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Why would you go into the woods?
To sell the cow To lift the spell To visit mother To see the king
Or maybe to find yourself?
In Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s dazzling musical, the Baker, the Baker’s Wife, the Witch, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Rapunzel take us beyond happy ever after to discover what really matters.
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Captioned: Friday 30 January 2026 at 7.30pm. Audio Described: Saturday 21 February 2026 at 2.30pm.Latest Into The Woods News

News / New Shows + Transfers
Who will you meet in the woods? The full list of Into The Woods characters
Into the Woods created by Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) and James Lapine (book), blends classic Brothers Grimm fairy‐tale characters; Cinderella, Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel, with an original story about a Baker and his Wife. Bound together by a Witch’s curse, these characters embark into the woods (can you see where the musicals came from?) to fulfill their wishes, only to discover that every wish carries unforeseen consequences.
The show first premiered at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre in 1986 before transferring to Broadway in 1987. The macabre musical ran for 764 performances and was universally adored, winning Tony Awards for best score, best book, and best actress (Joanna Gleason as the Witch). The original cast album then went on to win the Grammy for best musical theater album. A fairytale moment for all involved.
But which classic characters made the leap from the storybook to the stage? Check out our guide to the Into The Woods characters below:
The Baker
The Baker is a harried, insecure every‑man desperately trying to lift a curse that prevents him and his Wife from having a child. Reserved and protective, he grows into maturity through the trials of the woods, learning that life’s messy realities carry meaning alongside magic.
The Baker’s Wife
Pragmatic yet yearning, the Baker’s Wife seeks more than her simple life (and it is very restricted, her own ‘name’ doesn’t give her her own identity). At first she craves a child, and then she gets a taste of royalty. Smart and resolute, she becomes the emotional heart of Act II in songs like “Moments in the Woods,” where she wrestles with guilt, loss, and the complexity of choice.
The Witch
A once-beautiful yet twisted mother and magical exile, the Witch curses the Baker’s family after her garden is stolen. She embarks on her own arc in search of love and control, ultimately realising that clinging to her stolen daughter won’t buy happiness. Her solos, including “Witch’s Lament” and “Last Midnight,” give one of the show’s most powerful emotional journeys.
Cinderella
Kind-hearted and enduring despite cruel treatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella dreams of attending the king’s festival. When her wish comes true, she learns that the life she imagined doesn’t satisfy, and she must find her own balance between desire and fulfillment. She sings “On the Steps of the Palace” and joins ensemble pieces like “No One Is Alone.”
Cinderella’s Prince (sometimes doubled as the Wolf)
Charming, vain, and unreliable, the Prince pursues Cinderella passionately, but is all too ready to abandon her. In some productions, the roles of the Wolf and the Prince are doubled, emphasising his predatory desire. His number “A Very Nice Prince” (shared with Rapunzel’s Prince) skewers fairy‑tale romanticism.
Little Red Riding Hood
A spirited, naïve girl who enters the woods to visit her grandmother, only to be seduced by the Wolf. Her journey teaches her the dangers of naiveté and entices her toward maturity. In Act II she delivers the stirring “I Know Things Now,” reflecting on knowledge gained and innocence lost.
Jack
A dream‑struck youth whose cow, Milky‑White, won’t give milk, Jack trades her for magic beans. Climbing the beanstalk, he encounters giants, wealth, and catastrophic consequences. Energetic and naïve, he ultimately learns responsibility through grief and regret. He sings “Giants in the Sky” in Act I and shares in the ensemble’s fights later.
31 Jul, 2025 | By Sian McBride

News
The Bridge Theatre - Best Seats and Seating Plan
Opened in 2017, the Bridge Theatre is the first new theatre of its scale to be built in London’s commercial theatre sector in 80 years and has quickly established itself as one of London’s most exciting modern venues. Founded by Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr (formerly of the National Theatre), the Bridge Theatre is located near Tower Bridge and boasts a flexible auditorium that allows for innovative staging configurations.
Since its opening, the Bridge Theatre has staged a host of notable productions and star-studded plays, including Julius Caesar’s groundbreaking promenade production starring Ben Whishaw and Richard II starring Jonathan Bailey. Its reputation for bold and inventive productions continues to draw major talent and enthusiastic audiences.
What are the best seats at the Bridge Theatre?
Choosing the best seats at the Bridge Theatre really depends on the type of production and your personal preferences. The venue's innovative design means that every seat offers something special.
The stalls at the Bridge Theatre are flat-floor seating that offers a close-up, immersive view of the action — especially important in productions using the venue's signature thrust or in-the-round stage configurations. Seats in the central stalls (Rows C - J) offer a particularly great balance of proximity and full view.
Gallery 1 runs along the sides of the theatre and provides a more elevated view. These seats are perfect if you like a wider perspective of the staging and choreography, and they can be ideal for productions with complex sets or large ensemble casts.
Higher up and slightly more distant, Gallery 2 seats are typically more affordable. They still offer a good view, especially for productions that use a lot of overhead effects or aerial staging. If you’re looking for value without compromising too much on experience, Gallery 2 is a solid choice.
Different seating areas cater to different viewing preferences, and thanks to the thoughtful design, there’s really no “bad seat” at the Bridge Theatre!
Bridge Theatre seating plan
28 Apr, 2025 | By Sian McBride