TV and theatre star Samantha Womack will play Narnia's evil White Witch when The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to Southampton in November.

The Leeds Playhouse production of the C.S. Lewis classic begins a major tour of the UK and Ireland this autumn and will take to the stage at Mayflower Theatre from November 23 to 27.

Samantha Womack, best known for her portrayal of Ronnie Mitchell in Eastenders, told the Daily Echo: "Having been a huge fan of C S Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I am thrilled to be playing the The White Witch. The book has always been a magical read and having watched incredible actors interpret this role I am excited to see what she holds for me.

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Daily Echo:

"This production is so beautifully conceived with thrilling sets and costumes and an amazingly talented cast and creative team. I can’t wait to seduce, plot and terrify Narnia into a permanent winter."

Samantha Womack returns to the theatre after her recent success playing the lead role in the sold-out production of The Girl on the Train in the West End and on tour. Samantha’s past theatre roles include the Tony award-winning production of South Pacific and Guys and Dolls.

Her varied work on TV includes Game On and Liverpool 1.

Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet a Faun, talking Beavers, Aslan, the noble king of Narnia, and the coldest, most evil White Witch.

Tickets are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 023 8071 1811.