Into the Woods at the Bridge Theatre
2nd February 2026
40 people from the Theatre Group went to see “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim at the Bridge Theatre on Thursday 29th January 2026.
The Bridge Theatre’s production is outstanding: the sets are slick, the actors’ words can be heard throughout, each character has a chance to shine and they do, the music is skilfully played, the costumes are stunning and the lighting and special effects are atmospheric.
I have seen one or two amateur productions and had great difficulty understanding the plot. Having now seen an excellent professional production I understand why. There are so many ideas and so much content that I cannot cover it all here.
The story is in two parts. The first is a witty and ironic gallop, weaving a web of wishes, actions and consequences of a set of characters from the Brothers Grimm. They are children’s stories (Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk among them) which have a happy ending. The second is a take on how these stories might play out in the real world. It begins with the widow of the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk coming to seek revenge. It is still witty but tense after this with anxiety, blame, infidelity and further deaths.
It is at times difficult to follow because there is so much content but it is well worth a visit. It is brilliantly clever and extremely moving.
Contributed by Kate Wilcox
