Off West End Theatre Review – The Bridge Theatre
Playing at The Bridge Theatre from 2nd December 2025, until 18th April 2026, Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine‘s Into the Woods is directed by Jordan Fein (Fiddler on the Roof), and the set and costumes are designed by Tom Scutt (Little Shop of Horrors).
It is the story of a childless Baker and his wife (Jamie Parker and Katie Brayben), who, under the instructions of the Witch (Kate Fleetwood), go into The Woods in order to find four objects that will help to lift the curse on their family line. Along the way, they meet several other fairytale characters: Jack (Jo Foster), Little Red Riding Hood (Gracie McGonigal), Cinderella (Chumisa Dornford-May), and Rapunzel (Bella Brown). They all quickly become embroiled in each other’s stories, and the story grows and snowballs until the characters are faced with the question – is what they wished for really worth it in the end?
The talent on stage is superb, and for both singing and acting, every member of the cast was incredible. From the two Princes’ (Oliver Savile and Rhys Whitfield) pompous ‘Agony’ to the Witch’s haunting ‘Last Midnight’, Sondheim’s iconic music and lyrics were performed beautifully. It was spell binding. Amongst all of the dark tones of this show, there are moments of fun and light which makes the tone so multi-faceted and deep, whilst being superficially light-hearted.
The crowning glory of this production is the set and costume design by Tom Scutt. The Bridge Theatre is well known for its staging, automation, and pyrotechnics, and this particular show does not disappoint. The forest, through which the characters weave and run throughout the show, provides the main set, and its life-like trees create such an immersive yet intimate feel to the whole musical. The set is strongly supported by the very clever and precise lighting design by Aideen Malone (Kyoto), and the sound design by Adam Fisher (Kinky Boots). All of these components blend together to build something that is visually and creatively stunning – and mixed in with the talent on stage, this musical is phenomenal.
This is the first time that I had been to The Bridge Theatre, and based on Into The Woods, I will definitely go again. This musical is one of the best I have seen, and I hope it has a longer life after it finishes in April 2026.
Written by Helena Featherstone
Notes From Row H 
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