Into The Woods - The Bridge Theatre

Sondheim’s iconic creation Into the Woods returns to the London theatre scene, and with a cast packed full of some of the industry’s finest artists, this production arrives more than primed for success. Fortunately, it largely delivers.

Having never seen a live staging of Into the Woods before — though familiar with the divisive film adaptation — this reviewer found herself surprised by the tone of the piece. Darker than expected, yet far more comedic, the musical strikes an intriguing balance between fairy-tale whimsy and unsettling moral consequence. Whether this humour stems from directorial interpretation or is rooted more deeply in Sondheim’s book is open to debate, but either way, the result is an evening that proves both engaging and unexpectedly entertaining.

Johan Persson

Visually, the production is nothing short of breath-taking. The Bridge Theatre, already a remarkable space, once again demonstrates its versatility. As the title suggests, much of the action unfolds within the woods, realised here with striking imagination. The trees loom vast and threatening in one moment, before transforming into something almost magical in the next. Lighting (Aideen Malone) and set design (Tom Scutt) work in seamless symbiosis to create a constantly shifting landscape, one that feels alive and reactive to the story being told. Paired with the exquisite costume design, once again created by Scutt, the overall aesthetic is so refined that this production could be frozen in time and displayed at the National Gallery without raising an eyebrow. This aspect of the production alone should be enough to sway even the most sceptical audience member.

At the centre of this world stands Kate Fleetwood as the Witch — a performance that anchors the production with formidable authority. Having previously encountered Fleetwood’s work only on screen, expectations were understandably high, and she more than meets them. Commanding and deeply watchful, her Witch is at once terrifying and sharply funny, balancing menace with wit in a way that feels entirely effortless. Fleetwood dominates the stage without excess, navigating the character’s volatility with impressive control. Vocally assured and emotionally precise, she captures the complexity of one of Sondheim’s most demanding roles, cementing herself as the perfect Witch for this production.

Casting across the board is strong, though one choice invites slight frustration rather than criticism. Bella Brown’s Rapunzel is beautifully performed, yet the role itself does not do her talent justice. Having seen Brown’s extraordinary debut as Eva Perón in Evita last summer, this reviewer knows just how commanding she can be. While Rapunzel marks a step up from her previous ensemble work, the character’s limited stage time leaves her noticeably underused. Still, it is impossible not to feel a quiet sense of pride at her presence; even a single note is enough to remind the audience that she is a star in the making.

Johan Persson

One of the most exciting casting choices in this production is undoubtedly Gracie McGonigal as Little Red Riding Hood. In a word: wow. Fierce, fearless and deliciously chaotic, McGonigal proves herself the smartest possible choice for the role. She commands attention effortlessly, wielding a single glare with remarkable authority. As the song rightly states, “scary is exciting”, and McGonigal leans into this with relish. Her breath control is impressive, her vocal delivery secure, and her comedic timing impeccably sharp — every line lands exactly where it should.

Overall, this production of Into the Woods succeeds in capturing the complexity that makes the musical so enduring. It embraces both the darkness and the humour, allowing neither to overpower the other, and is elevated by striking design choices and performances that clearly understand the material. While there are moments where certain performers deserve more space to shine, the production as a whole is confident, visually rich and emotionally engaging. It serves as a timely reminder that fairy tales are rarely simple — and that when told with care and intelligence, they still have plenty to say.

Production Value: 90%

Value For Money: 85%

Personal Enjoyment: 70%

Overall Score: 82% - ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: The Bridge Theatre, London

Playing until: 30th May 2026

Run Time: Approximately 2h40 - including a 20 minute interval

Tickets for this show can be found at this link.