SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

Sweeney Todd is one of those shows everyone wants to do, as it is testing on all levels.  I found that it lent itself well to the small venue that is Lytton Theatre, with a good static set, and no personal mics, which meant everyone relied on their own vocal strength.

Sweeney Todd is a difficult sing, but I was impressed with the quality of the music throughout.  The cast gave themselves to the story and the notes, with good attention to detail, I noticed some of the ensemble really letting rip, which was great.  The opening was good and introduced us to the ensemble who all had their individual characters.

I felt there should perhaps have been more attention to detail in the props, for example there was no pastry on the table to be made into pies, nothing to go through the lovely old mincer, with blood and gore missing from the actual throat slitting, which lessened the impact of the darker side of the tale.  Otherwise everything worked well.  

Costumes were very suitable for all concerned, with imaginative make up.

Soundwise there was a good balance between stage and band – which consisted on two keyboards that was completely suitable for the piece, and captured the atmosphere required.  Well done to the keyboard players.

Justine Mileusnic gave us a well-rounded Mrs Lovett, good light and shade in her voice, combining the lighter romantic side with the more raucous moments, along with Steve Wilks (Sweeney Todd) who certainly looked the part, with his eyes showing his demonic tendencies, both coping with some difficult music. 

Chris O’Kelly created a sympathetic Anthony, accompanied by Jessica Kolthammer as a charming Johanna.  They both interacted and sang well, a nice romantic couple in the mix.  The quartet between the two couples was really well done, and all four were very expressive.

Gina Abbatt was able to give both doom and comedy to the Beggar Woman – a lovely part, beautifully sung and acted.

Tom Beirne gave his all as the terrible Judge – again a great part, which Tom sang and acted very well, you could feel his angst and cruelty, I was impressed.

Steven Musk (Pirelli) gave the character a light touch which contrasted well with the other characters, whilst Adam Beckman (Beadle) showed his mean side well, both adding much to the diverse feel of the piece.

Alice Smithson played Tobias with the right amount of naivety and awareness, to make a well-rounded and believable portrayal.

Overall a good production with plenty of interesting moments, with good vocal achievement from all.

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