Sweeney Todd

Well, I will never look at either a straight razor or a meat pie in the same way again! This was an exceptionally good production that made us jump, laugh, gasp, look through our fingers at the action and be frankly quite scared that we might meet any of the cast in the dark car park afterwards!

Gareth Ridge (Director & Choreographer) created an atmospheric and evocative feel with his vision for this production which included the fabulous set. The look as well as the sound of the chorus was spine tingling and I loved the touch of the red palms. The choreography was impeccable and quite complex in parts and the score weaved its story with compelling melodies but I am sure Leah Franks (Musical Director) absolutely did wish for more fingers for the piano playing – see Mrs Lovett, she probably has a few spare!

The set was fantastic and blended seamlessly into the different areas of London it was supposed to represent. The special mention absolutely has to go to the barber’s chair and its fabulous method of dispatching Sweeney’s victims – what a construction! I can’t imagine anything could have been better within a professional production with a big budget! I only hope there was a very big cushion that we couldn’t see as everyone went down that chute with some pace!

From the pies to the razors and everything in between, the props were of a very high standard and the costume was beautiful. Totally in keeping with the period and absolutely adding to the dark and foreboding atmosphere. The make-up was also exceptional and completely made me question whether this was genuinely a youth production or whether they had snuck in the odd oldie!

The lighting was also perfect for the atmosphere and I loved the red light used for when Sweeney claimed another victim. The sound overall was very good, occasionally there was a drop of clarity with some of the parts that involved plot exposition but nothing that marred the overall enjoyment.

I think I mentioned last time that if these guys are the future of musical theatre then bring it on and Sweeney Todd has only solidified that view! Amazing talent throughout the cast who all performed with amazing precision and confidence. The vocal performances were extremely strong throughout, no evidence at all that this was the last show of the run.

James Howard (Sweeney Todd) – You were top of the list for the one I didn’t want to meet in the car park! You played the tortured soul with fabulous maturity and you were really intimidating and brooding. However, you absolutely brought in the humour when interacting with Mrs Lovett, particularly in the parlour scene when she is busy laying out your future with her in front of you. I saw shades of Depp in your performance which if intentional, was absolutely the right balance of taking inspiration whilst still owning the part yourself. Very well done!

Jessica Walters (Mrs Lovett) – Hilarious but also with good depth – you showed your Machiavellian determination to make a good life for yourself by any means possible whilst also genuinely caring for Tobias. With a wonderful disregard for the practicalities of cooking with dead bodies! I did love the scene already mentioned above as I have never seen braces operated with someone else’s feet! A fantastic performance!

Sidney Jones, Poppy Moore & Shay Wright (Anthony Hope, Johanna & Tobias Ragg) – Excellent performances all round! Shay as Tobias did a lovely job of transitioning from opportunistic ragamuffin to genuinely caring about Mrs Lovett and finally doing what he knew was right. Sidney and Poppy as the thwarted lovers provided excellent vocals throughout in their quest to be together. Totally terrifying that the concept of a ward becoming a bride was quite accepted back in the day if you had enough money and influence.

Dominic Bailey & Miles Lesniak (Judge Turpin & The Beadle) – I can give you no higher credit than you were both thoroughly reprehensible, especially Dominic as the Judge who was never on stage even once without a look of total arrogant entitlement on his face! Again, very strong vocals.

Maddie Shenton, Cameron Stewart & Izaak Pearce (Beggar Woman, Adolfo Pirelli & Jonas Fogg) – I did not see the twist with Maddie’s character coming at all and she made an impact every time she came on stage. Pirelli and Fogg were both integral supporting characters and great performances by Cameron (very good Italian accent!) and Izaak.

Ella Black as the Bird Seller and the rest of the company did a sterling job both vocally and with the choreography in progressing the story around the main company.

Yet again, I am left waiting with great anticipation for the next Stoke Youth production because this one was fantastic! It drew a standing ovation which was 100% deserved. Well done to everyone involved, thanks also to the volunteers that make the Rep such a great place to visit and thank you once again for the kind invitation to attend.

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