Into the Woods

The open set looked amazing and worked really well. I loved the foliage, trees and use of props which were used very effectively. The umbrellas to make the beanstalk looked amazing along with the fluttering birds in the trees. Milky White was of the war horse model type( but obviously a cow) and was operated brilliantly by Benjamin Lythe. The costumes looked great and suited the characters being played. There were a couple of instances of microphones not up in time but overall sound and lighting only enhanced the production.

The creative team had done a great job and although dark the humour of this piece was really brought out by James Schofield’s direction. The band sounded great and the score which is one of the toughest out there had clearly been worked on throughout rehearsals to provide some stunning vocals and harmonies by Simon Pickup. The choreography and movement looked great and suited the production and characters.

The Narrator was really well played by Mary Platts with a lovely tone and great diction which is so important to this role. Cinderella was beautifully portrayed by Hannah Davenport with fabulous timing, delivery of lines and gorgeous vocals. Cinderella’s Stepmother and sisters were very mean to her and Lynsey Lythe, Emily Clarke and Brooke Mottershead acted these parts brilliantly.

Joseph Dillon was absolutely fabulous as Jack and “Giants in the Sky” was a personal highlight for me. Lisa Kay was equally fabulous as Jack’s Mum and this partnership created much humour.

Billy Pretsell and Dawn Flint were stunning as the Baker and his wife. Their vocals were fantastic and the humour and delivery from these two were second to none. I loved the dry almost sarcastic Baker and both actors delivered the torment of childlessness needed in these roles beautifully.

Alison Foy-Thackwell was tremendous as the Witch with fantastic vocals and demeanour. The first part costume added to the illusion of wicked witch and the costuming and hair were beautiful after the impressive switch.

Red Riding Hood was played beautifully by Elle Reynolds with great comic timing, vocals and stage presence. Helena Francis was great as Rapunzel with her lovely soprano tones and fantastic drunk acting. Peter Wakefield filled the role of Mysterious Man superbly well and Cameron Hall did a great job as the steward.

The two Princes were superbly smug and funny and Paul Allison was also stunning as the wolf. Josh Hankey as Rapunzel’s Prince had only 3 weeks to learn the part but no one would’ve known as he was word perfect on both dialogue and songs. Well done Josh.

Supporting roles all played their parts superbly with great harmonies on the songs and helping the story to flow. The whole show was a joy from start to finish and everyone involved should be very proud of this production which I thoroughly enjoyed.

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