School pupils create Narnia wonderland in Seaham

Authentic props have given a school production the edge as its pupils wow audiences once again.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 16th Dec 2015, 10:54 BST
Ben Weir, Liam Wilson, Katie Meir, Luke Smith and Rhiannon Gillibrand, who play the lead roles in the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKSBen Weir, Liam Wilson, Katie Meir, Luke Smith and Rhiannon Gillibrand, who play the lead roles in the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKS
Ben Weir, Liam Wilson, Katie Meir, Luke Smith and Rhiannon Gillibrand, who play the lead roles in the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKS

Seaham School of Technology has turned its attention to putting on more shows as it prepares to move to a new building with better facilities.

The latest in the line of performances brought together a cast and crew of more than 65 students in a version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.

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Among the items used to create the magical Narnia wonderland on set is a wardrobe and electric lamp which once belonged to the grandmother of the school’s head of performing arts.

The cast of the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKSThe cast of the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKS
The cast of the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKS

Vikki Mason’s parents Kay and Peter found the furniture in their garage after they stored it following the death of Vikki’s grandmother Amelia Mason.

Vikki, who formerly worked at English Martyrs in Hartlepool, said: “I love things that are shabby chic and I saw the wardrobe and the lamppost and since I joined the department two and a half years ago, we’ve made a return to full-scale shows.

“This is a great story, so when I saw the wardrobe, I thought it would be a good idea.

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“In some productions, the cast come through a fake door, but here, they use the real thing.

Jessica Graham who plays Mr. Tumnus and Katie Meir who plays Lucy in the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKSJessica Graham who plays Mr. Tumnus and Katie Meir who plays Lucy in the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKS
Jessica Graham who plays Mr. Tumnus and Katie Meir who plays Lucy in the Seaham School of Technology production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Picture: TOM BANKS

“The students have been fantastic and it’s been a fantastic year to showcase their work.

“We did a panto last year, Cinderella and the Pantomime Thief, and next September we’ll be in our new building.

“I think a lot of the pupil love that they are using authentic props.

“They’ve all done really well in how they have planned and rehearsed it all.”

The production has been supported by art department colleagues Andrew Temple and Laura McNally.

Related topics:Hartlepool