Sweeney Todd - Review (From Bucks Free Press)

Sweeney Todd - Review

2:56pm Thursday 2nd April 2009

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Stan Meares reviews Beaconsfield Operatic Society's production of Sweeney Todd.

It was courageous of Beaconsfield Operatic Society to tackle Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller, Sweeny Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, one of the most unusual and difficult pieces in the repertoire.

The 1980 Drury Lane production triumphed at the SWET/ Laurence Olivier Awards, and subsequently was staged at Covent Garden and elsewhere. It is a strange mixture of near-operetta and pseudo-grand opera (the quartet “Joanna” is splendid).

How successful then were these amateurs? During the introductory 10 minutes or so they seemed way out of their depth, both the ensemble and orchestra.

Then as the macabre plot began to develop, it was apparent that this staging was truly inspired, despite occasional dull choral patches.

The horrific ending explained the tragedy’s motivation more clearly than either Opera North or the professional touring company at the Wycombe Swan some years back.

Sweeny Todd is a tale of injustice and fixation on revenge. Richard Reece, in the title role, portrayed this multi-sided character superbly - sometimes sensible, then deranged, able to generate real tension as he shaved his planned victim (the Judge) and then capable of romping away in comic numbers.

Similarly Sharon Pidgeon’s failing pie maker, Mrs Lovett, made a believable character out of the bizarre, almost sick humour.

The scene when it dawned on her that the body of the barber’s first victim, seen as needless waste, could be commercially useful was funny and clever.

Luke Weston and Rachel McGregor sang sweetly and portrayed the young lovers attractively. Indeed everybody did well.

It runs until Saturday - strongly recommended..

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