If you haven’t seen the Sweeney Todd musical yet, you really
need to get down to the Adelphi before the end of the current run. I finally got around to seeing it yesterday,
and absolutely loved every minute.
Even before the auditorium lights went down, the ensemble appeared
on stage one by one, setting the scene of a dark and grimy London. Speaking as someone who always arrives early,
but hates waiting for shows to start, I was immediately won over by this
detail. And the rest of the show didn’t disappoint either. The multi-level set
design in particular was incredibly clever, and that alone could have kept me
mesmerised for the duration of the show.
Predictably enough though, it really boiled down to a two
man show. You know you’re always going to be in safe hands with Michael Ball (despite
being almost unrecognisable in the role of Sweeney) but Imelda Staunton was the
real showstopper for me. I had no idea she could sing so well, and the comedy
she brought to the role of Mrs Lovett was much needed in such a dark story. I’d
never expected to laugh so much, and believe me it was a relief after some of
the more sinister scenes. Throat-slitting I can handle, but Judge Turpin’s scenes
of rape and self-flagellation made for very uncomfortable viewing.
An honourable mention has to go to Jason Manford too, in his
short-lived role of Signor Pirelli. I’d been expecting him to handle the
comedy, of course, but again was pleasantly surprised to see him hold his own
vocally alongside Michael Ball. I think
Jason himself says it best -- "Anyone that's wondering what a comedian is
doing singing in the West End should remember that once upon a time Frank
Spencer became the Phantom - this is the West End, where anything can
happen."
Sweeney Todd is on at the Adelphi Theatre until 22 September
2012. Book tickets here.
