Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd: the demon barber of Fleet Street is a dark and intense musical that follows the story of a Victorian-era barber who seeks revenge against the corrupt Judge Turpin for wrongfully imprisoning him. The Musical is set in 19th-century London and explores themes of revenge, madness and social injustice. Sweeney Todd originally known as Benjamin Barker, is a tragic figure who returns to London after years of exile to take revenge on the judge who ruined his life. His quest for vengeance leads him to team up with Mrs Lovett, a resourceful baker who helps him carry out his gruesome plan.

Francis Laidlow played the part of Sweeney Todd with all the charm and demonism the role demanded with vocal strength and quality and alongside him was Mrs Lovett played by Vanessa Turpin his pie making accomplice. Once again great vocal strength and a very impressive story teller throughout. Musical expression from them both reflecting their talent in a wickedly funny number ‘A Little Priest’ which was one of my favourite numbers in the show.

The high standard of the show was maintained by Alex Chalker and Sophie Mills as the two lovers Anthony and Johanna, singing nicely together and were very convincing as the lovelorn pair.

Andrew James playing Judge Turpin was truly evil as the corrupt judge and no one was sorry when he met his gruesome end, alongside him Andrew Morton playing The Beadle who was equally evil although his parlour song with Mrs Lovett brought unsuspected humour to the proceedings. A very good evil partnership with both parts played so well.

A cameo appearance by Marc Goodwin playing Adolfo Pirelli brought some lovely comedy moments to his performance.

Maria Morton as the beggar women, whom we later discovered was Sweeney Todd’s estranged wife, that he believed to be dead, played the part with true conviction with her lovely vocals and at times a bit of humour this was another wonderful performance.

I now come to Bobby Donald playing Tobias Rigg and what an excellent performance he gave as this character, his singing and acting was of the highest level. This performance was outstanding and truly deserved all the cheers and accolades he received at the end of the show.

Everyone in this production needs praised, when a show is this good it is a testament to all the hard work that you all have put into it. The ensemble was so good with the harmonies and movement, I always say they can either make or break a show, and this ensemble definitely made this show. A very talented bunch.

The set was amazing, Shaun Donald the stage manager along with his crew done an amazing job especially with the barbers chair it looked so impressive from the audience.

The lighting programming was done by Louisa Morton which was excellent setting the right moods on stage going from light-hearted stuff to the dark and dramatic setting. Spotlights went well on the night, along with the sound.

What can I say about the Musical Director Jen Daglish, this was one of the best orchestra’s I have heard, a lot of hard work must have been put into this by Jen especially in the rehearsal rooms. Congratulations as the music certainly helped to make this a truly wonderful show.

Once again, another great show put on by this group. The audiences don’t lie especially with the standing ovation at the end which was thoroughly deserved so well done to everybody involved.

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