Love Midlands Theatre

Sweeney Todd - The Arcadians

7/5/2016

 
Picture
The Arcadians brought a slice of Sondheim to The Crescent last night in their production of Sweeney Todd. This iconic tale is popular amongst many theatre groups and is a prime chance to showcase a wide range of skills, from both the performers and the creative team, as well as the orchestra.

It is a challenging show and from the outset the cast tackled it head on. Simon Burgess instantly made for a menacingly brooding Sweeney Todd, with perfect diction throughout. His strong voice resonated around the auditorium and he exuded a dark charisma, which fitted the role excellently. He was paired well with the delightful Gillian Twaite as Mrs Lovett. She impressed in the role, but at times seemed to lack confidence. However, in the moments where she was entirely lost in her character, it was effortless.

Daniel Guzman and Eleanor Hewer excelled in their respective roles of Anthony Hope and Johanna. Hewer's operatic voice was a joy and matched with the rich, dulcet tones of Guzman they shone together. Equally impressive performances came from the initimidating John Clay as Judge Turpin, his deep, ominous voice was suitably eerie and Michelle Burgess held her own as the Beggar Woman – a huge favourite with the audience.

Another super cameo came from Robert Tilson as Pirelli – he captured the Italian's slimy demeanour brilliantly, all tied up with a fine voice. And Luke Price's Tobias was charming, evoking not only the innocence of his character, but his alarming descent into madness.

The show runs a little long at 3 hours, considering there are opportunities to abridge, but equally it is a great opportunity to showcase the orchestra – under the accomplished direction of Lauren Gilbert. Directed by James and Pam Garrington, the overall production is a treat with a wealth of talent in both the principals and ensemble. Rousing harmonies sent shivers down the spine and it made for a chilling night at the theatre!


Comments are closed.

    Love Midlands Theatre

    Sharing the latest theatre news and reviews around the Midlands.

    Archives

    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015

    Categories

    All
    Amateur Theatre
    Birmingham
    Coventry
    Love Midlands Theatre
    Professional
    Review
    Solihull
    Stafford
    Tamworth
    Theatre
    Wolverhampton

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Contact