Sweeney Todd, Proudly Presented By The Garrick Theatre

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Rating

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Opening night of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” burst onto the stage at the Garrick Theatre on Thursday night 5th June 2025. Well, almost. The only apparent nerves came from the bio box (aka projection box), when a fuse suddenly blew just before the opening act, plunging half the stage into darkness. “Is there an electrician in the house?” was on the minds of the crew frantically finding a temporary fix. It was a testament to the cast and crew who handled the almost disastrous situation with professional ease.

Take Two. It’s often easy to forget that you’re watching community theatre at the Garrick. And Sweeney Todd was no exception. The breadth of musical talent wouldn’t be out of place on any main stage, except I was glad that it wasn’t, as the intimate Garrick Theatre is the perfect setting for such a macabre production.

In case you’re not familiar with the story, the gripping musical thriller by Hugh Wheeler is set in 19th-century London and centres around a barber seeking retribution. He takes up residence above Mrs Lovett’s struggling pie shop, who soon becomes his accomplice, and together they embark on a grim venture. Featuring adult content, the play explores the themes of love, loss, revenge, justice and corruption.

The talented cast is led by Finley award-winning Mark Thompson (Sweeney Todd) alongside the impeccable operatic notes and wonderful characterisation from Katie Nowland as Mrs Lovett. Their bittersweet union is intertwined with desire and revenge as together they delve into the dark side of human nature.

Returning to the musical theatre stage, Jeremy Beerkens plays Anthony, who is besotted with Johanna, played by the effervescent Lily Wakeling, whose exquisite voice has featured in Les Misérables, Peter Pan and Mary Poppins.

In complete contrast to Johanna’s ethereal presence, is her creepy guardian, Judge Turpin (played by Peter ‘Pear’ Carr, who has starred in over 100 productions around Perth) and his slimy side-kick Beadle (played by Ben Anderson) will make you wonder who the true villain is.

More outstanding performances include Corban Featon (Tobias), Nera Camponovo (Adolfo), Russell Fellows (Jonas), and Grace Edwards (two-time Finley winner) as the beggar woman and Lucy, and debuting at the Garrick. The support from the ensemble further brought the story to life, including Indya Lange, Breanna Cooke, Thomas La Cava, Carly Ranger, Genevieve Del Casale, Tim Sadleir, Louise Tucker, Kieran Smith, Andrea Zencich, Nikita Nankiville, Max Leunig, and Brandon Masters. 

The tiny and minimalist stage, designed by Mark Nicholson (set design and construction/lighting designer), allowed the cast to shine against a simple backdrop, further amplifying the spookiness of the historic theatre established in Guildford in 1932, making it Perth’s longest-running community theatre. If only the walls could talk – and sometimes they do if you believe the haunting rumours.

The brilliant costumes by costumier Merri Ford enhanced the visuals while conveying the atmosphere of 19th-century London, further emphasised by the historic surroundings.

As with any community theatre production, it’s all hands-on deck with the multi-talented production crew, featuring Jason Blaine (Stage Manager), Ali Louise (Assistant Stage Manager and Assistant Props), Brody Lawrence (Stagehand) and Hamish Ford (Sound Operator) working tirelessly in the background.

Musician Ben Clapton debuts his role as musical director with “Sweeney Todd,” bringing the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim to life through the vocals and harmonies, creating an impactful and emotive storytelling experience. Paris Jenner also took on a debut role as a lighting operator, and was in charge of photography and props, including those suspicious pies.

Up-and-coming Director Rebekah Hannah drew out layers of light and dark from the talented cast, with plenty of humour balancing out the sinister moments from the production adaptation by Christopher Bond.

Running for almost three hours, the performance was so compelling and well-paced that it didn’t feel long; instead, it left me wondering what would happen next to the characters. Although it’s unlikely a sequel is on the cards, something tells me the Garrick Theatre’s rendition of “Sweeney Todd” will have its praises sung far and wide.

To book tickets to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, please visit https://garricktheatre.com.au/shows/.

Running dates: June 5, 6, 7, 8*, 12, 13**, 14, 15*, 18, 19, 20 & 21. Evening shows at 7.30pm, *matinees 2pm and a special spooky midnight performance on at 11.55pm on the 13th June.

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Perth Comedy Festival:- Kieran Hodgson – Sounds American

Kieran Hodgson - Sounds American

Kieran Hodgson – Sounds American Rating

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Applauded for his culinary acting adventures as the “Sandwich Guy” in The Flash (2023), Kieran Hodgson is on a quest to make America great again. Failing that, he certainly made Perth great during his Saturday night show on 10th May 2025 for the Perth Comedy Festival.

With an undeniable talent extending well beyond stand-up, some of Kieran’s most provocative roles have cast him as the fallen prince in the TV show “Prince Andrew: The Musical,” which he also wrote. He’s also the creator of “Bad TV Impressions” on X (formerly Twitter), also available on YouTube.

