Sweeney Todd at the Mercury Theatre is a must see show

Once considered a “difficult masterpiece”, Sweeney Todd, (and Into The Woods), seem to be the go to Sondheim musicals for both amateur and professional companies. I am into double figures in terms of productions of this show that I have seen, and the question for me was, “Do I need to see another Sweeney Todd?” After seeing this wonderful production, the answer is a resounding YES!

The tale is now well known, and the excellent ensemble bring it to life with the right amount of humour and horror. Hugh Maynard is the first black actor to play the role of Sweeney in professional theatre in the UK, and an inspired piece of casting it is. His ethnicity, for me, added another layer of Sweeney as the outsider, treated with suspicion by society. But he was cast because he is a great Sweeney with a magnificent voice. Occasionally his portrayal of Todd’s anger affects his diction, but he is tremendously vulnerable at the show’s conclusion. Rightly or wrongly, I feel the success of this show depends on the casting of Mrs Lovett, and have the Mercury strike gold here! Sophie-Louise Dann is magnificent in the role, her glee singing the lyrics of A Little Priest, her attempts at seducing Todd, her developing cannibalistic empire, and her loneliness are conveyed brilliantly in a performance that is worth the ticket price alone.

From an excellent cast, Ryan Heenan is a wonderfully innocent and vulnerable Toby; David Durham is a commanding Judge Turpin, Kara Lane the best Beggar Woman I have seen in the role, Julian Hoult a greasy Beadle Bamford, and Jack Wilcox and Christina Bennington sing beautifully as love interests Anthony and Johanna. The second half is, quite simply, flawless, as it builds to a genuinely spine tingling and moving climax.

Another star of the show is Sara Perk’s incredible costume and set design, the revolve working like a Victorian picture book, revealing something new almost every time it turns. Director Daniel Buckroyd has a particular affinity with musicals, and this production is one of his best. How lucky we are to have on our doorsteps a production that punches above its regional theatre weight. I urge you all to attend the tale of this Sweeney Todd!

PAUL T. DAVIES