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Four stars (out of five)
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.
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