Into the Hoods
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Introduction to "Into the Hoods"
"Into the Hoods" premiered in London’s West End at the Novello Theatre on March 26, 2008, after previews from March 14, running until August 30 for a total of 171 performances. Conceived and directed by Kate Prince for ZooNation, this hip-hop dance musical reimagines Stephen Sondheim’s "Into the Woods" with an urban twist. Featuring a pulsating soundtrack from artists like Gorillaz, Massive Attack, and Jay-Z, it starred talents like George Sampson, fresh from his "Britain’s Got Talent" win. As the first hip-hop show in the West End and one of the longest-running dance productions there, it broke boundaries, blending street dance with theatrical storytelling.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
Kate Prince, ZooNation’s founder, wrote, directed, and choreographed "Into the Hoods," infusing it with her vision of hip-hop theatre. The score, a jukebox of remixed hits, was curated with musical direction by DJ Walde, featuring tracks from James Brown to Chemical Brothers. Set design by Ben Stones and costumes by Russell Royer crafted its gritty "Ruff Endz Estate" vibe. The cast included Teneisha Bonner as Spinderella, Rowen Hawkins as Jaxx, and Sampson as a late-addition star from August 4, with comedy rap poet Mister Gee warming up crowds. Prince’s team turned a 2006 Peacock Theatre debut into a West End milestone.
An Urban Fairy Tale Adventure
Set in the fictional Ruff Endz Estate, the story follows two runaway kids tasked by a shady Landlord to retrieve four items an iPod as white as milk, trainers as pure as gold, a hoodie as red as blood, and weave as yellow as corn to earn their freedom. Their quest introduces Spinderella, a vinyl-spinning DJ; Lil Red, a singer with a red hoodie; Rap-on-Zel, a rapper with golden weave; and Jaxx, a debt-ridden producer. A subplot pits Prince, a D-list celeb, against Wolf, a shady manager, in a concrete jungle odyssey. The kids’ journey, fueled by hip-hop beats, ends with lessons in resilience and community, a modern spin on classic fairy tales.
Performance and Reception
Opening after Edinburgh Fringe acclaim, "Into the Hoods" dazzled with its non-stop dance and urban edge. The Independent hailed it as a potential game-changer for hip-hop theatre, while audiences gave standing ovations. Critics praised its energy WhatsOnStage called it “five-star” though some found the narrative loose. Its five-month run, extended twice, made it ZooNation’s longest West End stint, drawing diverse crowds despite initial skepticism about hip-hop’s place in Theatreland. Sampson’s star power boosted its final stretch, cementing its status as a bold, boundary-pushing hit.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"Into the Hoods" carved a historic niche as the West End’s first hip-hop musical, running longer than many dance shows at 171 performances. Its 2008 Herald Angel Award and 2016 "Remixed" revival at the Peacock Theatre, plus a UK tour, extended its reach. Prince’s trailblazing opened doors for hip-hop in mainstream theatre, influencing works like "Hamilton." While not a perennial like "Les Misérables," its cast recording and global stagings from Canada to South Africa keep its beat alive. It remains a vibrant testament to London’s evolving stage, merging street culture with theatrical tradition.