The opening performance of Into the Hoods: Remixed showcased at the Curve Theatre in Leicester last night, proved a great success as the hip hop filled dance show left the audience up on their feet dancing and cheering along.
An exciting atmosphere filled the Curve even before the show had started where the early-birds could catch a glimpse of young talent break-dancing to a DJ set.
The newly revamped version of the West Ends award winning production, Into the Hoods: Remixed takes inspiration from the Stephen Sondheim musical, Into the Woods. The show is written, choreographed and directed by Kate Prince, founder of dance company ZooNation.
Photo credits – Hugo Glendinning
Into the Hoods: Remixed tells the tale of two young school children who find themselves lost in the Ruff Endz Estate, along the way they come across a block of flats named Beanstalk Towers where they meet DJ Spindrella, wannabe singer Lil Red, rapper Rap-on-Zel and budding music producer Jaxx, all of which take an unconventional spin on our much loved fairy-tale characters. In return of their freedom the children must deliver 4 items; an iPod as white as milk, trainers as pure as gold, a hoodie as red as blood and a weave as yellow as corn.
Throughout the show I found myself subconsciously grinning from ear-to-ear and wanting to dance along. A mash-up of hip hop classics worked fluidly with the perfectly synced choreography which added personality the main characters performances.
The story is fun, engaging and comical in parts but is a little over- shadowed by the mesmerising dance performances from the ZooNations cast, a particular stand-out performance from Lucinda Wessels aka Spinderella who shone throughout.
Although there was an issue with the sound and lighting just before the interval which created slight delays to the performance, this didn’t faze the cast who remained professional and carried on with the second half of the show as though nothing had happened, with added encouragement of claps and cheers from the audience.
A delightful and brilliant show that is perfect for the whole family, even your grandparents will love it!
Performances will be shown at the Curve from 14th-15th March
