I’m not what you would say a regular theatre goer, but if a show comes along that interests me, then I’ll go and watch it.
Into the hoods has been showing in London town for a number of months, with rave reviews. I’ve always preferred watching dance shows than anything else; and had been to watch a few in the Sadler’s Wells venue in Islington; but I’d heard so much about this street dance West End musical, that I had to check it out for myself.
I’d only remembered about it a few months ago when I went to a yoga class. One of the new girls was a dancer, and she’d mentioned the show. It was only when I googled for tickets that I realised the girl at yoga was in fact the woman behind the whole production.
Into the Hoods is based on the classic Into the Woods, but with a street twist (Cinderella=Spinderella; Little Red Riding Hood=Lil Red; Jack (from Jack in the beanstalk)=Jaxx who lives in a basement; Rapunzel = Rap-on-zel). I’ve never been to a show where there are crowds standing outside queuing to get in. The dancers were fantastic, the storyline entertaining, and the music enough to get you up on your feet and cheering the cast on.
The best thing for me was that even though the storyline was entertaining, the show was about the dancing! All the dialogue was pre-recorded and played over the soundsystem, and the cast just danced their way through the show. The group of us that went to see it were buzzing once we got out. We didn’t want it to end, and were raving on about joining Pineapple studios to take a few classes (even if we were all in our mid to late 20s).
If you haven’t seen this show already, then go for it. Its on until the end of August, and to be honest, I’d pay to see it again…and for the full price (rather than the lastminute.com offer) because it was THAT good!!

