Audiences are being invited to take a trip through the wardrobe into the enchanted world of Narnia this Christmas.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe cast at The Maddermarket Theatre. Aslan(Mark Kitto) and White Witch(Laura Landamore).PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYThe Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe cast at The Maddermarket Theatre. Aslan(Mark Kitto) and White Witch(Laura Landamore).PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is the Maddermarket Theatre's seasonal show, and the production, based on the classic CS Lewis story, opened at the Norwich theatre at the weekend.

The theatre's Christmas play is its biggest production of the year and director Peter Beck said, this year, audiences were being treated to a great visual spectacle full of magical special effects and lots of surprises.

Mr Beck said: 'We are taking audiences on a journey that starts during the Second World War when four children are evacuated to a professor's house where they discover a wardrobe. They go through the wardrobe and we go into the incredible Narnia world of ice and magic, and lots of talking animals.'

The show opened on Friday and Mr Beck said it was proving popular with audience members young and old.

'It's a real thriller, there are some frightening moments and there are some hilarious moments. We could see lots of children on the edge of their seats following the story. Some knew what was going to happen; others were seeing the story for the first time,' he said.

'It is a classic story of good triumphing over evil. It is also a really great Christmas show as it features Father Christmas.'

About 60 people are involved in the production, including a cast of 12.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is at the Maddermarket Theatre until January 2. Tickets £10-£15. To book, call the box office on 01603 620917 or visit www.maddermarket.co.uk

Do you have a Norwich arts story? Email Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk