Quick blurb of the show
Exiled barber, Sweeney Todd, returns to London to seek revenge against the man who took his family. It is a dark tale of murder, revenge, and baked goods.
Name of interviewee & role in the production
Ben Oliver (Musical Director) Max Newstead (Sweeney Todd)
Tell us a bit about yourself?
Ben: I am a primary school music teacher and musical theatre student by day, and an avid theatre lover, performer and production member by night. I love being able to give audiences moving experiences that they are able to relate to and immerse themselves in the world of theatre, temporarily escaping from whatever is going on in the real world.
Max: I have been performing in community theatre for 20 years. Sweeney Todd is my third production with BTC having previously appeared as Bobby in Company, and The Baker in Into the Woods. Sweeney is my third Stephen Sondheim show in as many years with BTC. Outside of theatre I work in marketing and spend most of my free time with my wife and two young boys.
What can audiences look forward to when they come see the show?
Ben: QUALITY! Great direction, clever staging, meticulously designed costuming, refined music and incredible performers. This is a story, a captivating one, and is told so well by some incredible artists from all over Sydney and beyond.
Max: The show is a classic and rightfully so. While it can be very confronting at times, it’s also very moving, exciting, and darkly humorous.
How has been the rehearsal process?
Ben: The rehearsal process has been intense! It is such a massive show, so to pump it out to a great calibre in 4 months is no mean feat. However, the production team and cast have worked tirelessly to ensure that audiences are in for a treat from the moment they hit the theatre!
Max: It has been a wonderful experience. The whole cast is a lot of fun to be around which is important when dealing with heavy material. It is also the second time I have worked with our Director Dennis Clements, who has a strong vision for the show but is always open to collaboration and the ideas that the cast can bring to the table.
What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved?
Ben: I love the musical genius that is Stephen Sondheim and he poses such a challenge to the creative team and performers alike. The way that he masterfully crafts and interweaves story with music is just phenomenal and unmatched.
Max: I have been a fan of the show for years. In fact, the first production I attended was in-utero in 1988. Sweeney is a role I have been hoping to play since I first started performing, so this is really a dream come true.
Which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Who is really bringing it?
Ben: Matthew Trethewy is just a pocket rocket. Being only 19, he packs both maturity in acting and extraordinary vocal prowess to captivate audiences with his performances. I am also VERY proud of my ensemble members as it is them who truly bring the show together with their killer vocals (sometimes in 8 parts!)
Max: That’s a tough question because our entire cast are so strong. But I think Jessica Green if for nothing else but the mammoth amount of material that comes with a role like Mrs Lovett really deserves a shout-out. She is a powerhouse.
What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show?
Ben: I really think this show unpacks the ramifications of revenge and what that can mean for someone, even if they are seeking to do it for completely justifiable reasons. But at the same time, this show at its core is about humans, and our audiences should remember that. It isn't something hyper-released, these are all real people with real emotions.
Max: It’s really a story of how obsession can lead to tragedy and the consuming and destructive nature of revenge.
Bankstown Theatre Company's production of Sweeny Todd runs from November 1st to 10th at The Bryan Brown Theatre in Bankstown. For tickets and further information click this link.
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