The BBC adaptation of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is a television series based on the beloved children's fantasy novel written by C.S. Lewis. Originally published in 1950, the story follows the adventures of four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, as they discover a magical wardrobe that leads them into the enchanted land of Narnia. The series, which aired in 1988, consists of six episodes and faithfully captures the essence of the book. It brings to life the fantastical world of Narnia, where animals talk, mythical creatures exist, and a battle between good and evil unfolds.
A History of the Magic Castle
As I was looking through my sources for events in LA for the week, I stumbled upon a charity event that was taking place in the castle the following evening. I m a Los Angeles local, yogi, traveler, foodie, pescatarian, Pom mom, hiker and adventurer sharing with you everything that I know about my awesome hometown and my favorite travel destinations.
It brings to life the fantastical world of Narnia, where animals talk, mythical creatures exist, and a battle between good and evil unfolds. The production values of the BBC adaptation are impressive for its time, with detailed sets, elaborate costumes, and convincing special effects. The cast of the series is exceptional, with memorable performances by Richard Dempsey as Peter, Sophie Cook as Susan, Jonathan R.
The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle in Hollywood is a private, members-only club dedicated to all things magic. To enter, you must be a member of the Academy of Magical Arts or a guest of a member. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, there will be an event that’s open to the public and you may be granted an RSVP.
This stunning Victorian is a familiar sight in Hollywood. Photo by The Magic Castle
I’ve seen this gorgeous Victorian driving by a thousand times on Franklin Ave. And I had heard all the amazing things that go on in there, yet I didn’t have any magicians in my social circle that could conjure an invite for me. As I was looking through my sources for events in LA for the week, I stumbled upon a charity event that was taking place in the castle the following evening. This was my chance!
A History of the Magic Castle
The property was built in 1909 by a Mr. Rollin B. Lane, a real estate mogul who used to own most of Hollywood. It officially became the Magic Castle in 1963 and the official clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts.
If you have the pleasure of getting in as a magician, guest, or attending an event, there is a strict dress code that everyone is required to follow. Ladies are expected to be in formal wear and the men are required to wear a dinner jacket at all times, as well as a tie or bow tie. This provides an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Also, no pictures are allowed past the lobby; hence, why I don’t have too many pictures for you!
Inside the Magic Castle
Inside the castle, there is a lobby where you are checked in. There’s a gift shop to the right with various souvenirs. In front and to the left of you, you will see bookcases and one that is a secret door that opens to the words, “Open Sesame.” This leads you to another room with a bar, a tiny theater to the right, and a staircase that leads to the main dining room. Since I came as a guest to the event, I was not able to have dinner there but I definitely want to come back. The menu looks delicious.
A secret entrance behind a false bookcase. Photo by The Magic Castle
To get to the other parts of the castle, you go through the dining room back down the stairs where there is another bar and the Palace where the main magic acts happen. It fills up really fast and has a lineup of three magicians. Further down this way, you can find the Prestidigitation theater which is medium-sized and also hosts magic shows. Past this room, is the basement that they reserve for private events and shows.
Before attending any shows, I tried out this amazing peach whiskey cocktail and this fruity strawberry drink. I liked the peach one the best. The first show I saw was a Slight of Hand act. It was an assortment of tricks featuring a handkerchief, deck of cards, cup and balls, and safety pins. I watched another magician, a Brit guy, do a variety act featuring cards, scarves and whole bunch of tricks.
The LA Girl at the Red Carpet Entrance of the Magic Castle
Overall, it was a fantastic evening full of fun and magic. If you’re looking to get into the Magic Castle, follow my Twitter and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook to learn about upcoming events that will be open to the public. It might be your only way in!
Have you been to the Magic Castle? How was your experience there? If you have not been there, are you interested in going someday?
Gwen Lane
I'm a Los Angeles local, yogi, traveler, foodie, pescatarian, Pom mom, hiker and adventurer sharing with you everything that I know about my awesome hometown and my favorite travel destinations.
Ahead, I’ve gathered 8 real-life magic show guest outfit ideas along with some dos and don’ts.
Scott as Edmund, and Sophie Wilcox as Lucy. These young actors bring their characters to life with energy and conviction, effectively portraying the emotions and growth that each sibling experiences throughout their journey. One of the standout performances in the series is Barbara Kellerman as the White Witch. Kellerman's portrayal is chilling, capturing the maliciousness and power-hungry nature of the character. Her presence on the screen is captivating, and her scenes are some of the most memorable in the series. The story itself is a timeless tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. It explores themes of loyalty, temptation, and the importance of family bonds. The BBC adaptation stays true to these themes and successfully captures the essence of the novel, making it a must-watch for fans of the book and newcomers alike. Overall, the BBC adaptation of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" is a well-executed and faithful portrayal of C.S. Lewis's beloved fantasy novel. It showcases strong performances, impressive production values, and a timeless story that has captivated audiences for generations. Whether you're a fan of the book or new to the magical world of Narnia, this series is sure to enchant and delight..
Reviews for "The Role of Animals in 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the adaptation of "Bbc lion witch and wardrobe". The acting felt forced and the special effects were outdated. The pacing of the story also felt off, with certain scenes dragging on for too long. Overall, I found it difficult to connect with the characters and the charm of the original story was lost in this rendition.
2. John - 3/5 stars - While "Bbc lion witch and wardrobe" had its moments, I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed by the overall execution. The costumes and set designs were impressive, but the script seemed lackluster and the dialogue felt stilted. Additionally, the lack of character development made it difficult for me to form a connection with the main protagonists. Overall, it was an average adaptation that did not live up to my expectations.
3. Emma - 2/5 stars - "Bbc lion witch and wardrobe" failed to capture the essence of the beloved book. The storyline felt rushed and some crucial scenes were omitted, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The acting was passable, but lacked the depth required to portray the complex emotions of the characters. The production value was decent, but that alone couldn't redeem this disappointing adaptation. As a fan of the original story, I was let down by this version and would not recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "Bbc lion witch and wardrobe". The acting was subpar and it felt like the actors were simply going through the motions. The special effects were laughably bad, making it difficult to immerse myself in the fantasy world of Narnia. The pacing was also off, with the story feeling disjointed and rushed. Overall, it was a dull and uninspiring adaptation that failed to capture the magic of the original book.
5. Jennifer - 2/5 stars - As a fan of the "Bbc lion witch and wardrobe" book, I had high hopes for this adaptation. However, I found it to be a letdown. The casting choices were questionable, with some actors lacking the charisma and presence needed to portray their characters effectively. The pacing was slow at times and the story felt disjointed. Overall, it didn't do justice to the beloved source material and I would not recommend it to fans of the book.