Production. Sweeney Todd
Reviewed by: Ben Clark
Venue: The Marlowe theatre canterbury
Type of Production Musical
Director: Stephen Cresswell
2nd May 2014
Sweeney Todd is a wonderful show with a real dark presence, although it does have some
comical elements. It is a hard show to stage and very difficult to pull off in terms of the music
and singing. However, Canterbury Operatic Society performed this show fantastically and
managed to transport me back to Victorian times.
This is the second show of Stephen Cresswell that I have seen and I have to say this show
was the best of the two, the cast were fantastic and the direction was good. I really liked the
use of the principal chorus helping to get the show moving and flowing fantastically by coming
across like a greek chorus. The musical direction by Steven Wassell was of top quality too,
although the band at times were too loud to hear every word the cast were singing. Andrew
Granville did some great movement for the show especially the scene with Lucy’s rape by
Judge Turpin.
The lighting had been well designed to add individual atmosphere to each scene. There was
excellent cuing as the show continued with isolated areas being lit, with no light spill. The
costumes generally reflected the status of the characters and all looked appropriate, with hair
and makeup adding to the overall picture, particularly in Bedlam.
The set had been designed and made by the company themselves and when I heard this I was
curious to see if they would pull it off in a professional manner, I have to say the set was
fantastic and you could not tell that it was not from a professional scenery company. The main
bit of set in the middle which housed Mrs Lovett’s Pies and Sweeney’s barber shop was
fantastic, especially the chair and trap door where the bodies were sent once they had been
killed. Well done to a fantastic design team!
At times when the set was moved it was done by the cast and at other times the stage crew
came on, this is ok but the stage crew were all in blacks, it would have blended better had they
been in costume too; as this did take you away from the feel of the show. One guy also came
on with his cams on his head and was talking to someone whilst moving the set, I did feel this
let down what was otherwise a totally professional show.
Chris Chedzey was a very convincing and believable Sweeney. He sang well with a rich and
expressive voice and had the ability to vary the tone and delivery. His performance had an
emotional strength which was very compelling. Angela Gallone as Mrs Lovett was also well
cast. She gave her character so many dimensions – her greed and sexuality came over well
and her voice was good adding much to the character. Their duets were very powerful. Both
these actors ably demonstrated the degeneration and corruption of the characters. John Rye
as Anthony had an expressive voice and gave an exceptional performance. He was well
partnered by Alice Martin as Johanna. Her voice was beautiful and I look forward to seeing
more of this talented actress in the future. Derry Martin as the Judge looked impressive and
sang with conviction and Paul Cook as the Beadle was thoroughly believable. Bettina Walker
gave an outstanding performance as the Beggar woman, her facial expressions, physical
movement backed by a strong singing voice made this a very compelling performance. Robert
Francis as Pirelli was successfully able to add lightness and humour to the mood.
Jared Checketts gave a first class performance as young Tobias and every time he was on
stage he stole the show, his voice was stunning to listen to and he acted the part superbly, I
again look forward to seeing this young actor flourish in the future
The chorus was fantastic and a special mention must go to the three tarts, Larah Simpson,
Stacey Golding and Pat Nutter, throughout the show I found myself watching these three as
they gave such character to their parts. I was not alone in this as I heard other people in the
interval mentioning the three of them. Well done girls.
So overall the show was professionally done and my friend and I had a great night out and I
look forward to seeing what this society bring forward next year.
Well done to all involved.