In some ways even Grimmer than the eponymous brothers intended, this musical delves into the lives and characters of classic fairy-tales like Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella.
Famously, Streep spoke openly at the time about being initially reluctant to take on the Witch role, saying: "When I turned 40, I was offered three witches in one year and I realised this was the way my career was going to go. So I turned them down and I have said “no” to playing witches ever since. However, I changed my mind when this role came along because this witch is quite different."
Speaking to Kate Fleetwood, who will be taking on the role at the Bridge Theatre this winter – we decided to ask why the Sondheim version of the classic witch is so special.
Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, the Wheel of Time star said: "At the end of the day she's a gardener, she's a protector. And then she's betrayed and robbed."
"Then she transforms, but her turning into a youthful beauty is not necessarily about the aesthetic of that, but the release. It's all about the release of that negative perception that was a drag on her. She's young and acceptably beautiful again, and so becomes more powerful.
Fleetwood said her inspiration for the role came from all sorts of places, from ancient witches to Katharine Hepburn. She also said the role had always been on her bucket list:
Fleetwood added that for her, the role was still changing and growing: "I tend to paint my work in big strokes when I'm in rehearsal, and then I pick away. Some people do it the other way, where they dab at a role, but I get the paint pot and chuck it at the wall, and then pick away at the person.
Now, just days away from the first preview, the look of the show is still very much under wraps. The Bridge Theatre is an immersive theatre known for being its daring set design, and while Kate couldn't confirm anything, she said it would definitely look "a million dollars."
As for what else audiences can expect: "I think the need for community is something that we really want to focus on and to open yourself to the idea that we all mistakes, and that we have to forgive ourselves and forgive each other.
"You'll feel profound joy and profoundly moved by it."
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