INTO THE WOODS

Sondheim’s musicals are not for the faint hearted –there is probably not a more difficult choice of production in terms of a musical score – however this talented theatre company delivered a superb all round performance from start to finish.

The production explores the plots of several Brothers Grimm inspired fairy tales (Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack & The Beanstalk and Rapunzel) and the consequences of the characters wishes and quests – in this production each character existing between the young narrators’ imagination and his digital world of computer games.  What a clever use of technical gadgets throughout the production by the whole cast.  Who would have thought you could depict a beanstalk using i-pads and a spiral staircase!

There are many roles in this musical and each and every one excelled in their performance – it is impossible for me to pick out any individual performances.  There was not one weak link amongst this stellar cast, and each individual and collective performance would have, indeed, graced any professional stage. 

“Into the Woods” is a very dark story, and this company were highly accomplished musically, under the superb musical direction of Tom Kyle.  There were no weak links and each musical number was faultless in its delivery.  The singing was simply stunning.  The orchestra sounded superb, and played sympathetically so as not to drown out the performers.  Sondheim stories are complex enough without lack of clarity of diction.  With excellent sound designed by Oliver Trenouth we were guaranteed to hear everything!

The terrific set, designed to allow the flowing movement of the players’ entrances and exits with intricate use of a spiral staircase, provided an atmospheric backdrop to the eerie woods which were very cleverly projected, along with images of the “digital world” through which we were being transported.  Paul Denison’s lighting was excellent, and extremely atmospheric.

Costumes, wigs and make up totally enhanced the production.

Congratulations to Royston, Tom & Donna on a superb production – probably one of the most complex things they will probably ever tackle!

 

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