Back again with another review. This time I went to see ‘Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ at The Mercury Theatre.
The show starred Hugh Maynard as Sweeney Todd, famous for being cast in West End shows such as The Lion King and Miss Saigon and also starring Sophie-Louise Dann. Famous for castings in West End shows such as ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and ‘Made in Dagenham’.
Set in 19th Century London, the story is of the main character Sweeney Todd on the journey for justice and revenge. He returns after a life time of imprisonment to the dark and deserted streets of London, where he meets a lovely, but somewhat slightly mad pie shop owner Mrs Lovett. Together they plot a plan to help Sweeney with his individual goals, as well as helping Mrs Lovett’s pie shop get off the ground and stop her pies from being “the worst pies in London!”
Photo: Sweeney Todd holding high a razor, with Mrs Lovett in the background.
All of the cast throughout the show were fantastic, however I have to mention this next point. The chemistry between Hugh and Sophie was amazing! Watching them both on stage together, you honestly got a sense of the two characters having a close relationship. The singing from Hugh, Sophie and all of the cast was first class! Acting was second to none, and the use of lighting and steam/smoke made the sets feel so realistic.
The set itself was brilliant and something which I personally have never seen before on any stage. The only way I can best describe it, is a massive 3D cube, with a quarter of the wall removed, a platform forming Sweeney’s barber shop with Mrs Lovett’s Pie Shop underneath. With each side of the cube representing a different part of London.
Even if your totally blind, you will still get a kick out of the show. The Mercury Theatre offer multiple Audio Described Performances on certain Matinee performances depending on how long the show runs for. The package includes a ‘Touch Tour’ before the show, and then audio description headsets during the performance. This is something which I have experienced a few times at The Mercury and I honestly can’t fault it!
Photo: Me and the two main leads Hugh Maynard and Sophie-Louise Dann.
This show is defiantly in the Top Five shows I have seen so far this year, and yes I know there is more to come! Why this show and exact company are not performing this in London’s West End I don’t know, cause I sure would pay the money! If you have time in the next couple of weeks to go see this show, trust me you will not be disappointed!
This week, I got the chance to see Footloose – The Musical starring Gareth Gates, Maureen Nolan and making her professional debut Hannah Price. Footloose is the story of Renn, who years after his father left his mother and him to fend for themselves they decide to leave the American city of Chicago and move to a small town called Bomont. Where there after a tragic death of four young teenagers have made it illegal to dance.
So, Renn along with his friends decide to change the law, so they can have a end of school year dance. The staging, lighting, music and vocals were excellent! You feel like you had a real connection to the story.
The theatre this time, was a lot bigger in terms of space, so was not very difficult to get around. I noticed whilst walking around that they had a few extra spaces for wheelchair users which was a nice thing to see. When I arrived, I was greeted by the manager who organises the press tickets at the theatre, he was really polite and friendly, and it felt like he was happy to have me there which is something I always like to experience when I arrive.
The service at the theatre was of a professional standard and I was sure that if I asked for help from a member of staff they would have been more than happy to. On this particular visit, I didn’t have a need to, but it was nice to know that the option was there. The only downside I would have with this particular theatre, is that there was not a massive choice in terms of food and drink. You had the usual alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, chocolate/sweets and crips (chips if you live over the pond). I felt there was very little choice in terms of options. Maybe the theatre would consider having some type of hot food available?
Overall, it was a very good and enjoyable evening. Would I go and see the show again yes, would I rush to go see it…I’m not sure. I’m not saying the show was at all terrible because it honestly wasn’t, I just feel that maybe certain parts of extra things that come with going to the theatre could have maybe been a little better.
Until Next Time,
The VI Critic
(Please note: Trailer is from 2011 and not the current cast!)
The VI Critic 