Sylvester McCoy will be starring in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe, opening at Sadler's Wells Theatre on Dec. 14. McCoy, who will play the role of Mr. Beaver, is best known for his role as the Doctor in the British science fiction series “Doctor Who.” The rest of the cast includes Maureen Beattie as the White Witch, Robert Burt as Father Christmas, and Patrice Naiambana as Aslan.

The musical is based on C.S. Lewis' story about four children who enter the land of Narnia by climbing through a magic wardrobe. Narnia is ruled by the wicked White Witch, who makes winter last all year-round. The children set out to defeat her and to return the Lion King Aslan to the throne.

Originally staged at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1998, this production has proved a favorite with adults and children alike, attracting over 40,000 first-time attendees to the RSC when it was originally staged. It was revived in 1999, and in 2000 the production was staged at Sadler's Wells where it sold over £1.3 million worth of tickets before the first performance.

The original production was directed by RSC Artistic Director Adrian Noble. This revival will be directed by Lucy Pitman-Wallace. Performances will commence Dec. 6 to Jan. 26, 2002, and tickets are now on sale.

Barbican Box Office: 020 7638 8891 .

—by Theatrenow