Sweeney Todd

Sondheim is rather like Marmite, but the people of Cheltenham turned out for the CODS production of this gruesome tale and were well rewarded. The Staging for this show is quite challenging but Nigel Cottell had designed a workable, clever set for this small stage.  All the scene changes were carried out efficiently.  The flats were painted with black bricks, which added to the darkness of the story. Lighting had been well designed and well operated, adding to the drama and tension, with the up-lights at the front of the stage creating an eerie effect in flickering gaslight.  The sound was well operated always coming in on cue and of a high quality.

The costumes had been well sourced for the period, the cast had been given a gothic style of make-up which added to the drama.  The special make up for the Beggar Woman and Judge Turpin’s scarring were very effective, as were the asylum inmates.

The music for this show, as with all Sondheim, is very difficult, but from the powerful opening number you knew you were in for a treat. The solos, duets and ensembles were well sung with excellent harmonies and diction, the sincerity and emotion were totally believable.

Director, Sarah Dyer, had a strong cast to work with and they all gave convincing performances.  Tim Jones gave a riveting performance, as Sweeney Todd, he created so much tension when he first has Judge Turpin in the barbers’ chair, he had the audience on the edge of their seats; and sang everything with such feeling.  Vicky Long gave a memorable performance as Mrs Lovett, she brought humour and sensitivity to a gruesome role, especially in ‘A Little Priest’, and ‘Not While I’m Around’.  Emily Samways brought an air of innocence and vulnerably to the role of Johanna, she was the one bright star surrounded by all the squalor and evil.  Lucas Abbott, as Anthony Hope, complimented her beautifully, creating a truly believable relationship; and their duets were a delight.  David Singer gave a strong performance as corrupt Judge Turpin, He made your flesh crawl.  Paul Scott played Beadle Bamford, with contemptuous evil, although his ‘Parlour Songs’ with Mrs Lovett brought unsuspected humour to the proceedings.  Keir Kille obviously enjoyed his cameo role as Pirelli, who comes to an untimely end.  Jamie Dewick played Tobias, his put upon, long suffering assistant, with an endearing simplicity.  He sang his duet with Mrs Lovett well.  The role of The Beggar Woman is very difficult, Hannah Bennett did a splendid job; she was vulnerable and confused with moments of lucidity breaking through her incoherent babbling. 

The brief appearances of the children brought a little light relief amidst all the horror. Everyone involved in any way with this show had done a superb job.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.