Bournville Musical Theatre Company.
Crescent Theatre. 24th May 2025.
Having hated the 2007 film version, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, but from the second the curtain rose, to the second it came down, I was enthralled! Sweeney Todd is the story of ‘The demon barber of Fleet Street’, who, after being unjustly imprisoned and losing his family, comes back to London to take his revenge. He murders his customers and has them made into pies by Mrs Lovett. This musical version is based on the book by Hugh Wheeler with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
The set was very simple but the innovative use of drop-down screens added plenty of interest and made sure we always knew exactly where we were and what was going on. The screens were used seamlessly to set the scene and provide visual cues. Lighting was excellent and really added to the atmosphere. It was used to perfection when, for instance, every time another customer was dispatched, the stage was flooded with red light. This, along with the music, really was wonderful. I actually became quite transfixed by the band at one point. The bandleader conducted with such precision and was absolutely tuned in to the action. He kept a very close eye on what was happening on stage and was always in absolute control. Set changes happened seamlessly and were so well done that they were almost invisible even though they were carried out while the action continued around them.
Costume and make-up were absolutely spot-on. Costumes were contemporary with maybe a touch of steampunk. Directing a piece like this must be a mammoth task but John Morrison made it look truly seamless.
A large ensemble provided excellent support to the leads. The singing was really beautiful and it’s clear that the whole company is absolutely comfortable and secure with one another. Choreography was flawless and everyone knew where they should be at all times.
With such a large company, it’s always difficult to really do justice to every member of a cast and it is impossible to mention everyone by name. Every single person was absolutely excellent and they all deserve praise. So, on to the leads: Dan Guzman played the titular role with real aplomb. He has a great voice for both speaking and singing and was totally believable. Rhian Clements as Mrs Lovett – WOW!! She was hilarious. Her facial expressions had us falling about and her comic timing was perfect. She also has an amazing voice. Meg Donovan was perfectly cast as the young Johanna and her singing voice is lovely. There were also great performances from Reece Bushell, Luke Hopson, Claire Brough, and the hilarious Lewis Doley. Paul Stait, as Beadle Bamford, gave another amazing performance with his smarmy persona never dropping once, even during his hilarious ‘Parlour Songs’.
This was a real audience pleaser. I loved it, as did everyone in the packed house. I thought the applause would never stop. Now, I’m off for some Shepherd’s Pie. Topped with real shepherds!
Reviewed by – Lesley L
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