Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
★★★★☆ Dark and epic
Church Hill Theatre: Wed 9 – Sat 12 October 2024
Review by Sophie Good
There’s a ghoulish and classic Penny Dreadful atmosphere to this epic tale of revenge, as Blackout Productions bring new life to Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, at the Church Hill Theatre until Saturday.
Growing in reputation, Blackout Productions have taken on what must surely be their most ambitious production yet with this large scale show at the Church Hill. It’s some feat, with a cast of 24, including a 15-strong ensemble, and all accompanied by the Fleet Street Players orchestra.
Robert Moyes as Sweeney Todd. Pic: Andrew Morris.
The dark and dank ‘black pit’ of Victorian London is evocatively brought to life under the direction of Susie Dumbreck, who sets the whole piece in a former music hall.
The familiar tale of the demon barber is given much back story and plot lines in this elongated version with a book by Hugh Wheeler. Musical theatre titan Sondheim provides his trademark vocal score and almost operatic soundscape throughout.
We are drawn into Todd’s world as he returns from exile in Australia to find his family life gone but the poverty and cut throat underworld of London still very much present, while his estranged daughter is ward to the author of his downfall, Judge Turpin. It is all brought to life by a detailed ensemble cast.
nuanced
Robert Moyes as Todd has a strong stage presence, an ability to switch up the different sides to his persona and a voice large enough to fill the cavernous audience space. He is more than ably matched by Jo Heinemeier as pie-making Mrs Lovett, who brings a likeable, softer quality to the role than the typical depiction and is all the more nuanced for it. Her opening song The worst pies in London is especially entertaining and endearing.
Jo Heinemeier as Mrs Lovett and Robert Moyes as Sweeney Todd. Pic: Andrew Morris.
Gigi Bacon as Todd’s estranged daughter Johanna and Sean Quinn as her suitor Anthony are highly sympathetic characters, bringing the right level of sweetness but remaining believable and authentic.
Judge Turpin, the evil villain of this tale, is easy to hate from his first appearance. James Dickson does a great job of ensuring he is formidable and nasty. His performance of ‘Johanna’ is grim to the point of deeply uncomfortable and has dated in its connotations of abuse in a way that is as clear it was written in 1979.
carefully thought through
The set and costume designed by Holly Smith do much to create the necessary atmosphere for this tale with every detail carefully thought through. The platform created for the smaller scenes and the stark feel of the barbershop itself lend much to the drama and fill the space easily.
The orchestra, under the musical directorship of Richard Lewis, take on the challenging score most capably and provide a backdrop to highly accomplished vocals across the board.
James Dickson as Judge Turpin. Pic: Andrew Morris.
This is very much an ensemble piece and at times they are utilised as a Greek chorus. This is particularly effective in scenes such as the flashback to Todd’s wife’s demise where they are guests at a masked ball. Leah Kincer-Christie as the Beggar Woman deserves praise for a strong and nuanced performance as well as Mark Wilson as the comically turned out Pirelli.
fast moving
The energy is kept up fairly well throughout although sometimes it feels that the ensemble has been brought on stage for atmosphere without necessarily a lot of characterisation or plot to drive forward.
The show is an impressive feat especially given it runs at three hours including an interval. Such a long performance might be intimidating, but it is a fast moving plot with much to engage, both visually and aurally. A really full-on experience for all the senses; a thrilling and ghoulish ride.
Running time: Three hours (including one interval)
Church Hill Theatre, 33 Morningside Road, EH10 4DR.
Wed 9 – Sat 12 October 2024.
Evenings: 7.30pm, Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
The Cast of Sweeney Todd. Pic: Andrew Morris.
ENDS
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Church Hill Theatre, Review, Sophie Good, Blackout Productions, Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd, Susie Dumbreck, Hugh Wheeler, Robert Moyes, Jo Heinemeier, Gigi Bacon, Sean Quinn, James Dickson, Holly Smith, Richard Lewis, Leah Kincer-Christie, Mark Wilson, Musical,
