Aslan the record breaker

REP celebrates most successful season ever.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s Christmas production, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has been hailed a roaring success after becoming the biggest selling show in The REP’s history.

The record-breaking show, which ended its run on Saturday, January 16th, was seen by over 62,000 people, reaching 93% of the theatre’s capacity. The figure includes 207 schools who brought 27,928 young people to the theatre. Having opened at The REP on 26 November, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has delivered 82 performances.

Stuart Rogers, Executive Director at The REP said: “We’re so proud that our production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has smashed box office records at The REP. It’s hugely pleasing that the show has been a real hit with audiences, and particularly that 54% of people booking tickets had never been to The REP before.

“It demonstrates that there is a real desire from both schools and families in Birmingham for high quality home produced theatre. The success of the show is, of course, due to the hard work and commitment of the cast, crew, musicians and the creative team plus all the staff at The REP who have each played a part in making the show a roaring success.”

Through The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe The REP maintained its commitment to making theatre for everyone with a wide range of ticket prices to schools, families and young people plus accessible performances offering captioning, audio description, touch tours, signed and relaxed performances.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was directed by The REP’s Associate Director, Tessa Walker. The much-loved story by C. S. Lewis is part of the Chronicles of Narnia and was brought to life at The REP by a company of 14 actors who between them played more than 30 roles. The show also featured 150 props and 14 puppets, including a giant Aslan, measuring 10ft high by 14ft long.

Curremtly playing The REP is the much-loved production of The Snowman which opened onJanuary 20th. The show, which was created in Birmingham over twenty years ago, has just celebrated its 18th successful year at the Peacock Theatre, London.