Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd returns to the stage in a superb new production at Birmingham Rep, directed by Joe Murphy. With tremendous singing from Ramin Karimloo as the demon barber and Meow Meow as Mrs Lovett, the staging is full of dark gothic humour and operatic seriousness.
A Fairytale of Murder and Pies
Sondheim was drawn to fairytales, and Sweeney Todd is steeped in folklore. The story of a serial killer who provides grisly contents for pies echoes Hansel and Gretel's oven and Little Red Riding Hood's fate. The composer's lyrics even quote the nursery rhyme Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake, Baker's Man.
Operatic Treatment and Gothic Humour
Director Joe Murphy gives the show full operatic treatment. The staging is rich in detail and austere in execution. The chorus sings directly to the audience, fixed like ghostly statues under Rory Beaton's icy lighting. Elin Steele's concrete-grey set features a figure of Lady Justice, with scales tipped against the vengeful Todd. This London is rendered in grimy monochrome, with period costumes in pastel shades standing out against poverty.
Stellar Performances
Ramin Karimloo never cracks a smile as Sweeney, giving the blade-wielding barber a chilling surface calm that suggests suppressed murderous rage. Meow Meow's Mrs Lovett is a witty study in venality and opportunism, with cartoonish swagger and tremendous singing. The entire cast delivers exceptional vocal performances.
The production runs at Birmingham Rep until 15 August.
