Sweeney Todd

Written by: Stephen Sondheim

Directed by: Martin Biltcliffe

Performance dates: March 2009

Performed by: Senior School

Review:

The new Winterflood Theatre opened its doors in dramatic style last week for the musical Sweeney Todd.

 

It seems a long time ago that Culture Secretary Margaret Hodge MP wielded the sledge hammer that began the demolition of the old Beaufoy Theatre and made way for the construction of the new theatre, which was finished in October of last year.  However arduous the wait, it was worth it.  A fantastic joint CLS and CLSG production saw both acting and musicality of the highest order.

 

Sweeney Todd tells the story of a gruesome barber’s quest for revenge.  Benjamin Barker, a middle class barber from London is arrested on false charges by Judge Turpin and transported to Australia.  The play begins fifteen years later as Barker, who has now changed his name to Sweeney Todd, returns to London to seek revenge against the treacherous judge.  Todd works as a barber who murders wealthy customers by slitting their throats.  His partner-in-crime, Mrs Lovett, then disposes of the bodies by turning them into meat pies, which she sells in her shop.

 

The production was blessed with a fabulous cast.  The title role was played excellently by Bertie Watson, while Mrs Lovett, who wants to become Todd’s lover, was portrayed by the exceptional Natasha Heliotis.  Other notable performances came from Harry Michell, whose comical character Pirelli brought many laughs, while Theo Malka-Wishart managed to embrace the queer yet humorous nature of Beadle Bamford.  Jake Alden-Falconer, Flora Anderson, Max Clayton-Clowes, Tamara Short and Harry Bradford also combined to produce a stunning spectacle.  All actors demonstrated wonderful singing ability and were accompanied by a top quality band, conducted by the Director of Music, Mr Harrison.

 

The show was sold out well in advance of its four night run and those lucky enough to get their hands on these much coveted tickets were left mesmerised by the new Winterflood Theatre, which is equipped with the latest lighting and sound system.  As Mr Biltcliffe, Director of Drama, eloquently expressed: “The new Theatre gives the pupils of the School a wonderful opportunity to gain experience as performers, production technicians and audience in an exciting and dynamic space.”  The refurbishment project also saw an increase in the number of seats, resulting in over six hundred people enjoying the musical in all.  Admittedly though, many people (like myself) went more than once!

 

However, none of this would have been possible without the support of City benefactor Mr Brian Winterflood, who made a substantial contribution together with matched funding from the City of London Corporation.  It was only fitting that he attended the show to see the merits of his generosity.

 

A great deal of thanks has to go to everyone involved in the production of Sweeney Todd.  Those both front and back stage deserve huge praise for the time they devoted to this outstanding musical.  Here’s to the summer term production of Oliver!

  

Joshua Fox J6 CSS