Review: Sweeney Todd, Bath Light Operatic Group, Theatre Royal Bath (From Wiltshire Times)

A cut above the rest

9:35am Wednesday 16th September 2009 in Search By Fraser Normington

Bath Light Operatic Group’s interpretation of Stephen Sondheim’s award winning musical, Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is as sharp and as slick as Sweeney himself.

In a dynamic production, cleverly directed by Brian Buttle, the audience are driven through an extensive range of emotions. The play has a strong cast, enigmatically lead by Tristan Carter in the title role.

His accomplice, Mrs Lovett, is superbly played by Petra Schofield whose excellent comic timing adds a dark humour to this production.

Benjamin Barker, wrongly accused of a crime, has escaped back to London from Australia under the name of Sweeney Todd.

His hunger for revenge intensifies, along with the action, as madness overcomes him. Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett conceive an impressive plan to kill the people of London and put them into pies.

Whilst Sweeney is desperate to kill the judge who sentenced him to transportation, Mrs. Lovett is delighted that her pie business is booming. However, their assistant, Tobias, well played by Paul Toulson, eventually brings around Sweeney’s downfall.

Johanna, played by Helen Marles, and Anthony, Tim Cooper, provide an engaging love story.

In contrast, the sinister Judge Turpin, dynamically played by Paul Dyson, provides a shocking element to this part of the story. Jill Kelly is entrancing as the mysterious beggar woman and Andrew English gives a colourful portrayal of Pirelli, Sweeny’s first victim.

This excellently performed and designed production has a powerful score, well performed by both orchestra and cast under the direction of Matthew Finch.

Although a large team is involved, there are no weak links, keeping the audience constantly engaged.

This show runs until Saturday at the Theatre Royal in Bath with two cast groups.