Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sondheim’s challenging interpretation of this Victorian Penny Dreadful is rarely tackled and congratulations to the entire production team and cast for a smoothly executed production. From the opening number and throughout the performance the strong, well drilled ensemble’s standard of singing was excellent, every word of this complex score could be understood.

Principals were well cast with many notable performances. Clark Adamson as “Judge Turpin” portrayed this twisted and evil man with conviction, ensuring that the audience found it easy to hate this character. Andy King, as “Anthony Hope”, sang flawlessly and gave a credible depiction of his characters need to ardently protect Johanna. His performance was complimented by Catherine Marsden as “Johanna”, the ward of Judge Turpin, who not only sang beautifully but was able to show the personal turmoil her character has in respect of the love she feels for Anthony against her need to please her guardian.

Steven Berry gave us the “Tobias Ragg” traditionalists would expect, that of a man who has the intelligence and naivety of a boy, and which he performed convincingly, his rendition of “Not While I’m Around” being particularly moving.

This musical revolves around the principal characters of  “Sweeney Todd” and “Mrs Lovett”, portrayed by Anthony Smith and Eileen Glenton, and both were superb in their execution of both the score and the book.  Anthony Smith captured the frustration and desperation of Todd, particularly in “Epiphany” where he cracks and becomes a killing monster, and at the end of “the tale” when he realised that his Lucy was also victim of his thirst for revenge. His reaction was heart wrenching. From the comic spectacle of Mrs Lovett making her disgusting pies, to her love of profit and her lust for Sweeney, Eileen Glenton gave us a master class in performance.  Highlights included  “A Little Priest” and “By the Sea”, every word perfectly delivered.  These two performers were a tour de force on stage together, their rapport and chemistry was tangible, and thoroughly deserved the standing ovation awarded to them at the end of the evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.