Footsteps Theatre’ Into The Woods – 19 July 2024, Sheffield Library Theatre
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Review by Jacob Bush.
Into the Woods is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most well known and beloved musicals, taking fairytale characters and asking how far they’re willing to go to get what they wish for. It’s a notoriously challenging show, packed full of wonderful but technically challenging musical numbers, and on the whole Footsteps Theatre have done a good job with their production of it.
The Library Theatre in Sheffield feels like an ideal place for a musical about fairy tales and director Naomi Conway and her team use the venue very well, bringing the audience right into the action. Stephen Wraith and Heather Wraith’s set creates the image of a woodland perfectly and fills every inch of the stage, overflowing out beyond the proscenium arch. Patricia Windle’s costumes puts the show into a very traditional fairy tale world, even if sometimes they can feel a little too panto-like for a musical with some serious themes.
It is a shame not to hear a live band play the score for this production, although there’s minimal space in the venue for live musicians. Despite this, generally the show sounds good but having a conductor present may not have been a bad thing. Musical Director Ewan Fellows has done a remarkable job at teaching the cast this immensely challenging score, but having a conductor in the theatre would have just ensured everyone stayed in time throughout and knew exactly where in the score they were up to.
Naomi Conway splits the role of the Narrator into three – Kai Crouch, Eve Dempsey and Seth Carnes. The trio tell the story well and the choice to dress them in modern day school uniforms positions them as an extension of the audience, further drawing us into the story. Crouch was a particular standout from this trio, giving a confident performance, who will surely have many wonderful leading roles in his future.
Mike Parkinson and Jennifer Windle have a believable chemistry as the Baker and the Baker’s Wife, our leading duo. Parkinson has lovely vocals, portraying both the happier moments and the moments of anger and sadness very well. Windle lands every moment of comedy that the Baker’s Wife has perfectly, adding much needed humour to an otherwise quite dark story.
Bethany Bell’s Cinderella is lovely with some very nice vocals, Archie Snell brings to life the character of Jack (of beanstalk fame) perfectly, and Sophie Knowles as Little Red Riding Hood is wonderfully fiery and strong minded but also sincere as the story progresses.
Richard Bland and Jamie Windle are brilliantly arrogant princes, with Bland’s rendition of Any Moment being one of the highlights of the show, with some lovely vocals. Whilst Patricia Windle may not have been the most confident singer as Jack’s Mother, she brings the character life really well. Her final monologue, the most famous moment for the character, is full of passion and rather moving. Chloe Windle tears the audience’s hearts into pieces as the tortured Rapunzel, whilst Victoria Pritchett puppeteers and characterises Milky White perfectly.
The star of this show by far is Ewan Fellows who takes on the role of The Witch. Fellows’ performance is remarkably physical, showing a huge commitment to the role. He is intimidating, whilst still getting laughs. His vocals are impeccable, which is even more impressive given this is a role written for a woman. This is a performance that wouldn’t have been misplaced in a professional production.
Many theatre companies would stay safe with their show choices, but Footsteps Theatre have taken on a very challenging show with Into the Woods, and on the whole have done a great job. With wonderful staging and some strong performance, it’s certainly worth taking the opportunity to see the Sondheim classic in a lovely and intimate setting.