Wellesley House Play
The Wellesley House Play
Into the Woods
Reviewed by Suzy Urch, a Lower Sixth English and Theatre Studies student
On the 24th and 25th of November, after many weeks of rehearsals, Wellesley House performed the James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim production of Into The Woods. Wellesley's residential tutor, Miss Flavell, directed the play brilliantly and with much love and dedication, even if it did involve waiting for a few late arrivals along the way. The play was a combination of the classic fairy tales Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel, fused together by the story of a Baker and his Wife whose longing for a child is destroyed by a curse cast upon them by the witch who lives next door. But was there a happy ending for everyone?
It was clear from the start that it was going to be an entertaining evening from the humorous and light hearted programme that gave us an insight into the lives of the lively Wellesley bunch, even their latest member, Mr. Oulton, whose new position as a sixth form tutor has managed to bag his son a girlfriend. Ahh young love....
In fact, in the play, love was overflowing as Ellie Thwaites and Beka Finch, playing the Baker's wife and Cinderella's prince, bridged the gap between fairy stories and got everyone flustered with their unexpected love making.
Laughter rang round the theatre throughout the performance, with one particular character having everyone in stitches. Who would have guessed that Ellen Robinson could play such a frisky wolf with the licking of her lips becoming her new signature move! Everyone jumped from their seats when Rosie Hunter, who played Rapunzel, surprised us all with her unbelievable screams. The biggest surprise had to be Mary Reid who played her role as the Wicked Witch worryingly well. Her incredible cackle is still haunting some of the third form today. Her lines were delivered excellently and with humour; being under the spotlight seemed to come very naturally to Mary. However, the show was clearly stolen by Mr. Oulton's natural acting talent as he played not only the narrator but also a mysterious man whose dramatic exit brought tears to the eyes of the audiences, tears of laughter, that is.
Props were cleverly and humorously used; many of which were Wellesley girls in cunning disguises, such as a dress producing tree and a lamp which brought five seconds of fame the moment it was turned on (you had to be there....).
The narrator being off stage was a good twist to the stage set and really added to the excitement when he was dragged into the fairytale itself and fed to the mysterious giant. One of the most magical moments was when a live chick was brought onto the stage and was very careful handled by the brave Wellesley girls.
Finally a few words of congratulations and thanks. Well done to all the Wellesley girls and a particular well done to those whose English isn't their first language; it was very impressive. Also a well done to all the girls backstage who made any forgotten lines recoverable and all set changes effortless. A special thanks to the Drama Department, the Maintenance Crew and Mrs. Deaney for all their help. Finally and most definitely not least, thank you to Mrs. March and Ms Turnbull who brought laughter to our hearts and sacrificed many hours, suffering aching backs and much sweat, in order to play the beloved pantomime cow, Milky White.
