The performance of Into the Woods by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is faultless. Every moment, hand gesture and line delivery is without a hitch and gives a beautiful retelling of the James Lapine novel.
Into the Woods follows the fairytales of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood. These are used as a back drop for the plot of a baker and his wife, who set off on an adventure to reverse a curse set upon them by a witch, which allows them never to fall pregnant.
Each casting decision by LAMDA is perfect to a tee, every member plays their role with conviction and high energy. A vocal stand-out of the show is Apollonia van den Brand who plays Cinderella. She makes her high notes seem effortless and truly shines on stage. Both Anu Akinseye (Little Red Riding Hood) and Luke Capello (Jack) were brilliantly expressive and perhaps have the more difficult task of playing children, but they are able to bring energy and emotion to their respective roles.
An audience favourite resides with Anna Cornish who plays the role of Milky White, Jack’s cow he takes to sell at the market. Having Cornish play the role of a cow is a crowd pleaser that made for the most comedic performance. She has audience members immediately laughing at her expressions as soon as she enters the stage and is a scene stealer.
LAMDA’s high quality production from stage directions to costuming is unparalleled. There is not a fault to be said for any cast or production member, as the harmony on stage seems meticulous and thoroughly well rehearsed, all the makings for great musical theatre.
