I meet Birmingham’s White Witch about what it takes to play C. S. Lewis’s iconic villain at Birmingham Rep

Birmingham’s Christmas production of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will premiere at Birmingham’s Repetory Theatre later this month.

The stage adaptation of this beloved story roars into The Rep from Tuesday November 14 and runs until Sunday January 28 direct from London’s West End. The show invites audiences to step through the wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia for a brilliant stage adaption of one the most well loved fantasy stories.

Ahead of the production, BirminghamWorld caught up with Cath Whitefield, who is cast in the iconic role of the primary antagonist, the White Witch. Cath appeared in full White Witch costume at Birmingham’s ice rink on Thursday (November 2) to mark its Christmas opening.

Speaking with me about how she got the role of the White Witch, Cath said: “I auditioned a couple of years ago for the role and nothing came from it at that time. But this this summer I got a call from my agent saying there was interest in me becoming the White Witch this year and I was delightedto accept the role.”

“You need to be adaptable,” Cath says, as she discusses what it takes to play the iconic role. I’m also playing other roles within the show (she also stars as Mrs Macready) so you have to be on your game and be ready to take what comes at you.”

When talking about what appealed to her about the role of the White Witch, she says: “She’s super different from me - a really dark character and it’s always really interesting to play stuff so far away from yourself.

“She’s smart, quick, dangerous and all of those cool things. For the role, you have to take care of yourself, your voice and take care of your body. She added: “Rehearsals have been really great so far, there’s such an amazing team, we have actors musiscians who do everything all at once: singing, dancing and playing their instruments being amazing actors.”

Who else features in the production?

Taking on the role of Mrs Pevensie is Anu Ogunmefun, while Lucy is played by Kudzai Mangombe and her sister Susan by Liyah Summers. Brothers Peter and Edmund are played by Daniel Apea and Jerome Scott.

Aslan is brought to life by Oliver Hoare and Jez Unwin has been cast as the adored Mr Tumnus.

Tickets for the shows are available to purchase on the Rep website, here.