Review: Sweeney Todd

“Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd…”

I will admit, this has now closed in the West End and I did go and see this musical back in the summer, but felt I should extend my blog's rapour.

Sweeney Todd recently played at the Adelphi Theatre, London 2012 and was Terrific. This gory tale was produced into a musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, including songs as memorable as shows such as Les Miserables and My Fair Lady.

Michael Ball takes the lead as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street who is an escaped convict from Australia returning to London after years away. He hides his identity and on his arrival he finds Mrs's Lovett (Imelda Staunton) and her disgusting Pies. probably the worst pies in London. The unlikely pair seek revenge on Judge Turpin who stole Todd's wife all those years ago and still keeps Todd's daughter captive. They cook up a plan to murder the scum of london through Todd's barber services and cook the meat to sell in Lovett's pie shop. All goes to plan but not for long.. mysteries are revealed.

The great thing about this particular production is that Michael Balls performance was astounding. I am not usually a fan of Michael Ball but he fit this role like a dream. He displayed no emotion throughout the play. His anger fuelled his performance of a man of bitterness, anger and betrayal. The song 'Epiphany' was literally petrifying for the audience. We also cannot praise Imelda Staunton enough for her hilarious character and acting. The set was literally huge but very simple. A great box came out on stage involving all scenes of the play. The cube twisted and turned and involved all aspects of the drama, none more so than 'Joanna' where many victims were murdered (Blood spouting everywhere) and the bodies tumbling below to the basement.

Very very brilliant and I give this musical ★★★★