Sweeney Todd . . . The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Image
Edinburgh Festival review
Rating (out of 5)
3
Show info
Company
The Maltings Youth Theatre
Production
Wendy Payn (director), Alison Coates (musical director), Hugh Wheeler (book), Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics)
Performers
Peter Lannon (Sweeney Todd), Charlotte Payn (Mrs Lovett), Ross Graham (Judge Turpin)
Running time
110mins

The young cast of Maltings Youth Theatre is at its best with the meatier roles in this production. Peter Lannon is Sweeney Todd and gives an impressive performance in the title role - brooding, morose, and vengeful; every scene with the barber gripped your attention.

Equally, Charlotte Payn was outstanding as the pie-making Mrs Lovett; for a young actress she glides round the stage handling all aspects of the character like a veteran. The duets and other scenes between them are highlights of the show.

Lewis Cameron also captured his role as Signor Pirelli, but as the first victim, his stay was quite short. Although there is not a great deal of ensemble work, the cast showed their capabilities with a zestful contribution. Gillian Irwin as Tobias grew in stature as the plot unfolded.

Sondheim's music is not easy and players need to keep their concentration to hold the tune in the less melodic songs. However,the closing song of the first act was excellent as well as Todd's solo, "Johanna."

This musical benefits from a split level set, and although the production used the floor to good effect, the constraints of this fringe venue with a minimalist set meant that some of the dramatic effect was lost. The dispatch of victims from the barbers to the bakehouse is one example.

While the production was always interesting and moved smoothly between scenes, there are some small improvements that would turn a good show into a very good show.

Maltings Youth Theatre is based in Berwick upon Tweed and draw young people from both sides of the border.

Times: Aug 11-16 at 18:15