ERIN Schloss says it’s challenging playing an older, motherly-type character in the Wangaratta Players Youth Group (Youthies) production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

“My character, Mrs Beaver, is very motherly and caring, she is a positive thinker and very hopeful and being that she is a lot more motherly than me, it has been a challenge,” Erin said.

Erin has been involved with Youthies for about 12 months and said she loves the drama games they play, spending time with her friends and working with (program directors) Bec and Lexi.

“Some of the best parts of Youthies, and the production itself, have been learning more about acting and the other behind the scenes things that go on.

The sentiment is echoed by fellow 12-month member Charlotte, who has taken on the role of Aslan the lion.

“I love everything about Youthies from the drama games to the amazing teachers and the enthusiasm of the other students.”

Based on the classic story by C. S. Lewis, this performance of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe has been dramatised by Joseph Robinette for a younger audience and runs for approximately 80 minutes.

This version faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of the great lion Aslan; his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of the four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting land of Narnia.

“Audiences are going to love the character of Aslan the best I think,” Erin said.

While Charlotte agreed, she hoped that audience members would be simply ‘transported to another world once they entered the foyer section of the Stage Door’.

“Aslan is a symbol of victory over evil, he is the kindest, most forgiving being in all of Narnia and is not an ordinary lion,” Charlotte added.

“He takes care of other animals and doesn’t hunt them.”

Charlotte said that she identifies with her character of Aslan on some level but he is not her entirely.

“Part of acting is that you find the parts of your character you can identify with and use that to help you play that role,” she explained.

“I do think it is good to play a character you don't fully identify with because it gives you the opportunity to learn.”

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be held during the school holidays on Saturday, September 23 at 7pm and matinee performances on Sunday, September 24, Tuesday, September 26, Wednesday, September 27, Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30 at 2pm at the Stage Door at 4D Evans Street Wangaratta.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 15 years and under.

To book, visit https://www.trybooking.com/CLCTY.