Members of Hull Musical Theatre Company it was a pleasure and an honour to see you in action, during your rehearsal for Into The Woods.
It’s a brave crew who invite theatre critics to witness a production in which there are little, if any, props, not too many costumes and no microphones.
And as I entered the Derringham Bank Methodist Church, in Hull, where the rehearsal would take place, I was more than curious to see how this local group would perform.
After being introduced to the company’s chairman, Jane Bradley, and the show’s director, Martyn Payne, and our seating placed in a prominent position for us to view proceedings, we reviewers were made even more welcome by the arrival of coffee and biscuits.
I could think of worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Classed as the “band call”, we were there to enjoy an 11-piece orchestra, conducted by musical director Rebecca Barques (whose husband, Chris, has a prominent role in the production), plus a run-through of Into The Woods.
I remember seeing the 2014 movie at the cinema, so would a stage version manage to convey the fairytale magic to a theatre audience?
Well, from what I witnessed by this talented bunch of amateur thespians, the answer is a resounding yes.
Even without most of the props – luckily we did have Milky White, an adorable “cow” – stage lighting etc etc, this fantastical story was brought to life by the sheer talent in front of me, aided and abetted by equally talented musicians.
Everyone taking part did justice to James Lapine’s story and Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics.
As well as Milky, I was never more than three feet away from Red Riding Hood and her Granny, the Big Bad Wolf, the Wicked Witch, Rapunzel, Cinderella and her two Stepsisters, two Princes, a Baker and his wife, Jack of beanstalk fame, puppeteers, narrators and so on.
What struck me was how the roles perfectly suited every actor taking part.
From my privileged position I got a close up of facial expressions and mannerisms; but I didn’t need a front-row seat to clearly hear the wonderful singing voices, which were loud and tuneful.
Into The Woods has fairytale characters galore, and I’m hoping a bit of fairy dust rubs off on me after one of Jack’s magical beans landed at my feet. I couldn’t resist picking it up and hoping its powers would give me next week’s winning lottery numbers.
Of course, the bean being one of the few props on the day, I duly handed it back after the show.
Another reviewing commitment prevents me from attending the opening night of Into The Woods, on Wednesday, July 10th, but after spending a couple of hours in the company of these entertaining, amusing, energetic, multi-talented performers, I am sure standing ovations will follow every show.
Running at Middleton Hall, Hull University, Cottingham Road, Hull, from Wednesday, July 10 to Saturday, July 13, 2024; 7.30pm nightly. Tickets cost £13.91 + £1.08 booking fee for adult and £11.12 + £0.87 booking fee for child. To book, call 0333 666 3366 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/middleton-hall
Previewer: Jackie Foottit
Previewed: 7th July 2024
North West End UK Rating: