Review: INTO THE WOODS, Bridge Theatre

Photo credit: Johan Persson

There are giants in the sky, and as has come to be expected, giant ambitions at the Bridge Theatre for their latest offering, a revival of the late great Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods, directed by Jordan Fein.

Into the Woods is a musical about life, the complexities of it and the consequences of our desires. The story follows a number of our most famed and treasured fables all intertwined in one tumultuous tale, including the likes of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Cinderella.

There is no denying that Sondheim was a master of his work, but with his work being so genius, it can be difficult to do his work justice and for no better turn of phrase “pull it off”. That being said, when we heard that this daring revival was being produced at the Bridge, after their sensational revival of Guys & Dolls, we were bursting with excitement to see how they utilised the beautiful venue which has proven multiple times to be one of the most innovative and immersive spaces in the UK. So we were initially a little disappointed on hearing that the performance was being played end on but after watching the show, it’s safe to say that disappointment didn't linger.

The shining stars of this company are set and costume designer Tom Scutt and lighting designer Aideen Malone. We defy you to go and find any other show in the UK that has such stunning buttons at the end of its musical numbers. Our jaws were on the floor multiple times! Scutt has created an enchanted wood on stage, incredibly life-like and a visual feast for breaking up the stage and action that unfolds. Malone has clearly worked incredibly closely with Scutt to find each crevice and branch that the light can creep through to create some of the most magical lighting we have ever seen; the duo are clearly ethereal in talent as well as in their work’s execution. We’ve nearly stopped gushing but Scutt’s costumes were also simply inspired.

We have a feeling that director Jordan Fein’s direction is going to prove magical marmite to critics but we, for one, have to admire his commitment to storytelling. When we are telling the stories we’ve all known since toddlers, storytelling 101, we don't need to embellish, we don't need to flourish, and this is how Fein’s direction feels, stripped back to the core fundamentals of story telling, which we think works 90% of the time. The simplistic nature of the show’s opening is inspired, like being told a story by a friend at a bar, but this isn’t maintained during the Witch’s two solos, ‘Stay with Me’ and ‘The Last Midnight’. ‘Stay with Me’ is a chilling beautiful number but edges into ‘whiny’ territory and the casual almost cabaret like rendition of ‘The Last Midnight’ falls a bit flat when the show could have done with a bit of escalation and stakes at that moment. The stakes are perhaps the one thing that falls prey to the simplistic storytelling at times, but with that being said, some true marvels are achieved on stage also. Without spoiling anything for you, the way the giant is portrayed on the stage is genius. Kudos to video designer Roland Horvath.

The ensemble are all magnificent, working together in harmony like players in the same band, with Jo Foster being a particular stand out in the role of Jack.

This version of Into the Woods is simple yet stylish, which is perhaps is the perfect way to honour Sondheim who could say so much with so few words. One word, one look, one picture can tell a whole story. If you are new to Sondheim and want to see some of his work for the first time, or if you are a Sondheim aficionado, there is something to dissect for everyone here. The point of this show? It’s meaning? We’d say it’s completely subjective, as all good stories should be. So go and see it for yourself!

Bravo to the whole company for daring to be authentic in its creative in a world where the commercial oft overpowers any defiant risk taking. Sondheim would be proud.

Sometimes people leave you halfway through the wood, but this show will stay with you for a long time.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: James Edge

Into the Woods plays at London’s Bridge Theatre until 30 May, with tickets available here.