THEATRE-LOVERS can look forward to a truly mesmerising treat when they take their seats for the latest production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.

The musical features classic fairytale characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk.

But for those of you who don’t know the story, don’t expect the usual cheerful, care-free, somewhat-shallow characters you associate with the traditional tales.

Into the Woods is a very modern twist on the stories and links them in a dark and intriguing way.

The Baker and his wife, unable to have a child because of a curse put on their family by the wicked witch, are forced to embark on a dangerous and threatening journey to find items needed by the witch in order to have the curse reversed.

They’re searching for a golden shoe, a white cow, a red cape and a strand of golden hair – and that's the link with the other characters they meet deep in the woods.

By the interval it seems they will all live happily ever after. But their dreams unravel in a dark and frightening way as the show reaches its conclusion.

This show features mature and impressive performances from the cast, all members of the Big Little Theatre School’s Professional Development Programme.

It’s a far cry from their usual all-singing, all dancing shows and is stripped back to leave them open to much closer scrutiny.

They’ve been working with renowned West End Director Graham Hubbard and their dedication shines through.

Into the Woods runs at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne until Saturday February 17.