Synopsis

In this version of the old melodrama Sweeney Todd, Todd has some ground for his nefarious activities in that his wife was abducted by the judge, and his daughter abandoned, while he himself was deported on a false charge. He returns to avenge his family, accompanied by a Sea Captain, Anthony Hope, whose life he has saved. Anthony falls in love with a girl, the judge's ward, who turns out to be Todd's daughter. Todd, meanwhile, sets up with Mrs Lovett, the pie maker, and provides her with fillings for her pies. He proceeds with his vengeful plans, but the outcome is bitterly ironic. Time: early Nineteenth Century

NODA Review

Murder most foul. The harrowing tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon barber of Fleet Street, graphically told in a chilling play by C. G. Bond. 

Martyn Lewis gave a fine performance as Sweeney Todd, with many nuances of darkness, despair & revenge-seeking anguish. Fleur Greening, as Mrs Lovett, purveyor of the worst pies in London, played with an edgy, nervous intensity in her collaboration with Sweeney, and culinary disposal of his victims. Becky Church was sweetly innocent as Sweeney's long lost daughter Johanna, with Phil Davies , disturbingly repulsive as her gaurdian, the lascivious & corrupt Judge Turpin, abetted by Dai Williams, as the unpleasant & menacing Beadle. A sound performance by Tim Driscoll, as Anthony the romantic sailor in love with Johanna. Helen Page, as the sad, demented Beggar Woman, a confidence performance by Meredith Edwards, as the young & trusting lad Tobias, with supporting roles by Mark Pinches (Alfredo). John Sadler & Rhys Stapleton, completed an able & worthy cast.

Direction by Helen Page, had good atmosphere & sense of period with chilling scenes of darkness & gore with the tension relieved, at times, with moments of black humour. Set design by Rhys Stapleton, accommodated the many scenes & maximised the limited playing area conveying the stark squalor of the time. A good evening of shock horror.

Reviewed by Frank Wooles (NODA)

 

 Cast

Sweeney Todd......................Martyn Lewis

Mrs Lovett............................Fleur Greening

Anthony................................Tim Driscoll

Johanna................................Becky Church

Judge Turpin........................Phil Davies

Beadle/Jonas Fogg..............Dai Williams                 

Tobias Ragg.........................Meredith Edwards

Alfredo.................................Mark Pinches

Gentleman............................John Sadler

Beggar Woman....................Helen Page

Officer..................................Rhys Stapleton

Dumb Show/Market chorus

Brenda Slaughter, Carla Gambarini, Fiona Jackson, Rhys Stapleton, Donald Johnson

Production Team

Producer/Director.....................Helen Page

Assistant Producer/Director.....Rhys Stapleton

Prompt.......................................Anne Morris/Sue O'Halloran

Stage Manager..........................Wayne Brewer

Set Design..................................Rhys Stapleton

Scenic Painting..........................Rhys Stapleton, Donald Johnson, Helen Page, Fleur Greening, Becky Church, Carla Gambarini, Sue O'Halloran

Music..........................................Dai Williams

Lighting/Sound..........................Wayne Brewer

Properties...................................Jan Stapleton

Costumes....................................Jan Stapleton, Susan Gambarini

Make-Up.....................................Karen Claridge

Marketing...................................Rhys Stapleton, Helen Page, Richard Jones

Business......................................Rhys Stapleton

Programme/Poster....................Rhys Stapleton

Bar Manager..............................Iain Campbell

House Manager.........................Susan O'Halloran

House Staff................................Susan Gambarini, Roz Jones & members of Hilltop

Box Office..................................Brenda Slaughter