Had to leave direction of this for the last two weeks due to personal problems. Unfortunately, this was a very delicate time to leave a show, as this was when the technical elements were fitted in, and the cast were moving themselves onto the stage. Shaun Hughes took over leadership of the show and did a fabulous job but unforutunately this meant that I didn't get the chance to finish this off myself. I MUST do this again one day!!
Click the handbill, or here for photos from the show.
This dark tale by the Lyric Players is aided by atmospheric lighting, fog and moveable scenery that bring Dikensian London to life - or in this case, death.
We have all heard about the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and how his customers were made into tasty pies, but Stephen Sondheim's music and equally important lyrics give the story an even darker quality.
Director Paul Longhurst made the many scene changes run smoothly, and music director Francis Griffin should be commended for getting the principals and chorus to such a high standard for this difficult score.
Robert Hamilton was a powerful brooding barber, while Mrs Lovett (Lisa Scott) firmly convinced me that the pies were special.
Sailor Anthony Hope (Darren Flick) and golden-voiced Johanna (Joanne Corris) were the romantic interest.
I don't know wether there was something wrong with the sound equipment, but I couldn't understand a word said or sung by the Beggar Woman (Pat Tompsett). The other parts were played with distinction, but although the principals were well dressed, the male chorus did not visually represent Victorian London.
This was staged by the Lyric Players, an amateur dramatic society. The music and lyrics, by Stephen Sondheim, were very challenging, with precise timing required. The stage sets were brilliantly conceived, a central block doubling up as The Barber's Shop, Mrs. Lovell's pie shop, her parlour, and the dreadful cellar.
Although perhaps not exactly my cup of tea in some ways, I prefer happy endings(!), the performance was excellent. The singing, especially that of Robert Hamilton as Sweeney Todd, easily audible, and for such a dark subject there was a surprising amount of humour. Indeed one quote I heard was "It would have stood up well in the West End", so congratulations Lyric Players, and we look forward to your next production.
I am amazed at the talent you and the rest of the audition panel have come up with for Sweeney, very strong principals and an equally strong company as well.
I am enjoying the rehearsals and getting my teeth into Sondheim's music and I look forward to the resumption of rehearsals in September.
