Take storybook characters, throw in some Sondheim lyrics and what do you get? Into the Woods, of course!

The story tells of a Baker and his wife (who desperately wish for a child), Cinderella (who wishes to attend the King’s Festival), Jack (who wishes his cow would give milk, so that he doesn’t have to sell her), Little Red Riding Hood (who wishes for bread to take to her sick Grandmother), and a Witch (who has placed a curse on the Baker). In order to lift this curse, the Witch demands that the Baker sets off on a journey to find four key items and bring them back to her within three days. 

However, when everyone’s wish is granted, the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results….and a giant!

Mark Payne (Baker) and Tiffany Cawthorne (Baker’s Wife) are a good pairing. They have a good on-stage relationship and a light heartedness between them. Luke Plimmer (Jack) gives us a wholesome performance of ‘Giants in the Sky’ and Hannah Lyons (Red Riding Hood) provides some lovely comic moments throughout.

Directed by Keith Harris, two of our favourite moments were musical numbers: ‘Agony’, a duet between Cinderella’s Prince (Alisdair Hurst), and Rapunzel’s Prince (Mark Horne), and ‘Last Midnight’, with vocals by Kimberley Maynard as the Witch.

It’s a typical Sondheim story, with lots of stories interweaving, but easy to follow and entertaining for the whole family. We can definitely recommend this one, Besties!

Into the Woods plays at the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham until 6 May, with further information here.