‘Narnia’s’ London launch

The stars of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” posed and preened on an ice-blue carpet under faux snowflakes during the world premiere of the children’s classic Wednesday night at Royal Albert Hall, even if they were not quite yet household names.

“Who’s that?” Who’s that?” was a frequent cry heard from bright red bleacher seats filled with several hundred shivering spectators on a night that included a royal presence, a giant wardrobe and costumed fans. They looked on as dozens of television crews from as far away as Argentina jostled to photograph the British actors from the $180-million adaptation of British theologian C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

“We don’t know any of their names,” said Josepha Sowa, 20, of Paris, who sat in the front row bundled up in a winter coat and wool hat.

“We thought a world premiere would be crazy. It’s quite calm,” said Soumaya Benyahia, also 20, of London.

At a time when her talents were needed, comedian-turned-red carpet analyst Joan Rivers was sorely missed.

George J. Mitchell, the Disney board chairman and former Senate majority leader, marched down the middle of the carpet behind a companion. But no one pointed him out or appeared remotely interested in snapping his photo.

British celebrities in attendance included Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and their two daughters, singer Annie Lennox, guitarist Brian May of Queen and Leah Wood, daughter of Rolling Stone guitarist Ron Wood.

The arrival of Britain’s royal couple marked the evening’s highlight. Prince Charles showed up in a conservative dinner jacket at the black-tie affair, while Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wore a pleated, midnight-blue skirt by Robinson Valentine.

The royal couple chatted amicably with the cast as they made their way through a receiving line that included Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz, whose Walden Media co-produced the picture with Disney, and Douglas Gresham, stepson of writer Lewis.

Prince Charles reportedly laughed at all the appropriate moments during the movie and was seen giving Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger a thumbs-up upon leaving the royal suite.

The couple’s arrival had been greatly anticipated by Nina Watson, who took a half-day off from her administrative job at the University of London to watch the festivities from the grandstands. Clad in a flowing gown that she made from satin, Watson dressed up as the film’s White Witch because there were few adult female characters to choose from.

“I didn’t want to be Mrs. Beaver,” she said.

Watson brought along a paperback copy of the Lewis book and a box of Turkish delight -- a key element in the film -- wrapped in aluminum foil. She declined to state her age, and lest her questioner begin to wonder about her, added, “I’m not a fanatic.”

About 3,700 people attended the premiere. Prices ranged from nearly $100 per ticket to about $10,000 for a skybox of 12 seats. A Disney spokeswoman said the event raised close to $1 million for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.

After the premiere, about 2,000 guests walked across the street into Kensington Gardens in the pouring rain for a lavish after-party. They filed through a giant wardrobe at the entrance of a pavilion that was turned into a snowy paradise with an enchanted forest and ice palace.

“It’s a good night,” said Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook, standing in a jam-packed VIP section. “It’s fantastic to be in London with this movie. We have real high hopes.”