Sweeney Todd

This was a brave choice of entertainment since the subject is dark and gory, The Sondheim score is “difficult” and all the principal singers have to be on their toes to sing it. If the Sondheim music is difficult for singers, pity the poor musical director and orchestra with the tricky score! Congratulations to all for managing admirably. Taking on the demonic barber role and, playing it with great verve and dynamism, was Donald Budge who seemed to enjoy cutting the throats of his victims before sending them down to the pie shop! This was a tour de force performance from him in his acting and singing. Playing his murderous accomplice and, after many comic and soubrette characters in previous shows, one never expected Jane Taylor to play the evil Mrs Lovett. She was a revelation as the raucous, dirty trollop, pie shop owner and, gave a vigorous and effective performance. A love story shines through all the gloom and Johnathan Cammidge brought all his stage experience and lovely voice to the role of Antony in his love with Joanna, played with great sensitively by Sarah Bernhardt. The show’s baddies, the malicious Beadle (Alexander Stewart), wicked Judge Turpin (Andy McDonald), all become mincemeat! Comedy, with a great accent(s) to match, came from Craig Rose as the Italian barber who ended up as Pirelli pie! Other revelations in the cast were Ian Birse playing young Tobias Ragg and Jennifer McOmish’s great portrayal of the old Beggar Woman with a deep secret. Congratulations on a truly memorable evening.

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