Into the Woods

KODS embarked on their final production, Into the Woods, prior to amalgamating with Carpet Trades Musical Theatre Company, to form the Kidderminster Musical Theatre Company.

One of Sondheim’s most popular works, the story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

The audience is introduced to the story via the Narrator, ably and clearly provided by Gareth Coffin, who interjects at various points to keep the action on track. Whilst the different characters have their stories and wishes, the early action involves the Baker and his wife and the items they must collect at the command of the witch, who will then break the spell that’s preventing them from having a child. Harvey Dalloway as the Baker and Becky Stevens as his wife made a superb pair, Dalloway initially nervous but determined to do what was needed and Stevens strong in support. Both acted and sang beautifully with good diction. Ellisha Green as the witch provided great stage presence and characterisation, albeit I thought at the expense of clarity of some words, but a very strong performance throughout.

We soon met Jack and his milky white cow. Jack played by David Bradley projected an innocent endearing character and sang well, and his cow in the form of a hand-controlled puppet was well performed unobtrusively by Claire Rutland.  Jack’s mother Emma Parker acted with strength, admonishing Jack from time to time and had a great voice. I also liked Little Red Riding Hood played by Emma Davies; bright outlook, lovely voice and some nice touches of wit. Molly Parker as Cinderella was also very well played with another great voice. As the traditional story depicts, Cinderella wants to go the ball (The Kings Festival) but her step-mother and step sisters do their utmost to prevent it; Grace Summers (step-mother), Immie Priscott (Florinda) and Jem Davies (Lucinda) all looked great and provided the right level of characterisation, avoiding the panto trap. There was a very nice moment when Cinderella’s mother (Sheila Wood) sang beautifully from the  upper stage area.

Completing the main character line up, we met an attractive Rapunzel (Meg Carrier) up an impressive tower,  Red Riding Hood’s granny (Jill Little), Wolf (Rhys Saunders-Samways) all adding to the action well. Adding further strength to the company were Rapunzel’s Prince (Alex Thompson) and Cinderella’s Prince (Rob Pinner) who later admits he was born to be charming not sincere! Their number ‘Agony’ was a high spot in Act 1.

At the end of Act 1, it would be easy to think that problems had been solved and the main story was over but Act 2 contained some impressive and beautifully staged moments, from the company’s opening number ‘So Happy’.   However, we hear (not seen) the Giant (Melanie and Michael Greenfield) and witness the problems they create! There was also a lovely scene between Pinner, and Stevens (great acting) who sang ‘Any Moment’ and later the number ‘Your Fault’ taken at great speed was spot on. Green’s ‘Last Midnight’ was powerful and Dalloway expressed tremendous feeling in singing ‘No More’. ‘No One is Alone’ provided other beautiful moments.

The set was very effective and the costumes and lighting were also very good. There wasn’t a lot of dancing, but what there was, was entirely appropriate and well delivered. There are times when I find the orchestra can make or break a good production. This one led by Josh Dibble was first class, never overpowered, aided by excellent sound levels. Throughout, the dialogue was sharp and the singing impressive. Sondheim can be an acquired taste, but I’m sure any in the audience who were unsure about the decision to stage this production, under the capable direction of Emily Hamer, would be converted. Congratulations to all involved.

Bruce Wyatt, Regional Representative district 10

I always enjoy a visit to Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society as Regional Councillor for NODA West Midlands. Having provided musical theatre since 1916 I wish all at KODS well as they join forces with Carpet Trades Musical Theatre Company to form Kidderminster Musical Theatre Company. Into the Woods was a fitting tribute to close the name KODS on for the reason mentioned by Bruce as the Regional Representative.

I now look forward to Now That’s What I Call A Musical in October 2026.

Andy Brown, NODA West Midlands Regional Councillor.  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.