Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is such a powerful show, with dark themes, intense music, and of course the horror the Demon Barber has in store. With music and lyrics by the great Stephen Sondheim, and book by Hugh Wheeler, the 1979 musical has been a hit for over 45 years. The show has a lot going on, and I was pleased to see the Watlington Players taking on the musical, having seen them do brilliantly with Legally Blonde and Disenchanted! prior to this!
The show follows Sweeney Todd (Phil Melia), a barber who was imprisoned by a corrupt juge, and taken away from his family. He has returned to London, aided by Antony Hope (Lee Clifton), and is seeking revenge, and to be reunited with his daughter, Johanna (Maddy Bush). Todd works with with the devious Mrs. Lovett (Dorcia Bowden-Noble), who has other nefarious plans. A young man in Tobias Ragg (Lorna Coote) is unknowingly caught up in these events, and questions arise as to Todd’s intentions. The Demon Barber has risen – will he be stopped?
The set was very eye catching, covering multiple levels with the barber shop up top and Mrs. Lovett’s bakery beneath. This verticality is very effective in making the show feel grand. It also gives the actors more room to work with and express themselves. Bowden-Noble’s Mrs. Lovett got the audience laughing sliding down the stairs!
The ensemble all looked to be having a great time, dressed in fun costumes for the era. “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” opener sets the tone for the show, and the cast were brilliant throughout it. Clifton as Anthony and Bush as Johanna did a great job of conveying the innocence of their characters, amidst the dark story. Coote’s Tobias had a lot of energy, and had good chemistry with Bowden-Noble as Lovett.
Speaking of, Lovett was portrayed expertly and with confidence. Bowden-Noble clearly was having a blast and the audience’s attention was glued to her whenever she was on stage. Having stepped into the role of Todd at such short notice, Melia was assured in the role and did a really good job at conveying the humorous side of Todd. He gelled with the rest of the cast, and he should be very proud of his performance.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by the Watlington Players runs until Saturday 1st November. This is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season, so book your tickets now!
Chris.
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