Packed houses for Cathedral Theatre Group's long delayed Narnia show

Originally planned for April 2020, the Cathedral Youth Theatre Group finally performed the Covid-delayed “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” to two packed houses last Saturday in the West Church Hall, Dornoch.

So full was the hall that some spectators were even sitting on the stage.

The young cast – ages ranging from eight to 13 – entertained the audience with many giving outstanding performances.

There were several surprising and entertaining diversions from the original well-known tale, as the four children left London as war evacuees in a train accompanied by Kylie Minogue’s “Locomotion" with the whole cast for company.

The faun, Mr Tumnus, also took to the stage, tap dancing to the strains of “Singing in the Rain”– skills never before seen in Narnia!

Part play, part musical, the tale was told through dance, song and scenes of high drama climaxing when Aslan (the King Lion) was sacrificed to save the wayward child, Edward.

At this point, the song “Make You Feel My Love” was deeply moving as was the Angel’s evocative dance which brought about Aslan’s resurrection.

The overwhelming consensus was of children truly having fun and enjoying themselves.

The production squad and music maestro Roddy Maclean were suitably thanked for a great team effort as were Stephen Mackintosh’s sound and lighting crew.

The theatre group's next show is planned for the summer 2023 with sessions starting in February.

A theatre group representative said: "Our thanks go to to all who supported the concerts where an amazing total of £675 was raised towards the group’s funds.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.