris Harper said: “We are proud to be marking the 75^th anniversary of the publication of CS Lewis’ novel with this enchanting production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – a production that wowed audiences when it played at the Lowry in 2021. It’s the perfect show for Christmas – and we are delighted to bring it back to Salford.”

Lowry Head of Theatres Steve Cowton, said: “We are so excited to be welcoming back this fabulous production, which is a brilliant piece of imaginative story-telling theatre – with a real heart – and the perfect family production for Christmas. The show’s previous visit in 2021 was impacted by the pandemic so we are delighted to be able to welcome it, and audiences back, for what we know will be a hugely successful run this festive period.”

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is directed by Michael Fentiman based on the original production by Sally Cookson.  The  Set and Costume Designer is Tom Paris, Composers are Barnaby Race and Benji Bower, the Choreographer is  Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, the Lighting Designer is Jack Knowles, the Sound Designer is Tom Marshall, the Puppetry Director is Toby Olié, the Puppetry Designer is Max Humphries, the Aerial Director is Gwen Hales,  the Illusionist is Chris Fisher, the Casting Director is  Will Burton CDG andtheWigs, Hair and Make-Up Designer is Susanna Peretz.  

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe plays at The Lowry 3^rd December 2025 – 11^th Jan 2026. Tickets are available here.