Sweeney Todd

The dark and brooding underworld that existed as part of life in Victorian London was brilliantly recaptured in Jarrow’s production of Sweeney Todd. As most lovers of musical theatre know the music of Stephen Sondheim is notoriously difficult and a great challenge even for the most seasoned of professional performers. It was wonderful therefore to see the manner and enthusiasm in which the Company tackled it in this musical melodrama.

The whole concept and shape of the production was an absolute treat and for this tremendous credit must go to the directorial team of Michelle Coulson (Director) and Freda Carney (Musical Director) whose intuitive and interpretative knowledge of the Libretto and Score is to be applauded. Adding to the feel of the night we had some fine sound and lighting from Atkinson Associates and Hi-Lights respectively and some fine period costumes.

As for the cast themselves they were excellent and there were some notable performances from the Principal line-up. Darren Lynton as the disturbed and troubled Sweeney Todd stood out and his understanding and interpretation of the role set the yardstick for others. Not far behind him was Lana Wood as Mrs Lovett who excelled in probably the biggest role she has undertaken to date. It is a difficult part to perform but she met it head on and delivered the goods.

The love interest between Anthony Hope and Johanna played by Joe Coulson and Lucy McCabe respectively worked well. Both showed a fine understanding of their parts and the chemistry between the two on stage was good with some delightful singing thrown in for good measure.

Sam J Scott added to his ever developing reputation in the role of the orphan Tobias Ragg and for one so young performs with all the aplomb and confidence of a seasoned actor. I particularly enjoyed his work particularly his duet with Mrs Lovett of “Not While I’m Around”

The experienced and talented Alan Tomkins and David Bruce brought all their qualities to the fore in the roles of Judge Turpin and The Beadle. These are suitably disagreeable characters and Alan and David squeezed out every trait imaginable that would come from such people

Finally Danielle Roche and Christopher Perry undertook the important cameo roles of Beggar Woman and Adolpho Pirelli and played these niche characters to perfection.

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