Expert Review: Into the Woods Is Sondheim At His Best

4.6
★★★★★

Expert Rating

The Verdict

Into the Woods is Sondheim at his most accessible and profound, weaving together beloved fairy tales into a complex exploration of morality, family, and the consequences of our wishes. This revival brings fresh perspective to the musical's timeless themes, showcasing Sondheim's masterful ability to find depth in familiar stories while delivering some of musical theatre's most sophisticated and memorable songs.

What Makes It Special

  • Sondheim's Genius: Complex, witty lyrics paired with intricate melodies that reward multiple viewings and reveal new layers each time.
  • Clever Storytelling: Interweaves Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel into one cohesive narrative.
  • Moral Complexity: Explores the consequences of getting what you wish for and the grey areas between good and evil.
  • Bridge Theatre Setting: The innovative venue provides an immersive theatrical experience perfect for this enchanted story.

Perfect For

Musical theatre enthusiasts, Sondheim fans, families with older children (8+), anyone who appreciates sophisticated songwriting, and audiences seeking both entertainment and deeper meaning. The complex themes make it rewarding for adults while remaining accessible to younger viewers.

Everything You Need to Know

A Twisted Take on Familiar Tales

Into the Woods begins as familiar fairy tales - Cinderella wants to go to the ball, Jack needs to sell his cow, Little Red Riding Hood is off to grandmother's house, and a childless Baker and his Wife long for a family. Their paths cross in the woods where a Witch offers to reverse the curse that keeps the Baker and his Wife childless, but only if they can bring her four items in three days.

Act I: Getting What You Wish For

The first act follows the characters as they pursue their wishes and achieve their "happily ever after" moments. Cinderella gets her prince, Jack becomes rich, Little Red Riding Hood learns to be careful, and the Baker and his Wife get their child.

Act II: The Consequences

The second act explores what happens after "happily ever after" - the unintended consequences of getting what you wished for. A giant's wife seeks revenge, relationships become complicated, and the characters must learn to take responsibility for their actions and support each other.

Themes

  • The complexity of wishes and their consequences
  • Community and interdependence
  • The grey areas between good and evil
  • Growing up and moral responsibility
  • The importance of teaching children right from wrong

Sondheim's Masterful Score

  • "Into the Woods" - The opening number introducing all characters and their wishes
  • "Cinderella at the Grave" - Cinderella's touching song to her mother
  • "Hello, Little Girl" - The Wolf's seductive and sinister number
  • "I Know Things Now" - Little Red Riding Hood's lesson learned
  • "Giants in the Sky" - Jack's exhilarating account of his beanstalk adventure
  • "Agony" - The two Princes' hilarious duet about romantic suffering
  • "It Takes Two" - The Baker and his Wife's partnership song
  • "Stay with Me" - The Witch's desperate plea to Rapunzel
  • "On the Steps of the Palace" - Cinderella's complex internal monologue
  • "Your Fault" - The blame game when things go wrong
  • "No More" - The Baker's moment of despair and decision
  • "No One Is Alone" - The moving finale about community and support

Musical Complexity: Sondheim's score features intricate rhyme schemes, overlapping melodies, and lyrics that advance plot and character simultaneously - a masterclass in musical theatre writing.

Practical Information

Show Times

  • Schedule: Check current performance calendar
  • Matinees: Wednesday and Saturday afternoons
  • Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes including interval

Getting to Bridge Theatre

  • Train: London Bridge Station (5 minutes walk)
  • Tube: London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines)
  • Bus: Multiple routes to London Bridge area
  • River: London Bridge City Pier (Thames Clipper services)

Theatre Information

  • Capacity: 900 seats with flexible staging options
  • Opened: 2017 - London's newest major theatre
  • Design: Modern theatre with innovative staging capabilities
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with hearing loops
  • Facilities: Multiple bars, restaurant, and riverside terrace

Family Information

  • Recommended for ages 8+ due to some dark themes in Act II
  • Contains some mild scary moments (Wolf, Giant)
  • Complex themes that reward discussion after the show
  • Perfect for introducing children to sophisticated musical theatre