The audiences have waited a long-time for the appearance of Angela Carter’s The Company of Wolves at the New Vic.
One of the productions that was sadly lost due to the pandemic, it has now finally hit the stage and the standing ovation delivered to the cast on Press Night was evidence that the wait has been well worth it.
In many ways this is a retelling of the traditional tale of Little Red Riding Hood but with many a twist. As Co-Director Theresa Heskins – she once again shows why she is so well-thought of in the theatrical world and has once again (alongside Co-Director Vicki Dela Amedume) delivered a masterful production – explains in the programme, the original folk tale has changed many times over the centuries and Angela Carter – through her re-telling of the tale and a subsequent radio play – has given a different slant to an age-old piece of folklore.
Many of the elements of what is seen as the traditional version of the tale are in this story too. Red (Danielle Bird) is a young girl who is very much in love with her kindly granny (Lorna Laidlaw) who is in the process of knitting a red shawl for her grand-daughter to keep the winter at bay. Ever keen to visit her aging relative Red is constantly warned by her mother (Tanya Loretta-Dee) to always keep to the path when walking through the woods.
Granny is full of stories that are meant to warn her to avoid contact with the creatures of the woods. The audience is told of a wolf that hunted a shepherd girl and of a bride who lost her groom on their wedding night and Granny reveals that these wolves have the ability to change from human to animal in front of their victim. Red is particularly warned to avoid any naked man she meets on her journey.
Being on the hinge of moving from girlhood to womanhood, Red finds this amusing and expresses sympathy for the creatures and their plight. So, when she meets a handsome young gentleman (Sebastian Charles) – who is fully-clothed!! – on her way to see her Granny, she is very happy to accompany him on her journey. However, it is the night of the Winter Solstice when the World is on the hinge and anything can happen.
Bird is superb as the central character and this wearer of the Red Hood is no simpering little girl. She is strong-willed, empathetic and has the intellectual strength of the modern woman. There is no need for help from a passing huntsman to rescue her. Instead, the denouement is a mix of sensual silk work and eruption of joy that will surprise those who expect the traditional ending.
There are a number of reasons why this production takes the experience from an absorbing delight to one that will remain long in the memory. It goes without saying that the cast do a terrific job but the collaboration with Upswing brings another dimension to the play.
Some mesmerising silk and pole work had the audience with mouths agape as both the menacing mood of the marauders and the joy and sensuality of the finale set a magnificent mood as the action progresses. With atmospheric lighting designed by Daniella Beattie and sound designed by Alex Day – a great idea to have the foley on public view – this is a drama that once again hits all of the top notes.
A standing ovation is not the norm for the Vic but this one was richly deserved. A fabulous evening of thought-provoking entertainment. Just keep to the path and ignore any naked men you may meet on the way home.
Angela Carter’s The Company of Wolves has a running time of approximately two hours including interval and continues until October 12th. For ticket information contact 01782 717962 or tickets@newvictheatre.org.uk
