Photo Credit Andrew Billington
The New Vic stages a brand new adaptation of Angela Carter’s gothic horror ‘The Company Of Wolves’. Combining innovative theatrical storytelling with contemporary circus courtesy of ‘Upswing’. It tells the second of a trio of wolf stories in Carter’s 1979 short-story collection ‘The Bloody Chamber‘, the reimagining of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’.
Setting the atmosphere from the get-go, the stage set bare except for darkly painted poles which raise from the floor and fall from the ceiling. Foley booths are set around the auditorium and used for maximum effect to create a chilling sense of danger with subtle but eerie sound effects.
“The wolf is carnivore incarnate” one of the occupants of the foley said several times throughout, but this is how our tale begins. Danielle Bird takes on the role of ‘Red’, the adolescent being told cautionary tales of ‘wolves’ (in the literal and metaphorical sense you gather) and how not to ‘stray off the path’ by her Mother and Grandmother.
Danielle was brilliant in the role, fleeting from the carefree folly of youth in the first half to the second half’s crescendo which culminates in the unnerving showdown with Sebastian Charles’ wolf.
Returning New Vic favourite Tanya-Loretta Dee injects some humour with well delivered lines as Mother and Lorna Laidlaw adds warmth with her portrayal of Grandmother.
The entire cast gave strong performances and Upswing’ incorporating circus elements added a completely different dimension to the action. Wolves slink in via Chinese poles to add to the unsettling atmosphere, they are also used with breathtaking drops and high energy chase scenes. White aerial silks are used with a beautiful representation of winter scenes and red used when danger is abound.
From the chilling sound effects and unsettling atmosphere created wonderfully by the acting cast, to the beautiful aerial work from Upswing, the whole production was a completely immersive experience. Theresa Heskins and Vicki Dela Amedume MBE have created something quite special. You must go and see this!
The production is on until 12th October, with several matinees and an audio described performance. Tickets can be purchased from the box office or online here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/angela-carters-the-company-of-wolves-2/
Photo Credit Andrew Billington
