Sweeney Todd

This is the second very successful production for AAODS after their return to high standards with The Hunchback of Notre Dame directed by Tom Mogford. The word professional is ringing around from everyone who attended this musical drama by Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd.

This incredibly dark and sinister tale of Victorian London and the famous Barber, Sweeney Todd played brilliantly by Patrick Callaghan who used perfect timing and outstanding acting to portray his revenge and hatred for those who had wronged him, his every emotion clear as he sang and his stillness on stage was electrifyingly evil in this revenge, and powerful.

His partner in crime, The woman famous for her pies, the frantic Mrs Lovett was a superb characterisation from Kelsea Williams her energy and commitment to this role knew no bounds she became Mrs Lovett with all the many facets of her character so well portrayed.

An incredible line up of roles from this talented company who all played their special part - Helena Williams as The Beggar Woman, a great cameo performance with exceptional acting. Anthony Hope played so well by Ben Huw Tiley his fantastic vocals full of emotion for Joanna played by Iris Coe who was perfect for this role. Iris sensitively portrayed the ward of Judge Turpin, Dominic Jewell who gave credibility to this role, his rich voice resounding in the theatre, we could hear his every word, an exceptional performance.

All the other dialogue at times getting lost in the speeded up moments.

The Ensemble were no doubt responsible for a great deal of the shows success as they worked tirelessly to make every scene credible and relevant.

The Beadle, a commanding performance from Joe Pugh as always. Jonas Fogg from Gwilym Rogers was very well played

An extrovert part played by the versatile and talented Joe Tuckett as Adolfo Pirelli, the rival Barber to Sweeney and his Assistant Tobias Ragg from rising star Robert Lewis who got to the depths of this role.

The excellent set and the chair worked very well, well done stage crew and congratulations to Director Alys Le Moignan-Williams and to Musical Director Sarah Fowler-Pearson for all their work to make this a special production.

Thank you for your kind hospitality. This production deserved the accolades indeed. Nothing follows success like success.

THIS REPORT IS SOLELY THE VIEW OF TE AUTHOR

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