Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a dark musical with Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim based on a book by Hugh Wheeler that's been adapted by Christopher Bond. SOS have a sell-out with this super production. Director Rory Blincow has a great cast for this super production. The story comes across very well, with just the right amount or dark sinister moments, chilling drama and humour. He has been supported by Assistant Directors Rebecca Woodhead & Hilary Green. Musical Director Amy Wardle has a great orchestra with this complex Sondheim score. The music plays a big part in this show adding the right amount of tension and drama along the way.A lot of work has been done with the cast singing and vocals. It was also nice to have the backing singers on stage just out of sight at the back of the set adding to the overall sound.

The set is very good with playing areas on different levels, making it easy for the cast to move about without much set change needed, apart from the odd tables and chairs added when needed. Sweeney's barber shop is set on top of the Lovett's Pie shop. The barber's chair is set in place at the start of Act 2, and plays a big part from there on, with various cast members meeting there demise with a quick exit through the trap door to the cellar. This is very effective and entertaining. Light and sound are also good adding to the overall atmosphere, costumes are just right.

Ollie Woods leads the cast as Sweeney Todd. He has a great voice and is totally believable in the role. He has great stage presence. He is back in London after being deported, and has been told his wife has died and his daughter Joanna has been taken by the Judge and is being raised as his own. Sweeney becomes obsessed and wants revenge on Judge Turpin played by Mike Pavitt and Beadle Bamford played by David Tatnall. Both play their parts with equal malice & evil intentions. Jamie-Louise Sim plays a wonderful Mrs Lovett, she too is very believable bring humour & comic timing to the part. There is great chemistry between her & Sweeney, I loved 'The Worst Pies in London" & "A Little Priest" songs. Amy Jordan plays the beautiful Johanna. She has a lovely clear voice, and she works well along side Anthony played by Dominic Sly, as a sailor that arrived on the same ship as Sweeney. He has taken a shine to Johanna and they are planning to run away together. Eva McManus is also good as Tobias Ragg, he is very sensitive & vulnerabe and this comes across. Mrs Lovett has taken him under her wing.

The whole cast all add to the story, with lots of cameo roles and singing lines. This was a very good production. Well done for a sell out show. We really enjoyed it. 

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