Into The Woods: Wickedly Funny

Stephen Sondheim's work is not really staged enough in the UK, in my humble opinion. In the last few years though, we have seen some great productions of Sunday In The Park With George, Assassins and Sweeney Todd. A recent revival of Side By Side did not do great business in London, so it's great to see this fairytale spoof back again, if only for a short while. 

It takes a great cast to pull of Stephen's clever and vocally demanding work. The Royal Opera House has assembled a talented team who give it their all. The chaotic and constantly jokey narrative means that each one of them has to be on their guard, to signal the next sardonic laugh. If you have watched Shrek and loved the way that fairy tales are spoofed for ludicrous plot devices and moral-filled happy endings, then Into The Woods is for you. I would not be surprised to read that the creators of the green ogre and his friends didn't borrow many of their ideas from this fine musical piece. 

Imagine Cinderella, Jack and his beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and Co were all invited to a picnic in the woods and this gives you a sense of the feel of this delightful musical. Each character brings with them the chaos of their very own narrative. Cinderella admits she quite likes cleaning, Little Red Riding Hood eats for England, Jack is daft as a brush and Prince Charming says "I am supposed to be charming, not sincere." The clever twists and turns keep you watching, but it's the music which breathes life and laughs into this timeless and inventive production. The wit and vaudeville style elements compliment James Lapine's gorgeous book. 

Sondheim is unique, in that his songs have depth and resemble mood swings, taking characters on journeys, exploring every facet of their character. Agony, for example seems filled with the heartache felt by two princes but it is delivered with knowing humour that you end up rolling about on the floor, with laughter to what is essentially a sad song. 

The cast have to almost run the relay on stage, constantly passing on the baton to each talented athlete. As Cinders, Gillian Kirkpatrick buries the image you may have of the downtrodden cleaner, come slave. She seems dissatisfied with the fairytale ending as she realises that it does not exist. This marvelous actress excels herself admirably. Anne Reid, always a great stage presence surprises the audience with a lovely singing voice as Jack's mother. Meanwhile, Jack, himself is beautifully played via Peter Caulfield's wide eyed innocence. Clive Rowe and Anna Francolini as the baker and his wife invest their roles with so much emotion, that you are moved constantly. Lara Pulver stole many scenes for me as Lucinda, the blinded ugly sister.

As the double act, Nicholas Garrett and Nic Greenshields do a remarkably good job as the selfish princes, neither of them that charming. Comic relief is provided by Suzanne Toase's ever hungry Little Red Riding Hood. And Beverley Klein is unstoppable as the witch with a big voice and lots of stage presence. 

There are flaws within the show. Act one whizzes by, but by then, most of the narrative has been fully explored. This leaves you with a feeling of 'so what' as the unloose ends are tied up, in knots. Also some of the comedy is replaced by liberal amounts of sentiment too quickly. But, even Sondheim's least successful work is a joy, this one being no exception.

This fantastic production has received average reviews in London. But last night at the Lowry, the audience applauded non stop. Sondheim's classic, Into The Woods remains an insightful, clever crowd-pleaser. If you get the chance, go, but hurry as it closes on Saturday. 

Glenn Meads

Into The Woods @ The Lowry Salford until Saturday, 07 July. http//:www.thelowry.com

Tel: 0870 787 5780