Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff

Wed 5 July

*****

The first word I said upon entering the renowned Richard Burton Theatre and viewing the set of this production was “Dexter”. The plastic sheet as a curtain, grimy walls and almost secretive design which enfolded as the musical progressed, were all reminiscent of a psychopathic killers lair; ideal for Sweeney Todd.

The set was masterfully designed by Diogo Pereira. The most intriguing aspect of his clever set design was the drainpipe attached to the front of the stage with a bucket at the end. I later found out in the second act that this was used for Mrs Lovett to pour Todd’s victims mushy remains into. This was all too realistic and it even splashed on to my shoes. Along with many other elements, such as Sweeney Todd beginning Act 1 in the audience before leaping unto the stage, this made the show highly immersive.

As for the show’s leads, Becca Barrett as Mrs Lovett and Michael Robert Lowe as Sweeney Todd, they both commanded the show was immense power and ease. Barrett particularly shines in the number The Worst Pies in London which makes Stephen Sondheim’s fast-paced orchestration seem a breeze. Lowe is a charismatic yet traumatising Todd, allowing us to see inside Todd’s head and all the horrors that lurk there. The chemistry between the two, which is crucial to this show, was electric and intense.

The ensemble was also a highlight. They illuminated why the chorus can be as vital to a show as the lead roles. The wise choice of a smaller cast playing multiple roles kept the audience attached and mesmerised. Their vocals, expressions and the choreography, by Grace Warner, all merged together without a hitch. One of the most notable moments was how the ending mirrored the beginning , only with Sweeney’s dead victims appearing instead, covered in blood, and was an extremely haunting note to end on.

The decision to set this show in the 1960s instead of Victorian London was surprisingly effective, a choice I originally had doubts about. However the modernisation worked perfectly and showed how {Sweeney Todd} has stood the test of time.

This production truly showcased the immense talent that the students here at the college possess and I look forward to seeing more from them in the future.

words SARAH BOWDIDGE