DON'T go into the woods today as it would not be a good idea, you might meet witches, giants and other nasty things.

This Stephen Sondheim musical, closely following the original Grimm's Fairy Tales, is not for the faint-hearted with the Ugly Sisters first having their toes cut off then their eyes pecked out by pigeons. Then Rapunzel's prince is blinded by thorns.

But the enthusiastic and talented members of the Abergavenny-based VIG Theatre Company really brought this sombre story by James Lapine to life.

There were outstanding performances from Michael Vella and Kelsea Richardson as the baker and his wife, Lauren Barrett and Kaleigh Pritchard as Cinderella and Rapunzel and Emily Harrington, Jazzy Holmes and Sally Bishop as Cinderella's stepmother and sisters - the most stunning Ugly Sisters ever!

But the stars of the show were Brandon Jones and Cait Davies as simple Jack (of beanstalk fame) and his mother, Andrew Fowler and Daniel Morgan as the two princes and the oldest and youngest cast members - Deborah Harrington and Drew - as the witch and Little Red Riding Hood.

The princes' duet Agony (reprise) bemoaning the fact that they were unhappy with Cinderella and Rapunzel - I'm Charming but not sincere said the prince, was the highlight of the second act.

The chorus was also outstanding so thumbs up to the production team for tackling such a difficult show which ends tonight (Saturday).

Lesley Flynn