Tamworth Arts Club Tackle Sweeney Todd

Sondheim's Sweeney Todd is a musical filled with complex harmonies and over 30 musical numbers and Tamworth Arts Club have taken on the challenge of this monster production.

Andrew Bird played the title role, with a strong vocal especially shown in My Friends and the pie-making Mrs Lovett was played by Ruth Harvey, who's excellent characterisation and vocals reminded me of a mash-up between Angela Lansbury and Helena Bonham-Carter. Together, Harvey and Bird worked well, with particular highlights including A Little Priest and By The Sea.

Other notable supporting performances came from Adam Gregory as Anthony, who had a beautiful voice, Claire Chandler played Johanna, Martyn Cotterill was hilarious as Pirelli and Lee Fisher delivered an assured vocal in Not While I'm Around.  Jenny Barlow-Jennings was brilliant as Lucy/Beggar Woman and a special mention for James Gorton and Nik Ellis who really stood out in the ensemble.

Clever directing by Karen Wilkes ensured that all possible exits and entrances were used, keeping up the fast-paced nature of the show. All in all an enjoyable production which runs at Landau Forte Sixth Form Centre, Ashby Road, Tamworth until Saturday 11 April. Tickets for Tamworth Arts Club's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (which contains adult themes), are available by clicking here or by calling Tamworth Information Centre on 01827 709618.

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