JORDAN Gosbell is enjoying the dual roles of Fenris Ulf (Maugrim) and an assistant director in training with the Wangaratta Players Youth Group (Youthies) production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

“When I was first asked to help direct I just assumed that an older Youthie was needed to help to keep an eye on the ever-growing cast,” Jordan said.

“But in reality (program directors) Bec and Lexi wanted another person to give their perspective as to the movements and feel of the actual play; suddenly I was helping to enhance the performance of the whole cast, sharing my perspective on different scenes and helping bring the play together which has been such an honour and something I have felt very closely connected to.

“I have loved trying directing out and working with Bec and Lexi but meeting so many talented young actors and seeing them grow and find their potential has been the best part of it all.

“On the flipside, my character of Fenris Ulf is almost the opposite of me and I don’t feel very connected to him at all; he is abusive and intentionally cruel to the animals of Narnia, all in the name of his queen.

“Sometimes it's challenging to become Fenris but it helps that the actors working with me are comfortable with what Fenris does and I remember that I am not the same as the character I play, which I believe is a skill all actors need.”

Jordan has been part of the oldest group of Youthies, since their first session in July 2022 and said he has loved seeing Youthies grow, gain new people seemingly every week.

“The untapped passion for acting and all things drama in this town is larger than I had expected and I'm sure there are more people who would jump at the chance to join us if they knew about it.

“Youthies is a great community of like-minded young people with a healthy love for all types of drama (performing and not), we always have fun and it's really a perfect environment to learn and have fun.”

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.

“I think the best part about our production will be the immersion of the show, especially as it will encapsulate the foyer of the Stage Door,” Jordan said.

“When the audience first walks in the door we hope to keep them in suspense as they walk into another world full of magic and wonder.

“We are also going to make all our own sound effects, but hopefully they are good enough to fool the audience.”

All performances of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe which opens this Saturday and continues during the school holidays.