In this version of the old melodrama Sweeney Todd, Todd has some ground for his nefarious activities in that his wife was abducted by the judge, and his daughter abandoned, while he himself was deported on a false charge. He returns to avenge his family, accompanied by a Sea Captain, Anthony Hope, whose life he has saved. Anthony falls in love with a girl, the judge's ward, who turns out to be Todd's daughter. Todd, meanwhile, sets up with Mrs Lovett, the pie maker, and provides her with fillings for her pies. He proceeds with his vengeful plans, but the outcome is bitterly ironic. Time: early Nineteenth Century

 

Murder most foul. The harrowing tale of Sweeney Todd, the Demon barber of Fleet Street, graphically told in a chilling play by C. G. Bond.

Martyn Lewis gave a fine performance as Sweeney Todd, with many nuances of darkness, despair & revenge-seeking anguish. Fleur Greening, as Mrs Lovett, purveyor of the worst pies in London, played with an edgy, nervous intensity in her collaboration with Sweeney, and culinary disposal of his victims.

Becky Church was sweetly innocent as Sweeney's long lost daughter Johanna, with Phil Davies , disturbingly repulsive as her gaurdian, the lascivious & corrupt Judge Turpin, abetted by Dai Williams, as the unpleasant & menacing Beadle.

A sound performance by Tim Driscoll, as Anthony the romantic sailor in love with Johanna. Helen Page, as the sad, demented Beggar Woman, a confidence performance by Meredith Edwards, as the young & trusting lad Tobias, with supporting roles by Mark Pinches (Alfredo). John Sadler & Rhys Stapleton, completed an able & worthy cast.

Direction by Helen Page, had good atmosphere & sense of period with chilling scenes of darkness & gore with the tension relieved, at times, with moments of blach humour.

Set design by Rhys Stapleton, accommodated the many scenes & maximised the limited playing area conveying the stark squalor of the time. A good evening of shock horror.

Reviewed by Frank Wooles (NODA)

 

 

Sweeney Todd               Martyn Lewis

Mrs Lovett                     Fleur Greening

Anthony                         Tim Driscoll

Johanna                         Becky Church

Judge Turpin                 Phil Davies

Beadle/Jonas Fogg       Dai Williams                 

Tobias Ragg                  Meredith Edwards

Alfredo                          Mark Pinches

Gentleman                    John Sadler

Beggar Woman            Helen Page

Officer                          Rhys Stapleton

Dumb Show/Market chorus

Brenda Slaughter, Carla Gambarini, Fiona Jackson, Rhys Stapleton, Donald Johnson

Producer/Director                     Helen Page

Assistant Producer/Director     Rhys Stapleton

Prompt                                       Anne Morris/Sue O'Halloran

Stage Manager                          Wayne Brewer

Set Design                                  Rhys Stapleton

Scenic Painting                          Rhys Stapleton, Donald Johnson, Helen Page, Fleur Greening, Becky Church, Carla Gambarini, Sue O'Halloran

                                                                 & friends of hilltop

Music                                          Dai Williams

Lighting/Sound                          Wayne Brewer

Properties                                   Jan Stapleton

Costumes                                    Jan Stapleton, Susan Gambarini

Make-Up                                     Karen Claridge

Marketing                                   Rhys Stapleton, Helen Page, Richard Jones

Business                                      Rhys Stapleton

Programme/Poster                    Rhys Stapleton

Bar Manager                              Iain Campbell

House Manager                         Susan O'Halloran

House Staff                                Susan Gambarini, Roz Jones & members of Hilltop

Box Office                                  Brenda Slaughter