Into the Woods review: Bridge Theatre revival is a sheer force of nature

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods is a show that truly depends on its entire cast working together, much like a healthy forest. Luckily, the new production at the Bridge Theatre boasts a remarkably talented ensemble whose performances blend seamlessly, creating a powerful and captivating experience.

It had been over ten years since this popular show from the 1980s was last seen in London’s West End, so director Jordan Fein felt a lot of pressure to successfully revive it.

This story cleverly combines the classic tales of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel. The first part follows a baker under a curse as he searches for the magical ingredients needed to have a child, hoping to break the spell cast by an evil witch. The second part introduces a giant who forces all these fairytale characters to confront the consequences of their ‘happily ever after’ endings.

As any fan of musical theatre knows, this show represents the very best of Stephen Sondheim’s complex harmonies and intricate lyrics – but it’s easy for those elements to become unpleasant if not performed well. Similarly, the story itself can feel confusing and lose its impact if too many characters and plotlines are crammed together.

Don’t worry, because this performance is wonderfully unburdened and full of energy, reaching directly out to the audience. Every song, line, and lighting change feels powerfully projected, as if leaping off the page and towards us.

The show features a narrator who directly addresses the audience, but even without him, the actors powerfully express their feelings, making it clear that this story about people and their struggles resonates with everyone and deserves our attention.

The show’s intense mood was largely thanks to Tom Scutt’s stunning set design. The forest on stage felt truly alive, with detailed trees that the actors could interact with naturally. In the second act, the lighting and sound became even more impactful, using sudden scares and bright lights to fully immerse the audience in the story.

The actors are all fantastic, but Chumisa Dornford-May as Cinderella is particularly wonderful, bringing both emotion and beautiful singing to the part. And Kate Fleetwood, who surprisingly admitted she doesn’t usually sing, delivered a powerful and unforgettable performance of ‘Last Midnight’ in the second act.

Oliver Savile and Rhys Whitfield were fantastic as the princes, playing them as delightfully arrogant and silly. Their performance of “Agony” cleverly poked fun at the idea of the perfect Prince Charming, and they were consistently funny. Katie Brayben and Jamie Parker were also excellent as the Baker and his Wife, portraying the couple with both warmth and emotional depth.

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This new version of the musical is a stunning and captivating comeback, staying true to the spirit of the original. While Sondheim’s work can sometimes be difficult to appreciate, this exceptional production makes his brilliance clear.

And all the audiences of the Bridge Theatre lived happily ever after…

When and where can I see Into the Woods?

You can see Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre now through May 30th, 2026. The easiest way to get there is by taking the tube to either London Bridge or Tower Hill station and then walking.

You can find tickets at LOVETheatre from £30.

Authors

Olivia Garrett

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2025-12-12 13:36