Sweeney Todd

Photo Credit: Alan Martin/AMSI

Reviewed by:  Wendy Newton on Saturday 18 February 2012
Venue:  Greenbank Theatre, Greenbank High School., Southport
Type of Production:  Musical

Producer/Director:  Stephen Hughes- Alty
Musical Director:  Paul Williams

The Tale of “Benjamin Barker “alias “Sweeney Todd” the somewhat disturbed “Demon Barber of Fleet Street” who returns to seek revenge, after escaping transportation, spent over the last 15 yrs …falsely charged. So after befriending Mrs Lovett, famous for the worst pies in London, he launches into dispensing with anyone and everyone who crosses his path, until finally dispatching with the lascivious Judge Turpin who ruined his life.
The President of the company now known as “Spotlights” ,Elizabeth Allwright ,wrote a welcome in the programme, promising a “slightly different style of show”, and an “interesting evening”, experiencing a “taste of Victorian London” ,”Thrilled by the Music” and “possibly scared by the action”; pardon the “pun” but she wasn't telling any “Porky Pies” ! From the moment I arrived at the venue, I knew that it was going to be a real treat of an evening!
This was also an evening of Firsts…
- First show since the change of name from Southport Amateur Operatic Society to “Spotlights“, 
- First time for the Director to have taken on the Show whilst being Chairman at the same time ..
- also the first time for the Company to take this production and present it in “The Round”.
Between the brilliant direction by Stephen Hughes - Alty, along with the superb Musical direction of Paul Williams, the evening was certainly one to remember. Anthony Orme (Sweeney) was just perfect for the part, who's obvious acting and musical experience, stood him in good stead to portray this demanding part, with perfect pitch, superb diction, timing and use of the stage throughout. Totally engaging with the audience. 
Deborah Bloom(Mrs Lovett) grabbed this “peach” of a role, and worked it like “pastry” in her hands, squeezing every little nuance and characterisation out of it, both musically and with excellent acting ability, she was totally believable as the worst “Pie Maker in London !”
John Delahunty(Anthony Hope) gave a sound performance, again with good vocal ability and diction, equally matching Kerry Baratinsky (Joanna) with sweet voice and who was totally convincing, adapting transition of character within her part.
All of the other Principal roles were performed superbly, and supported by a well drilled, well rehearsed Chorus all of whom were totally focused and quite honestly, there wasn't a weak link.
Costumes were lovely, colours and styles totally in keeping with the period. 
Excellent scene and prop shifting was slick and didn't distract while lighting and sound was equally well done.
Pies for the Audience during the interval, whilst the Director received a
“Cut Throat Shave” from a professional Barber ..Just topped the night off.
Congratulations to the whole company for such a memorable performance and thanking you all for your hospitality.