Haunting fairytale show explores what happens after the happily ever after

Into The Woods entwines some of the best-loved Brothers Grimm fairytales and follows them to explore the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests.

It’s a classic case of ‘be careful what you wish for’, as Little Red Riding Hood becomes a bloodthirsty belle, Prince Charming is distracted by his roving eye, a baker and his wife find themselves cursed and a witch takes centre stage with a wicked rap.

The St Andrew’s Players will be presenting the show which features Stephen Sondheim’s wonderfully haunting score in St Andrew’s Church, Luton, from May 22 - 25.

The company was founded by St Andrew’s Church members in April 1952, and have more than 50 years of experience since their days performing in the ‘tin hut’ which at the time was their church hall.

A spokesperson for the Players said: “It is musically very challenging indeed and our talented 20-strong cast are working very hard with director Alistair Brown, musical director Beth Thomas and choreographer Lynette Driver to present this very exciting show in the very atmospheric setting of St Andrew’s.

“Thanks to the generous co-operation of the vicar and people of St Andrew’s we will be performing the show in the church itself and director Alistair Brown is taking full advantage of this in creating what we are confident will be a very special production.”

The characters lurking about in the magical woods are from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack And The Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella.

The 1987 Tony Award-winning show was recently revived in 2010 in a much-acclaimed Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production when it won Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.

Described as funny, dark, clever, challenging, romantic and full of possibilities, it just goes to show no one is ever too old for fairytales.