Sweeney Todd

Looking through the programme of CAMS 90th Anniversary Musical offering, I thought it was unusual and a very brave move to cast such a young guy in the role of Sweeney. However, Dean Locket brought tons of charisma to the role with an obvious breeding in Musical Theatre. He was menacingly demonic with psychopathic tendencies yet likable and actually, his young age really worked for me. He was absolutely the right choice for the role. Opposite; Chirpy Mrs. Lovett played by Joanne Stubbs was oddly matched bringing about the light heartedness of serving up Todd’s victims in pastry and gravy. Joanne had great comic timing and although odd, the relationship with Mrs. Lovett and Mr. T did click from the outset.

Robert Earl as Judge Turpin gave a convincing performance and was as dark and as sinister as the role requires. The Beadle was ably played by Ryan Bearpark who was ideally cast and brought some of the much needed light humour to the production.

Sean Clark-Wilkinson gave a sterling performance as Anthony. His interpretation of ‘Joanna’ was sung and acted beautifully and was such a highlight. Joanna was played by Megan Sheer who is no stranger to the stage and gave a confident performance. Pirelli played by Adam Goode also brought colour and light to the few scenes the character gets to play before meeting his end.

Mary Bolide as the Beggarwoman did a great job of the part, however this was a role that was miscast.  The end scene where Sweeney realises he has just murdered his wife should be heart wrenching as the plot unfolds. There was an obvious age difference and unfortunately that moment didn’t really happen for me. Again not taking anything away from Mary who did everything the role required from her.

The company sounded brilliant under the energetic baton belonging to Ian Pickford. Their entrances were near on perfect and that’s great going with any Sondheim musical. The given movement was well thought out and effective.

The set along with fixtures and fittings looked really fantastic and straight from the West End, it worked a treat especially with the lighting, which was creatively plotted.

Overall, a really fab production to mark your 90th year - Congratulations!

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