Sweeney Todd

The set worked really well as very little needed moving between scenes and with a show such as this length those few minutes shaved off the time are all important. The set worked well and looked great and Pat Butterworth’s art work is always wonderful.

The sound was great with no issues and the large orchestra were brilliant and beautifully led by Harry Butterworth. Sondheim is notoriously difficult but both cast and orchestra were note perfect and the cast were drilled with perfect diction allowing the whole story to be told which for novices to the show ( as was my guest) is so important.

The lighting plot was creative and suited the mood of the piece and the props and costumes worked well, suited the age of the time and the characters.

The chorus were stunning with beautiful harmonies and great movement and with this piece there is so much for them to do but not a foot (or voice) was put wrong.

The principal cast were fabulous with Sweeney Todd being played superbly by Martin Bradbury. This portrayal was dark and moody but with some light nuances especially in facial features which I loved. Martin’s vocals were stunning and his diction was perfect allowing the full story to be told.

Alison Starrs was the perfect Mrs Lovett. I loved this portrayal and again the diction and the characterisation was impeccable. The chemistry between Alison and Martin as Sweeney was brilliant and also Alison’s scenes with Tobias were lovely.

Matthew Shiel made a lovely Anthony with nice vocals on difficult numbers and acting well beyond his years. His scenes with Debbie Thew as Johanna worked very well and the age difference was well disguised. Debbie Thew was stunning in acting and singing in what are such difficultly high numbers and can often sound very screechy. But not here with Debbie’s gorgeous vocals which again had perfect diction allowing her story to be told.

Ian Ball was great as Judge Turpin and I found myself hating him such was his perfect portrayal. Lecherous and totally taking advantage of his position of trust was brilliantly portrayed here and add to that great vocals and this was a super performance. Tony Stones as Beadle Bamford played well opposite Ian as the loyal public servant and his comic touches bought a laugh to the proceedings.

Adolpho Pirelli the Italian/Irish Charlatan was flamboyantly played by Peter Fitton who flounced and pompously acted and sang the part brilliantly. Elaine Shaw was fabulous as the Beggar Woman with her crazy antics and vocally she totally fitted the bill.

Alfie Harris although slightly older than previous I have seen did a fantastic job on Tobias. The scenes in the cellar were he is going mad were brilliantly directed by Anita and characterised by Alfie. His vocals on “Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir” and “Not While I’m Around” were fabulous and again with great diction.

The whole show was superbly put together and even though I have seen it on many occasions and have listened to the soundtrack, this show explained certain scenes better than I have ever seen them before. The Direction and Musical Direction were well thought through and superbly executed by a wonderful cast. Well done to all involved with this  production.

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