After witnessing some of his impressions, including Hugh Grant, Bob Katter, Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy, it soon becomes apparent that Kieran’s humour is as unhinged as he is unapologetically British.

Held in the upstairs Chorus Room of the Regal Theatre, “Kieran Hodgson – Sounds American” is fast paced and jam-packed with insightful humour as deranged as the state of America. Truly one of the most endearing performers, his delightful demeanour was tested by the couple who talked loudly throughout his act before abruptly leaving – Kieran handled it with all the grace of the Bridgertons and the royal family, impersonations he has also nailed.

It’s easy to see why Kieran is a four-time Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee, most recently in 2023 for his “Big in Scotland” show. He’s playing at the Sydney Comedy Festival on 15th and 16th May before returning to the UK, where he’ll be touring throughout the year.

The Perth Comedy Festival runs from 21 Apr to 18 May. To book tickets to a show, please visit https://www.perthcomedyfestival.com/.

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Tracks After Twilight – Tales in the Shadows

Tracks After Twilight - Tales in the Shadows

Tracks After Twilight – Tales in the Shadows Rating

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“It’s too late to leave, the door is already locked.”

These chilling words set the tone for one of the most innovative and immersive theatre experiences you’ll ever experience this century, or the last century for that matter.

As rail mysteries of the yesteryear are revealed at The Railway Museum, there couldn’t be a better setting for “Tracks after Twilight – Tales in the Shadows.” As you’re guided among the historic carriages and locomotives, you’ll start to picture the harsh conditions railway workers once endured. You’ll also gain a sense of what rail travel was once like, especially when piled into a crammed carriage where the air is thick with the ghosts and eerie tales.

Any romantic notions of railway travel may be dispelled, or heightened, depending on your leanings. As you’re taken back to a time way before public transport was taken behind the safety of mobile phones and noise-cancelling headphones, you’re confronted with the quirks of your fellow passengers for a train ride unlike any other.

Held alongside the Midland train line at The Railway Museum, and run by Rail Heritage WA, the modern trains whizzing by further add to the atmosphere and juxtaposition of the past and present.

Without giving too much away, the allure lies in the creepy surprises. So be prepared for nocturnal moans, audience participation and partial nudity as you’re regaled with stories inspired by real events, with plenty of artistic licence thrown in for dramatic effect.

Speaking of, Elite Audio Visual Productions cleverly designed the chilling effects, shrouding the actors in mystery right up until the door is unlocked and you’re released from the shadows of the past and back into present-day reality.

Reviewed during the preview, there were a few technical issues still to be ironed out, and at times, the stories felt a bit disjointed as the narrative moved between the carriages. Nonetheless, the performance was entertaining, and anyone with a love of trains, history and drama will appreciate the immersive storytelling set among WA’s historic trains.

Keep the rail theme going by popping into a train carriage for a burger at Alfred’s Kitchen, two train stops away in Guildford.

This first showing of Tracks After Twilight is completely sold out, but pay attention to the Railway Heritage Museum for future show runs of this innovative theatre style. In the meantime, checkout their website for more information @ https://www.railheritagewa.org.au/.

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Perth Comedy Festival: Andrew Barnett

Andrew Barnett - Simple

Andrew Barnett – Simple Rating

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Keeping it simple, stupid is never as simple as it sounds. Especially if you’re Andrew Barnett (aka Barney), where life is anything but simple as the father of two teenage boys who don’t yet appreciate that the ultimate sign of coolness is being able to drive yourself to the shops to buy stuff with your own money.

Ah, yes, the woes of being middle-aged while surrounded by teenagers and TikTok is the comedic stuff that dreams are made of, and Barney nails it with his wry outlook that anyone over 30 will relate to. Warning: If you have the audacity to show up below the age of 30, it’s probably best that you don’t sit in the two front rows.

His ease of delivery makes it feel like you’re just chatting at the pub, where he’s doing most of the talking. Barney’s effortless style is down to an extensive career since 2010 as a stand-up comedian, writer and media personality, including TV, radio and podcast appearances.

He currently co-hosts the Not Another F#ing Rugby League Podcast and is a familiar voice on SEN radio, aired in New South Wales and Queensland, when he’s not performing at high-profile sporting, comedy, music and fringe festivals around the country.

Reigning from Sydney to join the Perth Comedy Festival on 2nd and 3rd May, and performing upstairs of the Regal Theatre in the Regal Chorus Room is the perfect setting for Barney’s laid-back banter.

He returns to Sydney for the Sydney Comedy Festival on 8 & 9th May. Keep an eye out at various Perth venues, including The Rechabite and Comedy Lounge, for his quick-witted, relatable and endearing observational humour.

Performances: 2nd – 3rd May 2025, 7pm
Regal Theatre, Regal Chorus Room, 474 Hay Street, Subiaco
Tickets: $41.58

The Perth Comedy Festival runs from 21 Apr to 18 May. To book tickets to a show, please visit https://www.perthcomedyfestival.com/.

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