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It’s the story of Little Red Riding Hood – but not as you know it. Angela Carter’s radio play, The Company of Wolves, has been masterfully translated into a cunning and captivating stage play by The New Vic’s Theresa Heskins and Vicki Amedume, breathing new life and giving fresh perspective to this classic tale.
Set amid a forest of Chinese poles, this bold and visually arresting production marries compelling storytelling and strong characters with aerial acrobatics for a performance that is nothing short of breathtaking.
A sense of familiarity comes not just with the story which dates back to the 1600s, but with the cast, too. While it’s the first time at the Staffordshire theatre for many of the performers in the show, we’re greeted in the first scene by New Vic favourites, Danielle Bird, as Red, and Tanya-Loretta Dee, playing her mother.
This time, Danielle embodies the strong-willed and sharp-tongued teenager, Red – an adolescent on the hinge of womanhood. A vulnerable, naive and fragile hinge at that. That’s because the tale we all grew up hearing has a much darker tone than perhaps we’ve collectively remembered – or perhaps it’s been retold in a more palatable way over the years – but The Company of Wolves echoes Perrault’s cautionary tale, with its warning to “pretty, nicely brought-up young ladies” about the dangers of wolves both literal and metaphorical. But, while Perrault’s Le Petit Chaperon Rouge ends with the girl and granny being gobbled up by the beast, Carter’s exploration of female empowerment and sexual awakening sees Red reclaim her story with steely confidence.
The entire cast delivers strong performances, with Sebastian Charles’ Wolf seducing Red, making the battle of wills between them both captivating and unsettling. Lorna Laidlaw brings an earthy wisdom and warmth to the role of Granny, reminding me of the Old Mrs Hemstock in Ocean At The End Of The Lane, while Tanya-Loretta Dee injects moments of humour, her comedic timing a refreshing counterpoint to the darker undertones of the play.
Upswing’s incorporation of circus elements, including the heart-stopping use of Chinese poles and aerial drapes, is absolutely phenomenal, portraying the speed, strength and danger of these beasts in such a creative and visually stunning way. At times, this dance – particularly between Red at the Hunted Wolf in the final scenes – where the choreography says more than words ever could.
The New Vic never fails to impress me with their innovative approach to theatre, and one of the other things that I loved about The Company Of Wolves was the attention to detail in the evocative soundscapes, each created live – be it the crackling of the fire, to the pouring of a glass of brandy.
An entirely absorbing and intimate production, The Company Of Wolves will challenge everything you think you know about this fairytale. Where theatre meets circus, it brings a real dreamlike spectacle to the dark and seductive story. You can buy your tickets to see the show here.
