SWEENEY TODD   TOADS Stage Musical Company Little Theatre

Director: Richard Clark        Musical Director: Alan Wagstaff    

What a gruesome, bloodthirsty show this is, difficult to perform and stage, but this company gave a very successful performance. They had a small cast of 19 who worked well together. They were all completely absorbed in the story and the portrayal of their characters. Sweeney Todd (Dean Breyley) was very dramatic; he had the audience on the edge of their seats every time he was on stage.  He was very well supported by Mrs Lovett (Karen Duffield); between them they made quite a revolting pair. All the cast gave strong, convincing and confident performances. The music in this show is difficult, but the cast had worked hard with the musical director, resulting in strong singing with clear diction, enabling them to relate the story through the music. It was very well accompanied by 3 keyboards and percussion.  The set was most effective. They designed it themselves and it worked really well, particularly the Barber’s chair which worked most successfully in getting rid of bodies.  The costumes had been carefully thought about and were appropriate for the time and the characters. This performance was yet another excellent production of a Sondheim show that this company do so well.  Congratulations to all.