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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Sweeney Todd Presented by Victorian Opera

Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd Rating

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Sweeney Todd has again emerged from the shadows into the Melbourne limelight, with audiences greeting this season’s combined Victorian Opera and New Zealand Opera cast with rapturous applause.

Directed by Stuart Maunder, Sweeney Todd unravels the story of a twisted barber who returns to Victorian-era London after being unjustly forced into a 15-year exile. Todd returns with vengeance, committed to finding his wife and daughter, but on his arrival is instead snatched up by the obsessed, and whimsically mad, Mrs Lovett, owner of the Fleet Street Pie Shop. Sweeney Todd’s initial plan quickly turns grotesque when he opens his Barbershop above Mrs Lovett’s Pie Shop and embarks on an evil murderous rampage.

The pair devise a plan to fill Mrs Lovett’s meat pies with the flesh of Todd’s victims, which has fleeting success before spiraling into tragedy. As Mrs. Lovett becomes deeply infatuated with the barber, Todd himself is one-track-minded in rescuing his daughter Joanna from the local Judge and punishing Judge Turpin for his long-time iniquity of Sweeney and twisted fantasies for Joanna. The barber finds himself causing irreversible damage as he and the audience embark on a journey of mounting obsession and evil desire.

The production is enhanced by the exceptional casting selections of its lead characters, who are utterly perfect for each role. Vocal technique and proficiency were certainly in their prime among the classically trained cast, and it was a joy to witness Sondheim’s iconic score performed with such accomplishment.

The audience was instantly charmed by this season’s Sweeney Todd. Ben Mingay impressed audiences with his unlimited vocal prowess and loyalty to the deeply troubled Mr Todd. Devotion to the complexity of Todd’s character was evident throughout Mingay’s portrayal, and in the ballad “Epiphany” audiences were left stunned by the singer’s astounding vocal range.

Mrs Lovett, played by Antoinette Halloran, was a stand-out performer who was able to both bestow her musical magic upon the audience and yet accurately fulfill the personal and vocal sensibilities of an unhinged middle-aged woman living alone in Victorian-era London. Her delivery of the comically self-deprecating “Worst Pies in London” was heartily received by the audience.

Tobias, the adoringly protective orphan son of Mrs. Lovett and Mr Todd, was nailed in every sense by the talented Mat Verevis. The delivery of Tobias was boldly vulnerable and moving, as Verevis single-handedly decelerated the production to reveal an impending tragedy.

Costume and stage set design is led by Roger Kirk and contributes significantly to the overall polish of the production.

Perhaps one of the most iconic and challenging sets in all of Sondheim’s work is featured in the live staging of Sweeney Todd. As Mr. Todd and Mrs Lovett embark on an evil plan of collaboration, the circling stage set is turned into a multi-dimensional work of art. Praise is due for the immaculate delivery of Mr Todd’s hysterical barbershop chair, featuring a trap door into the basement of Mrs Lovett’s bakery.

The on-stage murderings typically prove to be another point of challenge (and contempt) throughout the production of Sweeney Todd, however, this staging seems to do it rather well. There was a reputable balance between well-illusioned and shocking bursts of fake blood, and yet also a total sense of control over every one of Mr Todd’s slaughter scenes.

At the conclusion of the musical, it was heartening to see the orchestra members and conductor Phoebe Briggs brought to the stage alongside the cast during the final curtain call – a rare and gracious nod to their unseen yet devoted duty to Sondheim’s musically complex score.

Overall, The Victorian Opera and New Zealand Opera cast delivered a staging of Sweeney Todd that was both creatively empowering and loyal to Sondheim’s original vision. The production is a must-see, and must-hear experience, with shows running at Melbourne’s Arts Centre until September 21.

For Tickets, book online at https://www.victorianopera.com.au/production/sweeney-todd/

Remaining Dates & Info
Tuesday 17 September, 7.30 pm
Wednesday 18 September, 7.30 pm
Thursday 19 September, 7.30 pm
Friday 20 September, 7.30 pm*
Saturday 21 September, 2.00pm, 7.30pm

Duration
2 hours and 45 minutes, including an interval

Language
Sung in English

*Audio description and tactile tour.
Do you or a member of your party need to access Audio Description for this performance? Register here to reserve a wireless receiver pack and ear piece and/or attend the Tactile Tour.

Age Recommendation
Suitable for ages 12+, parental guidance is highly recommended.

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