SUPAS’ Into The Woods – 30 April 2025, University Drama Studio

Review by Jacob Bush.

For their final production of the academic year, Sheffield University Performing Arts Society (SUPAS) present Into the Woods. With a book by James Lapine, the musical takes a selection of well-known fairy tale characters and explores how far they are willing to go to get what they wish for. As the second act progresses, the musical then explores what happens after ‘ever after’ – perhaps having your wishes granted isn’t all that it’s made out to be. Stephen Sondheim’s works are known to be immensely challenging, but SUPAS have risen to this challenge and done a fantastic job

Jamie Stephens directs the production, assisted by Rory Violet. The duo has staged the piece wonderfully. They deliver a faithful and traditional production of Into the Woods whilst finding moments to add their own creative additions, for example finding opportunities to add in fairy tale characters (as ensemble members) who don’t typically appear in the show. Stan Smith, alongside his assistant Nancy Rutter, has choreographed the show really well, again bringing great creativity into the piece. Smith and Rutter’s work made musical numbers that are often quite static, such as Hello Little Girl and It Takes Two, far more dynamic and fun to watch.

George Maher’s set design is fantastic, providing multiple levels for the cast to work with and ensuring trees and greenery fill every inch of the stage. Grace Fryer’s costumes work well to ground the piece in a level of reality, but it would have been nice for them some of them to be a little more opulent, tapping into the fairy tale magic of the show.

Leading the cast are Harry Reeves as the Baker and Katie Weller as the Baker’s Wife. The pair work excellently together, building a believable dynamic as a married couple who deeply love each other whilst still facing their struggles. Reeves is an outstanding vocalist, making No More, which he and Dan Brown deliver beautifully, one of the stand out musical numbers – often the number feels like it slows the second act down but not here. Weller also delivers a strong vocal performance, delivering lovely renditions of Maybe They’re Magic and Moments in the Woods. Weller also demonstrates impeccable comic timing, making the most of every moment to get a laugh whilst never becoming too over the top.

Eve Catanach delivers some lovely vocals as the Witch, whilst proving herself as a very strong actor. Whilst it would have been nice to see her change her vocal quality more for when she’s playing the old hag version of the Witch, she has a beautiful rapport with Vania Adazi’s Rapunzel. Catanach finds moments for softness amongst the anger and shows of power. She also does a phenomenal job at bringing to life this character who clearly has a lot of pain and sadness behind her eyes, but is trying her hardest not to let down her public appearance as a powerful woman who isin control.

Aine Cronnelly sings beautifully as Cinderella, James Laikin has a great energy as the youthful Jack and Jess Hamilton is great fun as Little Red Riding Hood, capturing both of the essence of youthful naivety and the deep pain she feels from losing those she loves. Kayla Chesler as Jack’s Mother completely sells the roll despite clearly being a similar age to Jack, and Sophie Warren has a great stage presence as the Narrator, delivering some of the strongest vocals in the show on Ever After. Abby Lever gives a scene stealing performance as Milky White. Her facial expressions arehilarious and she puppeteers the cow wonderfully, giving her great personality.

SUPAS’ Into the Woods is packed full of wonderful performances and brilliant creative decisions throughout. Be sure to catch this great production of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s fantastic musical before it’s too late.

she loves. Kayla Chesler as Jack’s Mother completely sells the roll despite clearly being a similar age to Jack, and Sophie Warren has a great stage presence as the Narrator, delivering some of the strongest vocals in the show on Ever After. Abby Lever gives a scene stealing performance as Milky White. Her facial expressions arehilarious and she puppeteers the cow wonderfully, giving her great personality.SUPAS’Into the Woods is packed full of wonderful performances and brilliant creative decisions throughout. Be sure to catch this great production of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s fantastic musical before it’s too late.