Ahead of opening at the Cockpit Theatre on the 23rd May, casting for Tim McArthur’s reimagining of Stephen Sondheim’s classic fairytale with a twist musical has been confirmed.
This well known musical invites audiences to journey into the middle of the forest where well-known fairy tales interweave to create a magical world. As with all fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm, Into the Woods imparts the valuable lesson that our actions can affect others and that we must take responsibility for their consequences. Be careful what you wish for!
The contemporary style production of the musical is set to star: Jordan Michael Todd (Mad on Her, The Arts Theatre; Pippin, Southwark Playhouse) as the narrator. Director Tim McArthur, will take on the role as the Baker alongside Jo Wickham who reprises her role as the Baker’s Wife. Michele Moran will play the Witch who sends them into the woods to reverse the spell put upon them.
Also included in the cast is Mary Lincoln as Cinderella’s evil Stepmother straight from TOWIE, with Abigail Carter-Simpson playing Cinderella,Florence Odumosu as Little Red Riding Hood, Madeleine MacMahon, Jamie O’Donnell, a drug using Rapunzel performed by Jodie Steele, and a paedophile Wolf played by Ashley Daniels.
The cast is completed by Francesca Pim, Jonathan Wadey, Michael Duke, David Pendlebury, Christina Thornton and Macey Cherrett.
Talking about the production Director Tim McArthur said: “Into the Woods is a magnificent piece of theatre and storytelling and, young or old, it’s full of life and lessons that we can all learn from. When we got the rights to do the show back in 2014, I knew I wanted to do something different and fresh with the production, now what Into the Woods meant to me 4 years ago has further evolved. The fairy tales are so strong and legendary, so I wanted to use that but reinvent the look of the show for a modern audience.”
Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited, Into the Woods is produced by All Star Productions and Trilby Productions.
The production will feature the book by James Lapine, music and lyrics by stephen Sondheim, set design by Joana Dias, costume design by Stewart Charlesworth, lighting by Vittorio Verta and sound by Gavin Hales.
Into the Woods will play at the Cockpit Theatre from the 23rd May until the 24th June. For more information visit: https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/show/into_the_woods