Musical theatre is as strong as ever in Melbourne, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a testament to that.
This spectacular Sondheim musical is an absolute must-see, but is only on for a limited season, playing at Chapel off Chapel, through Soundworks Productions.
Based on the fictional character, Sweeney Todd, this dark thriller follows a blood-thirsty barber in 19th century London.
After his return from serving several years in Australia for a crime he was wrongfully committed for, Benjamin Barker, a talented barber, discovers his wife is deceased, and his daughter is kept as a ward from the Judge who had wrongfully accused Benjamin of his crimes (and raped his wife).
This leads Benjamin Barker to change his name to Sweeney Todd, and side-up with his downstairs pie-making neighbour, Mrs. Lovett, with a plan mutually beneficial plan to get back his daughter, Joanna with the help of a young sailor, Anthony Hope, and to turn Mrs. Lovett’s pie business around for the better.
What results is a story of revenge… and a lot of murders!
The talented cast crafted their character to perfection, leading to compelling and captivating performances across the board.
The lead actors were mesmerizing with their performances, bringing the audience right into the world of the characters in this dark and haunting story.
The musical is bursting with memorable songs, catchy melodies, lyrics that are both disturbing and often hilarious, and masses of energy.
The live orchestra did a fantastic job of bringing Sondheim’s music to life along with the outstanding vocal performances across the entire cast.
The set was beautifully designed and lit, providing a feast for the senses, and really enhancing the emotional rollercoaster the audience are taken on throughout this musical.
The special effects (yes, there is a fair amount of blood at times) were effective and convincing.
The pie oven scene at the end was well done; a simple set-up, but it was made to seem so real on-stage, enhanced by the knock-out cast performances.
There was a beautiful section where two ballet dancers performed as birds, which gave such a lovely reprieve from the darkness, that is, until you realised the dark undertones of that scene!
The attention to detail was evident across the board in this musical; from the acting and vocal performances to the costumes, set, and direction – this really is a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable show.
This Tony award-winning musical is definitely a highlight for the 2026 musical theatre calendar in Melbourne, so make sure to not miss out on this high-quality production.
Sweeney Todd is running at Chapel off Chapel until September 20. At the time of this review being published, the entire season has sold out, but take any chance to get your hands on a ticket if you can!
To book tickets to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, please visit https://www.sweeneytodd.com.au/.
Photographer: Matthew Chen
