A fantastical new imagining of Stephen Sondheim’s celebrated musical Into The Woods has opened at the Theater Royal Bath and audiences are in for a visual treat which whisks you far, far away.
Co-directed by Python alumni and celebrated film director Terry Gilliam along with famous choreographer Leah Hausman, whose credits include the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theater this new production of Into The Woods beguiles and wows with winning performances from a strong cast and more than a handful of moments where you simply stare in wonder.
This is adventurous and playful theater and Sondheim’s celebrated musical is perfect for the Gilliam and Hausman treatment, meaning that every scene is meticulously delivered with outstanding singing and visual treats galore.
The Theater Royal Bath is transformed into an oversized Victorian toy theater and we are thrust into the imagination of a young girl and an enchanted world filled with fairy stories, princesses and wolves. As the musical unfolds we meet Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel and a Baker and his wife who have made a deal with a witch in order to have a child. They must journey Into the Woods and return with magical items which brings them face to face with Jack and his beanstalk, the Ugly Sisters, a wolf in granny’s clothes and much more.
This is a musical not just about children’s tales, but about the choices we make and the journeys we take. Into the Woods lifts the curtain on what happens after Happily Ever After.
Into the Woods has a fantastically committed cast including Rhashan Stone, Nicola Hughes and Audrey Brisson who give stand out performances along with the menacing and unsettling Julian Bleach as the Mysterious Man.
Gilliam fans will no doubt love the Python-esque moment when a giant foot squishes a character, a fun call back to one of his most famous animations and a hilarious and unexpected Buster Keaton sight gag. There are wonderful woodland creatures and moments of silly fun with a cartoony pantomime cow.
The Theater Royal Bath proves to be the perfect venue for this premiere which brilliantly blends Sondheim’s celebrated musical, inspired direction and a talented ensemble cast.
Don’t miss the chance to head Into the Woods at Theater Royal Bath where you will be wowed by this delightfully twisted tale of Once Upon a Time.
Into the Woods is at Theater Royal Bath until 10th September 2022. You can find out more and get your tickets here.