Sheffield University Performing Arts Society (SUPAS) are back and this time we’re heading for Fleet Street. Sweeney Todd awaits! This production follows SUPAS’ 9 to 5: The Musical and is the next project for the society.
Set in 1846, Sweeney Todd (CJ Simon) returns to London seeking revenge against Judge Turpin (Nathan Sloane) after he seduced Todd’s wife and sent him away. He joins with Mrs Lovett (Alice Copestick) and concocts a plan to seek revenge. After proving himself against Pirelli (Rory O’Shea), Todd begins a throat-slitting spree of the locals, whom Mrs Lovett makes into meat pies, whilst taking in Pirelli’s assistant Tobias Ragg (Abby Lever). However, as more people continue to disappear, Todd gets reckless in his quest and kills his wife, not realising it is her. He discovers Mrs Lovett hid the fact his wife was alive, and murders her before he himself is slain by Tobias.
This production is a power-filled, emotional marathon. The story is staged very well, and the company have such charisma and strength between them that the plot feels intense the entire way through. The choreography and staging of the show are done very well, making use of all the available space throughout the production, in what is a fairly limited area. The lighting and sound were good, albeit patchy at certain points (I particularly remember a spotlight coming on just as two stagehands began to move a piano) but on opening night, this is to be expected. The direction was on point and the musical accompaniment by members of the university orchestras was a great addition.
Several performances particularly stood out, especially Mrs Lovett. Alice Copestick has an unrivalled stage presence and it felt like all eyes were on her throughout. Her voice is amazingly strong, and she embodied Lovett with a kind of professionalism and finesse that I’ve only ever seen on a West End stage. Easily my favourite performance of the night!
Todd himself is a steep role to fill and CJ Simon was a clear choice for the part. He slides into the role of Todd really well, with an intense and frightening performance that puts you on edge even when he’s not doing anything sinister. Abby Lever as Tobias Ragg was brilliant as well; her slow descent into madness throughout the production was a joy to watch. She managed to play this innocent character the whole way through who you can only feel sorry for by the end, given what happens to her character throughout the story. An honourable mention goes to Rory O’Shea as Pirelli, who got audible laughs the entire time his character was on stage, without taking away from the plot’s intensity.
With the Demon Barber haunting the Drama Studio until Saturday, get yourself down there before you miss the chance to see this long-awaited Sondheim and SUPAS musical!
Rating: ★★★★☆
SUPAS’ production of Sweeney Todd is playing until Saturday April 29th. Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/supas