Into the Woods is coming to London’s West End in September 2026, as Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s much-loved musical transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre after its acclaimed run at the Bridge Theatre. The production opens on 22 September 2026 and runs until 9 January 2027.
If you are looking for a new London musical this autumn, here are five reasons Into the Woods should be on your radar.
1. It brings some of the world’s best-known fairytales together
Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and a mysterious Witch all find their stories tangled together in Into the Woods.
At first, everyone is chasing a familiar fairytale wish. But Sondheim’s musical goes beyond “happily ever after” and asks what happens when people actually get what they want.
It is funny, strange and considerably darker than a traditional family fairytale.
2. Kate Fleetwood returns as the Witch
Kate Fleetwood returns to play the Witch following her performance in the Bridge Theatre production.
The West End cast also includes John Dagleish as the Baker, Laura Pitt-Pulford as the Baker’s Wife, Simbi Akande as Cinderella, Keith Ramsay as Jack and Gracie McGonigal as Little Red Riding Hood.
The production is directed by Jordan Fein, with sets and costumes by Tom Scutt.
3. Into the Woods is playing at the Noël Coward Theatre
The musical moves into the Noël Coward Theatre on St Martin’s Lane, right in the heart of London’s West End.
Dates: 22 September 2026 – 9 January 2027
Venue: Noël Coward Theatre, 85–88 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AU
Running time: approximately 2 hours 40 minutes including an interval.
Charing Cross and Leicester Square are both within easy walking distance of the theatre.
4. There are some surprisingly affordable preview tickets
One of the best times to see Into the Woods could be during its opening weeks.
For performances up to 10 October 2026, preview tickets are being offered at £25, £35, £45 and £55, subject to availability.
There are also a limited number of £25 Stalls tickets for under-30s at Monday to Thursday performances, with ID required.
That makes the previews worth checking if you want to see a major West End musical without paying top West End prices.
5. This is Sondheim, not a conventional children’s fairytale
Despite Cinderella, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood appearing in the story, Into the Woods is much more than a children’s musical.
Stephen Sondheim’s score includes some of his best-known songs, while James Lapine’s story explores wishes, relationships, consequences, loss and what happens after the fairytale ending.
The production includes darkness, loud noises, flashing lights and strobe effects, so parents should check the latest age guidance before booking younger children.
Into the Woods London tickets
Into the Woods opens at the Noël Coward Theatre on 22 September 2026 and is currently booking until 9 January 2027.
With Sondheim’s music, a collection of familiar fairytale characters and a successful Bridge Theatre production behind it, this looks set to be one of the more interesting new West End musicals in London for autumn 2026.
Book tickets:
https://intothewoodsonstage.com/
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