This week has brought me a very special moment in my theatre reviewing life. I was kindly invited to the press night of Into The Woods at the beautiful Noel Coward Theatre in Covent Garden and the heart of London’s West End. From being a young theatre go-er myself and being introduced by shows such as Me and My Girl (at the age of 10) Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables (not until my 20’s) I only had limited chances to see such fantastic shows. Throughout my life I have become absorbed in the world of theatre never dreaming one day I would be reviewing such prestigious shows myself. After regularly reviewing shows up North to be asked to see this show means more to me than anyone could ever know. I will remember this moment for a long time to come and continue my support to performances and performers everywhere. I hope this is the beginning of a new chapter and to start with a show such as Into The Woods was just magical indeed. I dedicate this review to all of my family and their endless support always. I also look back to my first experience of performing at school in the chorus of West Side Story and promptly falling in love with it’s divine lyrics. Eleven year old me would not have imagined being given this opportunity and I am eternally grateful.
So now onto my review….(got sidetracked there!)
Here is what I thought…….
Into the Woods is a spellbinding musical that intertwines several classic fairytales – including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel – following each character on their own journey to find happiness. But in the dark heart of the woods, magic comes at a price. This show explores both the light and shade of the fairytales we’ve grown up with…you have been warned!
With Stephen Sondheim’s enchanting music and James Lapine’s clever book, Into the Woods the musical explores the consequences of wishes and the complexity of human desires. Directed by Jordan Fein with set and costume design by Tom Scutt when the magic of the woods is revealed to it’s excited audience you can hear a pin drop, truly one of the most spell-binding moments in theatre I have ever experienced.
The show introduces the enchanting story of a baker and his wife, as they embark on a quest to lift a witch’s curse desperate for their wish to be granted, crossing paths with other beloved characters in the mysterious woods along the way. Watch individual quests lead to unexpected consequences, exploring themes of desire, moral dilemmas, moments of self-discovery and the impact of actions.
The first act concludes with everyone seemingly achieving their wishes, but the second act reveals the darker repercussions of their actions and the complexity of the term “happily ever after”.
Expect a sumptuous mixture of humour, fun, drama and profound life lessons, set to the backdrop of the most stunning arrangement of melodies and clever lyrics that linger long after the curtain falls.
The set design is simply transformative and magical with the opening creating a jaw-dropping moment few theatre audiences will ever forget. I invite you to experience it for yourself soon!
Kate Fleetwood brought her absolute A-game with her stellar portrayal of the witch to the stage and was just nothing short of magnificent. Her vocals are through the roof, I was absolutely blown away by her.
Gracie McGonigal gave a magical performance in the part of Little Red Riding Hood. This is character work of the highest level with dreamy vocals to match.
Laura Pitt-Pulford and John Dagleish offered a fantastic pairing as the Baker and his wife. The duets were superb and the couple gave such a great energy all through the show, a joy to watch.
Simbi Akande was a powerhouse in her portrayal of Cinderella, my favourite being No one is alone which seemed effortless on stage, what a beautiful scene and blend of gorgeous voices.
Keith Ramsay as the playful Jack was just brilliant. A comedic part for the most of the show but then he showed real depth to the character and his Giants in the Sky number was beyond what I hoped for. Julie Jupp gave it her all with the part of Jack’s mother too, such talent!
Matthew Seadon-Young and Lucas Koch gave what I felt was the best duet I have ever heard on stage in my life (no exaggeration!) Agony was just the number I was wanting and more, packed with hilarity the perfect partnership but the most dreamy vocals I have ever heard, it was flawless, it was perfect and I enjoyed every moment of it as did the audience who were mesmerized!
Fiona Finsbury was gorgeous as Siren-like Rapunzel! Her sublime voice really lent itself to the role and she was a fantastic addition to the cast.
Michael S Siegel was a charismatic Narrator from the beginning. Something made the audience feel right at home and in safe hands with him. What a fantastic story teller and he also brought some fabulous comedy to the part.
Hannah Ichijo and Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson were a wonderful pairing playing the sisters with Jennifer Hepburn overseeing them as the Stepmother. What energy these three bring to the production as well as gorgeous vocals.
Jack Quarton played a fantastic part as the Steward with some great comedy moments as did Geoffrey Aymer as Cinderella’s father and Valda Aviks as the Grandmother and Giant. The whole cast worked so hard throughout it was just high energy from beginning to end, it never dropped at all.
What a tremendous time I had going Into The Woods. An unforgettable show that I wouldn’t even hesitate in giving 5 stars to, not one moment of hesitation at all. The hype about this show is most definitely real and I enjoyed every magical minute. Now does anyone have any magic beans?
Into The Woods is performed at Noel Coward Theatre Covent Garden. For all the information visit here:
I’m Cassie, a mum of 3, (most of the time I haven’t had chance to straighten my hair or drink a hot cup of tea) trying to juggle life as we all are and failing some of the time, but try and see my glass as half full!