COME along and learn to fight was the message from director Katherine Barry to the stars of the Company of Ten Christmas show, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Professional fight director, Roger Bartlett, was asked to show them how to stage the battle scene in the C S Lewis classic adapted for the stage by Glyn Robbins.

He had the children playing Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy and the adult actors, including the White Witch, daggers drawn in a good cause.

Katherine said: “It is important that a staged battle really looks like a battle but naturally the actors’ safety is the prime concern. Roger has a wealth of experience so he knows exactly how to handle the actors and what can be expected of them in these situations.

“As we have two teams of children playing the main parts, everything had to be set twice so it is a lengthy and complicated process but Roger has done a fantastic job.”

She added: “The children all agreed it was the most fun part of the rehearsal process and they can’t wait to show the audience what they have learned.”

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is being performed at the Abbey Theatre at 7.30pm next Thursday and Friday, December 15 and 16, from December 20 to 23 and on December 28.

There are also performances at 2.30pm and 5.30pm next Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18, and on December 27.

Tickets can be obtained from the box office on 01727 857861 or online at www.abbeytheatre.org.uk