Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of FLeet Street

I was delighted to attend Greenock Light’s latest production, Stephen Sondheim's dark musical thriller Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which was a fantastic piece of theatre from the start after Sweeney closed the entrance curtain over, straight through to finish and cast exiting the performance area.

Director Ruairidh did an outstanding job bringing this edgy musical to the stage. The very clever staging, effective atmospheric lighting, clever, simple but effective costume and makeup, and cast being remaining around the performing area throughout was all exceptional. The vision of the show was fully resolved and as a theatre lover so very clever. 

Musical Director Michael Hepburn and his band were amazing. Being set within the performance area it really added to the vibe of the show and all musical content was of a high standard. 

Adam O’Brien as Sweeney Todd bought all the gravitas and mellow dramatic anguish to the role of a tortured soul. His obsessive revenge plot is aided and abetted by Mrs. Lovatt, Sarah Campbell, who gave a strikingly expressive and humorous performance as the formidable and cautiously manipulative pie shop owner, again with powerful singing throughout. A darkly impressive pairing which I loved. Each cast member contributed to a magnificent show and as it is very much an ensemble piece, the entire supporting cast all told the story well in a fully cohesive performance.  Highlighted performances within this group would have to be Kirsty Campbell who gave a convincing performance as a crazed beggar woman while managing at the same time to sing so well, and crawl back and forth under the steps between scenes. Adrian Loughlin was hilarious as the fake Italian barber Pirelli, who lightened the atmosphere with his comedy, and was more than ably supported by Ben Mullan as Tobias Ragg, who gave an excellent performance throughout the show. Michael Lyden made the most of his role as the nasty sidekick of the Judge, with some humorous undertones. His henchman Beadle Bamford, played by David Shepherd showed the right amount of deference to his master and creating a strong and creepy character. Anthony was well played by Jack Harkness, the bright young sailor character suited him, vocally assured, and contrasting well with the darkness of the other characters. Matched by the lightness of Karen McLeod as Johanna, who sang with charm. Again, a lovely pairing who were well-matched vocally too.

A great show for the club and congratulations to all involved on stage and behind the scenes.

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