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 ★★★★

Review: Loserville

Rating: ★★★★★

 So my first real blog post is a review of Loserville the Musical at the Garrick Theatre, London.

Having heard of a new Musical called 'Loserville' first playing at the West Yorkshire Playhouse back in the summer 2012 I was instantly intrigued. The cast included Pop star Gareth Gates, Eastenders actor Aaron Sidwell and Rock School singer, Lil' Chris. This admittedly sounded like a quirky bunch of actors for a musical however what seemed different about this stage play is that the music and lyrics are written by Busted legend Jason Bourne and Elliot Davies.... I was desperate to see it so when I heard it was coming to London I was ecstatic.

 Tickets were booked without delay and I went to see the show at the end of October just after press night. The seats were a few rows from the front and was delighted instantly with the set as I took my seat. It began.... The Show went as follows.

The Musical is set in America 1971 and begins with Michael Dork (Aaron Sidwell) working tirelessly on a Geeky concept of computers and Binary Codes but without success. The first Musical Number "Living in the Future Now" begins showcasing all cast performers in an innovative choreographed introduction. The theme is really great to see as the actors names are displayed through the props much like an old TV television from America in the 70's.

Michael Dork along with his best friend Lucas Lloyd (Richard Lowe) and Geeky group of friends Francis Weir (Lil Chris) and Marvin Camden (Daniel Buckley) are outcasts at school, dreaming to hit it big in the world of computers and Sci Fi stories. Their fate changes when a new geek arrives in school by the name of Holly Manson (Eliza Hope Bennet) however she has a big secret she wants to remain hidden. She is a blonde bombshell who is "Cursed with Brain and Looks"... Que musical number.

The gang begin to work on communications (the birth of the internet) but things get out of hand when Holly and Michael begin a geeky romance. Things aren't easy when the School Bully plans to sabotage their plans to make himself Look Big to impress his father.

The Musical was a complete success!

The energy of the actors was fantastic and refreshing to watch. Moments of the show were hilarious and the on stage partnership of Lil Chris and Daniel Buckley keeps the laughing coming and coming. It is a 'feel good' show and has a great message.... Its OK to be different.

The songs are very memorable and catchy plus the set leaves you in awe of the work the actors do on stage. I recommend anyone to see it before it leaves Garrick Theatre and probably the West End for good on the 5th January.

I had a smile on my face throughout the whole show.

http://www.loservillethemusical.com