Into The Woods

Nöel Coward Theatre

Come on, it's just a classic, isn't it? And this is the perfect revival, directed by the sensational Jordan Fein, and it didn't win Olivier Awards for nothing. It's a West End gem!

We wished for the perfect revival of the musical classic by the legend that is Stephen Sondheim, 'Into the Woods', and boy did Jordan Fein deliver with incredible direction, Aideen Malone for lighting that is an art form, and Tom Scutt with the most stunning costumes and set. What a show; it's just breathtaking. If you are serious about musical theatre, this needs to be at the top of your 'to watch' list. If you don't know the story, it's fairy-tale characters all going INTO THE WOODS on their own personal journey; it's a very symbolic show, and there are elements of each character that you can relate to. It fuses fantasy with our real-life problems, and how far will you go to get what you want? When you get what you want, are you ever truly happy? The show is wild, the music is wild, and it will leave you feeling a lot of emotions. Milky the Cow gets an honourable mention because she is the best character, with the best bangs and reminds you of your childhood teddy. Let's get into it then, shall we?

John Dagleish is the new 'Baker' and plays this role perfectly! The dynamic between him and Laura Pitt - Pulford is enjoyable, comic and relatable. Their voices sound beautiful together; the casting feels just right! They clearly show the moments where they are drawn to something, how they want something more and are questioning their paths. You look forward to their scenes. One character who is astounding is the Witch, played by Kate Fleetwood, and she is quite the performer. The comedy, animation and personality she gives the Witch are almost lovable; whilst she is a character who is not a good person, there is a smidge of relatability. Her performance of 'Last Midnight' is superb; she puts so much variety into her voice, and it feels like such a climactic moment. It's impressive. The audience ADORE the princes played by Lucas Koch and Matthew Seadon-Young. Their comic abilities, chemistry and playful characters are addictive.

This isn't my first 'Into the Woods' rodeo, as I saw the show when it was playing at the Bridge Theatre, and I was taken aback by the sound, lighting, and set back then. Somehow the Nöel Coward Theatre setting makes the visuals stronger and appear bigger. There is nothing I love more than how it feels like a storybook on stage, and each character at the beginning of the show is being placed onto the stage. The lighting is just art; it really is! How they bring the giant to life and use shadows rather than having a giant, and the sound being so loud when the giant enters- if I had batons like in 'Strictly Come Dancing' I would be holding up a 10. The visual elements of the show are the best I've ever seen. It is some incredible work and deserves to be admired by everyone.

'Into The Woods' is just a classic and should be kept on the West End forever, in my opinion. Sondheim is a musical genius, and this show is such a great way to dip your toes into the marvel of his work. You just can't be a theatre fan without seeing this show; it's a staple. This revival is just exquisite! If you can get yourself into London to see it, I STRONGLY URGE YOU!