From the moment audiences entered the theatre, it was clear that this new production of "Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” was going to be something that would be both entertaining and haunting. Indeed, from the opening moment to the final bows, Dennis Clements’ interpretation of the Sondheim classic was nothing short of spectacular.
To present this tale of revenge and chaos, a powerhouse team joined Clements to lead the talented cast and crew. Benjamin Oliver (Musical Director) ensured every song resonated with the audience, guiding his musicians and vocalists to offer a perfect balance between precise musicality and sincere emotion. Mia Pimentel’s choreography was equally precise and engaging, infusing the stage with a lively energy that balanced the story's sombre undertones.
Max Newstead embraced the title role with passion, imbuing the tortured, revenge-seeking character of Sweeney Todd with brooding intensity. His rich baritone voice reverberated throughout the theatre, capturing both Todd's anguish and sinister determination in every note and word. Jessica Green, as the ever-enthusiastic Mrs. Lovett, was sheer perfection. Her vivacious energy and comedic timing brought warmth and humour even when managing the darkest of subject matter. Her renditions of "The Worst Pies in London" and "By the Sea" highlighted not only her exceptional vocal prowess but her detailed understanding of the character. The two leads, each seasoned performers in their own right, worked seamlessly together to form a performance super-team. The pair created a captivating chemistry that made their duets, especially “A Little Priest”, a delightful highlight for the audience.
Sondheim’s story is more than just the unforgettable Todd and Lovett, there is a collection of fascinating characters who add layers of intrigue and villainy. In particular, Clive Hobson's portrayal of Judge Turpin was sinister and compelling, paired perfectly with Dean McGrath who brought a delightful blend of humour and menace to the role of Beadle Bamford.
Brandon Lindsay's portrayal of Anthony Hope brought a fresh and hopeful energy. His earnest and sincere interpretation of the lovestruck sailor was endearing and his chemistry with Rebecca Carter (Johanna) added a romantic innocence that beautifully punctuated the narrative. Carter’s portrayal of Johanna offered a curious yet compelling irony in that while she convincingly portrayed the vulnerability and delicate nature of her character, her stage presence and soaring soprano voice were unmistakably commanding. It is a talented performer who can accomplish such a balance.
Samantha Wills brought a poignancy to the role of the Beggar Woman. With every appearance, her ethereal voice and haunting expressions added beguiling dimensions to her mysterious character. Meanwhile, Michael Astill as Adolpho Pirelli injected flamboyance and humour into the dark and brooding tale, making his character’s narrative arc memorable albeit short.
Amongst an incredibly talented cast, it is difficult to identify ‘stand outs’, however, Matthew Trethewy’s portrayal of Tobias Ragg was particularly noteworthy. Trethewy delivered a performance which showcased both vulnerability and determination. His interactions with Mrs. Lovett were particularly charming, particularly sealing his place in the audience’s heart with his emotive rendition of “Not while I’m around”.
The magic of this community theatre production, though, was the stellar supporting cast and orchestra that enriched the entire experience through their energy, precision and musical prowess. Clements, Oliver and Pimentel expertly guided each talented member into a singular creative unit to honour the brilliance of Sondheim and seamlessly guide the audience through the emotional rollercoaster of this complex tale.
Mention must also be made of the exceptional work of the Set and Lighting Design for this production. Dennis Clements crafted set pieces that were both beautiful and functional, allowing seamless transitions within a relatively small stage space. This is a production in which the set is very much part of the story and Clements’ creative approach embraced this effectively. Similarly, Sean Clarke crafted a lighting design which not only created a unique atmosphere for each scene but also reflected the emotional state of each featured character throughout the course of the narrative. His use of shadow and silhouette was particularly effective.
It cannot be overstated; this is an exceptional production. So, if you love a good story or feel like you need a more dangerous haircut, don’t miss your chance to experience Bankstown Theatre Company’s “Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”.
I fully agree, I was blown away with how talented everyone was. The leads were fantastic and had such good voices. Mrs Lovett was everything.