Into the Woods returns to Adelaide with an all-South Australian cast

Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods is coming to Her Majesty’s Theatre this August, marking the Tony Award-winning musical’s return to Adelaide with an all-South Australian cast.

The production, directed by Australian director Constantine Costi, runs from Saturday 22 August to Saturday 29 August 2026, including a Saturday matinee. It forms part of State Opera South Australia’s Golden Jubilee Season.

Since its Broadway debut in 1987, Into the Woods has remained one of the most celebrated musicals in the repertoire. Sondheim’s intricate score and James Lapine’s book weave together characters from the Brothers Grimm — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel — alongside an original story of a Baker and his wife attempting to break a witch’s curse.

The result is a work that explores love, loss, family and the consequences of the choices we make.

A homecoming for Hugh Sheridan

Leading the cast is Hugh Sheridan, a former State Opera Children’s Chorus member, returning to Adelaide in the role of The Baker. Johanna Allen joins him as his wife.

“The opportunity to play The Baker in this brand-new production of my favourite show in my hometown is a dream come true,” Sheridan said. “Stephen Sondheim has become a family favourite ever since working with him on my very first musical. It’s going to be a highlight of Australian theatre, and I’m so honoured to be part of it.”

For director Constantine Costi, the production offers something particular to live theatre.

“It’s a very human exchange between the performers and audience, and I hope that people feel that euphoric rush that only live theatre can give you,” Costi said. “We’ve been exploring the idea of the woods and returning to nature. Forests can feel like places of danger and darkness, but they’re also places where people grow and learn through experience.”

Part of the Golden Jubilee Season

Into the Woods plays alongside Hansel & Gretel as part of State Opera South Australia’s fiftieth-year celebrations, placing two fairy tale works side by side in the same season.

“The opportunity to present two fairy tales side-by-side in the same season is a rare occasion and major opportunity to reach new audiences as part of our fiftieth-year celebrations,” said State Opera South Australia Executive Director Mark Taylor. “We look forward to welcoming audiences to Her Majesty’s Theatre in August.”

South Australian Minister for the Arts Kyam Maher noted the production’s commitment to local talent. “Into the Woods showcases the talent of South Australian artists, while creating a world-class experience for audiences. The production also represents the bold vision of State Opera South Australia to create work that will lead the company into its next era.”