Sweeney Todd

Sondheim is an acquired taste so to speak, and not everyone’s cup of tea, but here we had a splendid example of what can be achieved by a dedicated and talented society. Sweeney Todd is a musical thriller which is often regarded as Sondheim’s best work, it certainly is his most grisly.

Taking on the demonic barber role and playing it with verve and dynamism, was John Beamer who seemed to relish cutting the throats of his victims before sending them down the shute to the pie shop, this was a great performance from John, I liked the stupendous rendering of ‘Epiphany’ to the still obsessive calm in Act 2. What can I say about the way that Emily Prescott portrayed the pie shop owner Mrs Lovett except, fantastic, she had the right strength of character for this part, bringing out all the macabre humour, she nailed the vocals and characterisation. I thought that the duet ‘A Little Priest’ was brilliant, she was indeed outstanding, and pie maker extraordinaire. I did enjoy Thomas Ledsham as Signor Pirelli and what a super voice, well done. The young lovers Gabrielle Dams as Johanna and Gavin Wells as Anthony were well matched in both acting and singing. Anna Webster was very good as the deranged Beggar Woman. The rest of the cast and ensemble work added enormously to the success of the evening’s entertainment and all are to be congratulated.

The lighting was excellent, so imaginative, and clever creating the atmosphere and mood, also not forgetting sound and all the myriad of costumes. Director Sharon Bell’s production was superb, there were no weak links, and everybody on stage must have worked very hard and enjoyed every minute to reach this high standard. Sharon had a great feeling for Sondheim’s work, as did Phil Allcock the musical director with that same sensitive feeling, what a lovely orchestra. The set was excellent, but the mincer troubled me, I have not been to the local butchers for mince nor have I had any pies, congratulations to everybody including back stage and front of house. Thank you. 

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