Sweeney Todd

Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd is a well known show but that doesn’t mean it is an easy production to stage but Penarth Operatic & dramatic Society was up to the challenge and produced an excellent show.

Sweeney Todd played by Iain Scott played the murderous Sweeney with a calm, determined and demented air and demonism the role demanded. His fine voice did justice to the score.

Mrs Lovett played by Clare Gardner was a delight to watch, her light and breezy yet devious nature portrayed perfectly, Her highly expressive looks brought humour and sensitivity to a gruesome role affirming her skills as an actress. the diction and the characterisation was impeccable.

Anthony Hope played by Thomas Mottershead had the perfect look for the love struck young sailor and showed a fine understanding of the role. His interpretation of ‘Joanna’ was sung and acted beautifully. Future leading man material.

Johanna played by Ruby Atlanta Boland gave a sweet and sensitive performance, and good vocally.

Tobias played by Chris Powell gave an affecting and deeply thoughtful performance with all the aplomb and confidence of a seasoned actor..

Judge Turpin played by Nick Pratt gave a convincing performance and was as dark and as sinister as the role requires and displayed just the right amount of creepy letch like qualities.

The Beadle played by Matthew Lee gave a strong performance, finely balancing the humour inherent in the character. his acting was subtle and comedic in good measure – particularly at the Parlour Organ!

Beggar Woman played by Kate Chadwick excelled in her role as Beggar Woman, crazed and battered by life’s experiences.

Adolfo Oirelli played by James Osbourne is a lavish and colourful character. James added light relief with style and panache, demonstrating not only an enviable vocal range but also a convincing dual nationality.

The ensemble work is pretty complicated in this show and the company tackled it without signs of the effort required. Moving smoothly into position and picking notes from thin air, Sweeney certainly translates well to a smaller and more intimate stage, in fact – I prefer it this way.

The director had a very good understanding of the dialogue and story and extracted with skill the small amount of humour in the piece. The general look of the production maintained a period feel while emphasising the Melodramatic elements.  Within the intimate space it echoed the Victorian Melodramas which were so familiar with audiences of the time.   

David Thompson’s musical direction kept the pace and intensity in the music but also gave freedom for the principles to express the subtler characteristics or comic moods. choreography was within the style expected.

The lighting was excellent, so imaginative, and clever creating the atmosphere and mood required.

Congratulations PODS

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