Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into The Woods takes the stories of the Brothers Grimm and gives them a dark and humorous twist. The popular tales of Red Riding Hood, Jack And The Beanstalk, Cinderella and Rapunzel are interwoven with that of the Baker and his wife and their quest to have children. However, this retelling goes beyond ‘happily ever after’ as the familiar characters find themselves in unfamiliar circumstances and hopes and dreams are shattered.

American composer Sondheim is a multi-award-winner whose many musicals include A Little Night Music, Sunday In The Park With George, Assassins, Company and Follies. This production in staged in honour of his 80th birthday this year.

Into The Woods is directed by Open Air Artistic Director Timothy Sheader, who directed last season’s popular production of Hello, Dolly!

The cast of Into The Woods is led by two acclaimed actresses who have both made an impact in Sondheim productions recently. Hannah Waddingham was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for playing Desiree in A Little Night Music last year. Jenna Russell won a Best Actress in a Musical Laurence Olivier Award in 2007 for playing Dot in Sondheim’s Sunday In The Park With George.

Looking to see some musical theatre? Find out more about London musicals.