A Night Out in London: Into the Hoods & The Kerala

By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 15.08.08

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THE SHOW

INTO THE HOODS
Where: Novello Theatre
Nearest tube: Covent Garden
When: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 3pm
Tickets: £15-£39.50
www.intothehoods.com

If you're looking for a musical with edge visit Into the Hoods. The first hip hop show to grace the West End stage it has verve and that little something different.

This is ZooNation's take on Sondheim's Into the Woods. Using its unique street dance theatre style, the company updates the action to an urban setting, telling the story of two children lost in the 'hood.'

The gist of things is thus: an evil landlord befriends the children and they are offered a room in his block on the condition that they work for him. Their mission leads them to the flats of Spinderella, where they discover gold adidas trainers; Lil Red, the owner of the bright red hoodie; Rapper, the producer of the finest quality long weave (hair extensions) in the city, and Jaxx who lives in the Basement (think popular dance act) the owner of a white Ipod.

But is stealing really the way to get out of the hood? With every fairytale comes a moral and this is an abundance of fairytales wrapped into one. So, no prizes for guessing the answer to the above question.

Combining film and live performance director and ZooNation founder Kate Prince shows of her impressive interpretation of hip hop through narrative and dance. What this show does is make the music genre accessible. You don't have to be a die hard Jay-Z fan to enjoy although if you fancy a sing along it might help.

Tracks from Gorillaz, Massive Attack, Basement Jaxx, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Black Eyed Peas, Bob Marley, The Chemical Brothers are on the bill; each wittingly fitting with the tale.

Be warned though if you are planning a visit in the coming weeks expect intermittent screams whenever star attraction George Sampson graces the stage. George headed straight into rehearsals for the show having just completed the sell-out Britain's Got Talent UK tour. And he is ideal for the role of one of the lost children. Alex Mayhew works her impressive moves alongside him.

Each member of the cast gives it their all; helping the trademark ZooNation choreography get the recognition it deserves. This really is a feast for the eyes.

*George Sampson will be in the show until August 30. He will not perform in the matinee performance on Wednesday 6th August or on Monday nights.

THE MEAL

THE KERALA
Where: 15 Great Castle Street, W1
Opening hours: Mon-Sat noon-3pm and 5.30pm-11pm; Sun 12.30-3pm and 5.30-8pm.
How much? £15 ex drinks

Within walking distance (allow half an hour), or just a couple of tube stops away, is The Kerala. This small family restaurant offers Keralan home-cooking: well-judged, wellspiced dishes at bargain-basement prices.

To start with, you must order a platoon of simple things: cashew-nut pakoda, potato bonda, lamb samosa, chicken liver masala, mussels ularthu. These are honest dishes, simply presented and at a price that encourages experimentation. Thereafter, note the Syrian Christian specialities and the seafood dishes.

From Charles Campion's London Restaurant Guide 2008

 

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