Sweeney Todd

Any work by Stephen Sondheim provides a challenge for a society but Walsall Operatic Society was up to the challenge and produced an excellent show.

The two central characters of Todd and Mrs Lovett were extremely well played by Richard Poynton and Maggie Page. Todd is determined to exact revenge for past events and Richard portrayed the brooding and obsession perfectly whilst Maggie had the chirpiness of Mrs Lovett, bent on improving her lot, down to fine art.

Many members of the cast showed what good singing voices they have notably Beth Berwick-Lowe (Johanna), Tom Fletcher (Anthony Hope) and John Sheard (Beadle Bamford). There were also some very powerful linking performances from Frazer Shine (Tobias Ragg) and Katy Louise Ball (Beggar Woman) with strong support from Simon Docherty (Judge Turpin), Craig Smith (Pirelli) and Craig Griffiths (Jonas Fogg). The small ensemble and full chorus work was confident throughout backed up by a first class orchestra under the baton of Ian Room.

Overall the lighting, special effects and sound were good although there were occasions when the balance between orchestra and soloists was not quite right. Well done to everyone involved!

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