Stephen Sondheim's INTO THE WOODS Plays Bridewell Theatre, Now thru April 12

Don't miss your chance to see Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's multi award winning musical fantasy Into the Woods, arguably the composer's most successful show, at the Bridewell Theatre this April - the first time the show has been staged in Central London for a number of years and just a couple of weeks after the composers 84th birthday.

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine reimagine the magical world of fairy tales in their quest musical Into the Woods. Familiar childhood stories - including Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Little Red Ridinghood - are woven together in this darkly enchanting musical about life after the 'happily ever after'.

The baker and his wife enter the wood to lift the curse on their family, but in their quest for a child they must face the consequences of getting 'everything they ever wanted'. Fairy tales are not just playful stories. You can't just act - you have to listen, you have to think. Will you take the right path?

The production will feature the full 15 piece orchestration by Jonathan Tunick and is the perfect opportunity to see the original stage production ahead of Disney's film adaptation, which opens in cinemas across the world on 25 December.

"Into the Woods is probably Sondheim's most accessible show," says director Matt Gould. "It has recognizable characters, great music and a deceptively simple plot that cleverly weaves familiar characters into an interwoven story that makes us question our own lives and the things we wish for. I asked my design team to create a playground in which the cast could roam and they have come up trumps with a multi layered set in which we can explore a wonderful world of wishes and desires, but also hope, longing, loss and ultimately redemption."

The Stephen Sondheim Society has been closely involved with this new production. Chairman David Ovenden said: "It's great to welcome a new production of Into the Woods to London, particularly by a group such as Sedos who we know from past productions are able to muster some amazing talent and resources for their shows. Their productions are always thoughtful, beautifully sung and offer the chance to hear a large orchestra, after so many small scale chamber versions forced on producers by hard economics.

"Into the Woods has some of Sondheim's most sublime music and wittiest lyrics (of the cow Milky-White: 'We've no time to sit and dither while her withers wither with her!'). It is delightful, and charming and funny, yes, but also disturbing and bloody and sad."

With wonderful songs including 'Last Midnight', 'Agony', 'On the Steps of the Palace' and 'No One Will Listen', Into the Woods is a great night out for any fan of musical theatre young and old.

Full information can be found at www.sedos.co.uk/2014/intothewoods.htm.

Into the Woods is staged by leading amateur theatre company Sedos, which is the resident theatre company at the Bridewell Theatre, off Fleet Street.

Into the Woods
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by James Lapine
Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine. Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

2-12 April 2014 at 7.30pm, Saturday matinées at 2.30pm
No performance Sun 6 or Mon 7 April 2014

All performances at the Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane, off Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8EQ

Box office: www.sedos.co.uk (no booking fee)

Ticket price: £16 (£13.50 concession)
Premium seats: £18 (£15.50 concession)

Concessions: Sedos members, children, students, seniors and registered unemployed.

Special Gala Nights, Saturday 5 (eve) and Friday 11 April 7.30pm
Ticket includes a free programme and a glass of fizz at the interval. Tickets £20 (£17.50 concessions). Premium seats are available at £22 (£19.50 concessions)

Charity night, Tuesday 8 April, 7.30pm
50% of proceeds donated to Cardboard Citizens, the Sedos Charity of the Year.