Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Radio adaptions of literary classics are a mixed blessing, the necessary telescoping of the storyline and removal of descriptive passages often turning fine writing into banal dialogue-and-sound-effects.  But the BBC absolutely hit the target with these superb adaptions of two of the beloved C. S. Lewis tales, thanks to a crafty dramatisation by Brian Sibley and a cast who are really convincing in their characteriza­tions.  Even the children have no hint of precociousness while Rosemary Martin as the witch and Stephen Thorne as the rich-voiced Asian are outstanding. Difficulties in parts of the story line are magnificently overcome. The creatures being transformed from stone to flesh, for instance, makes positively joyful listening while the resurrection of Asian is moving and believable.  Pro­ducer Geoffrey Marshall-Taylor is to be congratulated. C.S.Lewis has not always been dealt with kindly by adaptations (remember that awful American cartoon of "The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe"?) but these tapes can be thoroughly recommended. My little girl, though she's read the books at least eight times, enjoyed them immensely.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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