Q&A with Chris Jared - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

 The UK Tour of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is definitely one of the best pieces of new theatre I have seen in a long time and when you have an exceptional cast and creative bringing this beloved story to life, you know you are in safe hands. The stage adaptation of C.S.Lewis' story is currently on a tour of the UK until April 2022 so there is not much time left to get your hands on some tickets and be transfixed by the world of Narnia right in front of your eyes. I had the opportunity to have a quick chat with the wonderful Chris Jared who brings Aslan to life about this wonderful show!

Q1. What is it like to bring the wonderful story of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to the stage?

It's a real treat, and I couldn't fathom a better time to be bringing the story around the country. Much like these Narnians, we have all endured a long winter and are coiled; ready for spring!

O2. Do you remember reading this story when you were younger?

Unfortunately, no. I was recently reminded of a book that must have meant a great deal to me as a child, (offering the inspiration for our family cats' names, Lick and Chew.) but is now unrecognisable. Danny Fox it was called.  This one I know I never read, but am glad to have it in my sack now. It's a good one. 

Q3. Can you introduce your character and tell me a little bit about their impact on the story?

Aslan is good. Ancient. Benevolent. A lion.

His fate is inextricably intertwined with the fates of our heroes, the Pevensie children, from the moment Lucy steps through the wardrobe. He is, like the guardian of the wardrobe, Professor Kirk, a chaperone whose sole purpose at the time of this story is to see Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy crowned at Cair Paravel. 

Q4. This show is a beautiful mixture of dance, puppetry and actor-musicianship; how do you think this has an impact on the way the story is presented?

I'd hope it's as satisfying for the audience as it is for us as performers. For us it demands a focus and concentration to ensure that these elements are harmonious and we are continually searching for sweet spots. Through use of all these elements we demand of the audience a certain level of concentration too, to see past these individual skills and experience how they support the storytelling as a whole.

Q5. You’ve worked with a lot of the cast during Amelie and of course director Michael Fentiman, what is it like to work alongside these individuals again? Have these relationships impacted on the way you have worked together in this production?

Most definitely. It's a wonderful family and I'm grateful to have been welcomed into it. We're into our fourth consecutive year of playing music together now, and there is a shorthand which has developed over time. And a bond that we rarely have the opportunity to make. I think it's really helpful if we ever get into a jam during the show.

Q6. This show is also very much about the entire design element too! What is your favourite part of the show aesthetically?

A huge mechanical jib that has the capacity to launch Samantha Womack and Shaka Kalokoh out of the theatre and into the high street. Everyone who interacts with it does so with grace and ease, but it's heavy and somewhat intimidating once the lights are low and the scene is set. 

Q7. What has been the challenging aspect of creating this show?

We are a big group, and rehearsing a show like this often means we were working different elements simultaneously. It's a magical thing when these elements are brought together.

Q8. Has this show developed and changed over time during the tour?

Yes. And no! There's a structure in place that obviously cannot be changed, but we are hungrily finessing both onstage and off. 

 

Q9. Has it been difficult and added anxiety with all of the ever-changing rules of Covid that could impact your show at any time?

Of course. We are hoping not to lose any more performances over the coming months, but it takes a great deal of work for our Producers and Management to keep us all in the theatre; and safely. For them, the stress is far greater. Personally; I'm just keeping my fingers crossed every day. 

Q10. What is your favourite part of this story?

A visit from Father Christmas. 

Q11. If you could be any creature from Narnia, which would you be and why?

The Gryphon, or the Phoenix.  Singing and flying. All day long.

Q12. Are there any other stories like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe that you think would be great and haven’t done yet?

Stephen King's The Dark Tower. It's another epic. And whenever time is evoked in our story, I'm back in Gilead again with Roland Deschain. 

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is heading to London's West End for a limited run from July 2022. Book your tickets now!