Sweeny Todd

Just when I thought Centre Stage could not get any better ... They never cease to amaze me, these wonderful youngsters who pull it off again and again.
"Sweeny Todd" is not an easy show to do but Centre Stage hit it full on making a fantastic job of it!
The set was super with the lighting to match creating a sinister eerie atmosphere necessary for this show.
Regan Meadowcroft who played "Sweeny Todd" had just the right stage presence giving the role great depth and meaning. His voice was superb.
"Mrs Lovett" (Emily Tucker) came over well as the pie maker and schemer that she is, unshockable and open to anything for survival
Anthony Hope (Liam Mabin) the sailor, was good in his role as the innocent abroad, as was Sylvia Hodgson as Johanne Barker. Judge Turpin, (Matthew Jackson) had a wonderful maturity in his voice and was very convincing as an elderly man. The Beggar Woman (Poppy Fardell) obviously loved every moment of her role as her appearances gradually led to the inevitable dénouement.  Adolfo Pirelli (Max Johnson) had that extra something and performed with that light and shade required for the part. Jonas Fogg (Jack Woodthorpe), Tobias Ragg (Josh Young) and Beadle Bamford (Max Johnson) all played their parts with relish and skill
The company did well, all with great energy and enthusiasm; this macabre show was performed with great maturity and sensitivity, the singing was good to listen to and the orchestra under the direction of Jeremy Rawlings was a delight to hear. Sondheim’s music is not always the easiest to perform or indeed to listen to, but all the young people in this production certainly rose to the occasion
The scenery was well done, from the dark and sinister main set, to the clever mechanics of the lethal barber’s chair. 
This show was one of the best I have seen from Centre Stage and there have been many a good show from this company. If all these young people go on to perform in the adult companies, the future looks good for amateur dramatics in the South West and beyond. The director Sue Bonnett should be well pleased with this production and the enthusiasm and skill she has harnessed from such a young company.

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