One of the finest productions of a musical masterpiece
The revival of Into the Woods, at London's Bridge Theatre (to 30 May 2026) is sublime.
It offers one of the most memorable evenings of musical theatre by achieving a perfect alignment of the work itself, the current production and the theatre staging it.
When performed to the highest standard, Into the Woods is by turns heartwarming and hilarious but also gripping, thought-provoking and ultimately emotionally wrenching.
Those charged with promoting a theatrical promotion will manage to wheedle plaudits from every production but, with the Bridge Theatre revival of Into the Woods, the five years star reviews you will undoubtedly read for this musical drama are more than justified.
https://www.bridgetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/into-the-woods
A musical retaining relevance and impact
Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine.
It enjoyed great acclaim during a Broadway premiere run in 1987 and again in London three years later, with revivals being staged regularly during the last 40 years.
In this respect Into the Woods has endured as a major work of musical theatre and is as fresh and relevant today as it has ever been.
It brings together the characters from several Brothers Grimm fairy tales including Cinderella and her stepmother and sisters; Little Red Ridinghood; Jack (of beanstalk renown), Rapunzel and a couple of princes'.
All go into the woods to make their wishes come true, followed by a childless baker and his wife desperate to have a witch's curse removed and begin a family.
The first half of the musical sees everyone getting what they want and looking set for the traditional happy ever after.
Those who know anything about a Sondheim musical will know that nothing is ever that simple, and the second half is wrenchingly darker.
One needs to be careful what is wished for.
The adventures and escapades of each of the characters unfold through a seamless flow of solo, duet and ensemble numbers and this are both the joy and the demanding nature of Into the Woods.
While the premise may be a simple one, this is a detailed and complex musical work as one would expect from Sondheim.
Each performance needs to integrate and be performed to the highest professional standard to make the whole work.
The current production
In all respects, the London Theatre Company's revival of Into the Woods is likely as fine a production as there has ever been.
It is an astonishing achievement.
The production directed by Jordan Fein, with a stunning set and costumes by Tom Scutt, and in a staging that allows the ensemble to create and deliver the musicals passionate spirit, humour, energy and ultimate poignancy.
Everyone we see on stage is superb, taking their turns in the spotlight with absolute and show stopping glee, and to rapturous response.
One has to mention Jamie Parker and Katie Brayben (the Baker and his wife); Kate Fleetwood (the Witch); Gracie McGonigal (Little Red Ridinghood); Chumisa Dornford-May (Cinderella) and Oliver Savile (Wolf/Cinderella's Prince).
That said, I am sure they would be the first to recognise this production of Into the Woods would not be the triumph it is without the whole ensemble essential in making it gel.
Finally, there is the absolutely excellent orchestra delivering a musical score that supports the actors and adds to the atmosphere that pervades the production.
The staging
The Bridge Theatre, which is the London Theatre Company home on the banks of the Thames, in the shadow of London Bridge, provides the perfect venue.
It creates a genuine intimacy and relationship between performers and audience that allows us to hear every word, appreciate every subtle expression and nuance of this wonderful musical work.
More information :
Into the Woods runs at London's Bridge Theatre to 30 May 2026.