Record-breaking ticket sales, five star reviews and a cast of young performers cutting their acting teeth in front of a full house every night.

Christmas has truly arrived at the Rose Theatre, as its production of CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe surpasses all expectations.

And the feel good factor is apparent not just among audiences, who have been thrilled by the Rose stage’s spectacular transformation into Narnia, but among the cast members as well.

Katy Secombe and Daniel Goode, who play Mr and Mrs Beaver, are among the adult actors starring alongside a rotating cast of 67 children aged 12-18 from the Rose Youth Theatre.

This week they told the Surrey Comet about life behind the wardrobe door.

“Rehearsals were really fun.

"We had some rehearsals at the Ravens Ait, and had to get a boat to take us across, not how we usually arrive to rehearse,” says Secombe.

Goode adds: “We have a lovely cast of children and they are a joy to work with.

“We ended up being parental figures for the Pevensies, as we play their parents before they get evacuated, and then have to lead the family through Narnia in the magical world.”

The pair seem to be having as much fun off stage as on, and both claim their role was the favourite in the show.

Both are devoted Narnia fans with Goode, 43, saying he has read the book every year since it was read to him in school.

And it being Christmas, the topic of food – and more specifically the White Witch’s infamous Turkish Delight – is raised.

“We had Turkish Delight on the first night,” says Secombe, 42. “The play and that treat really made it feel like Christmas.”

Both have worked at the Rose Theatre previously and agree the size of the venue lends itself perfectly to the grandeur of Narnia.

Surrey Comet:

Kate Ashman (Lucy), Thomy Lawson (Susan), Katie Secombe (Mrs Beaver) Callum Cronin (Peter) and Daniel Goode (Mr Beaver) on stage

“The moment when the children step through the wardrobe and experience the Christmassy wood for the first time really encapsulates the awe we as the cast feel on the amazing set,” says Secombe.

“The play epitomises Christmas,” adds Goode.

“It is a story of the strength of one family unit facing the world.

“It is a story of loss, grief, hope and courage and we hope that as many people can come along to enjoy the production.”

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Rose Theatre, High Street, Kingston.

Now until Sunday, January 4. £10 - £27.

For more details visit rosetheatre kingston.org or call 020 8174 0090.