Sweeney Todd (Walsall Operatic Society)
Always a night to look forward to when Sondheim is on the menu even if the dish of the day might be Shepherd’s Pie peppered with actual Shepherd on top as part of the musical masterpiece that is Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. So attend the tale, on this occasion brought to life by Walsall Operatic Society.
There are vast challenges with Sondheim, not least the complex score and libretto but, additionally how to make what is hardly a joyous tale entertaining for an audience and this cast under the direction of Tim Jones managed to pull that particularly challenging feat off with some considerable success if the audience restrained but, audible vocal response was anything to go by.
Richard Poynton is an imposing figure with an equally impressive voice as vengeful barber Todd and his interaction with a skilfully entertaining Steph Coleman as an ebullient Mrs Lovett is ultimately the driving force behind the show, I specifically enjoyed the ‘A Little Priest’ number which when done well (as in this case) can be a terrific ending to Act One.
Chris Room’s exceptional voice as sailor Anthony is one of the feature performances and there is an undoubted chemistry with Meg Hardy’s melodic and characterful Johanna. Simon Dochety added some menace as a self-important and somewhat overattentive (at least towards Johanna) Judge Turpin and his shady lieutenant Beadle Bamford was played with more than a little zeal by Nick Hardy.
Craig Smith makes a flamboyant and stylish appearance as sham Italian adversary for Mr Todd, Adolfo Pirelli and leaves a memorable performance as does Katy Ball as the confused and incredulous Beggar Woman.
Considering all of these fastidious and rich performances, it is probably the surprisingly powerful singing voice and acting persona of Neo Hughes as generically unwanted orphan Tobias that sits most memorably for me.
There is an evocative and highly accurate set which adds greatly to the production and some atmospheric music from a sizeable orchestra under the accomplished direction of MD, Ian Room all of which in conjunction with a talented supporting cast, make this an experience you will not want to miss so make sure you grasp a ticket for the few remaining performances until the run ends on Saturday 17th March 2018.
Book Here
Richard Poynton is an imposing figure with an equally impressive voice as vengeful barber Todd and his interaction with a skilfully entertaining Steph Coleman as an ebullient Mrs Lovett is ultimately the driving force behind the show, I specifically enjoyed the ‘A Little Priest’ number which when done well (as in this case) can be a terrific ending to Act One.
Chris Room’s exceptional voice as sailor Anthony is one of the feature performances and there is an undoubted chemistry with Meg Hardy’s melodic and characterful Johanna. Simon Dochety added some menace as a self-important and somewhat overattentive (at least towards Johanna) Judge Turpin and his shady lieutenant Beadle Bamford was played with more than a little zeal by Nick Hardy.
Craig Smith makes a flamboyant and stylish appearance as sham Italian adversary for Mr Todd, Adolfo Pirelli and leaves a memorable performance as does Katy Ball as the confused and incredulous Beggar Woman.
Considering all of these fastidious and rich performances, it is probably the surprisingly powerful singing voice and acting persona of Neo Hughes as generically unwanted orphan Tobias that sits most memorably for me.
There is an evocative and highly accurate set which adds greatly to the production and some atmospheric music from a sizeable orchestra under the accomplished direction of MD, Ian Room all of which in conjunction with a talented supporting cast, make this an experience you will not want to miss so make sure you grasp a ticket for the few remaining performances until the run ends on Saturday 17th March 2018.
Book Here
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