Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

This is an epic show that traditionally pivots around a dark brooding menace in the form of Sweeney Todd, seething because of years of injustice, and with an unswerving desire for revenge. This is not the Sweeney that Altona City Theatre gave us. This Sweeney (Dave Barclay) presented a man who was cold, aloof and seemed dislocated from the world around him.  

Dave Barkley was impressive vocally and the highlight of the performance was his performance of Epiphany. Maxine Montgomery as Mrs Lovett was rock solid vocally, and gave us a kinder interpretation of a character that is often considered one of Sondheim’s most evil characters.   

Sam McPartlan made a commendable Anthony, being the only “normal” character amid a sea of weird, and he worked well with Lauren Baistow (Johanna) who sang like the proverbial linnet bird.  Bradley Storer (Toby), Stephen Frisby (Pirelli), Nick Barker-Pendree (Judge Turpin), Joshua Peterson (Beadle) and Ruth Flynn (Beggar Woman) all gave solid performances.

Musically the orchestra were impressive and the chorus singing and individual singing very well done – congratulations to the MD on the hard work done to achieve that standard. The audio balance at times was patchy, with singers or dialogue drowned out by the orchestra.

Lighting was dark and brooding as befits the tone of the show, but sometimes too dark on faces, But the lighting around the furnace door was well done.   

The set was functional and the realization of the second story barber shop worked well, while other locations such as Johanna bedroom, balcony and the asylum were tucked somewhat tightly onto the apron. The highlight of the staging was the barber’s chair (which had its own cheer squad in on the night) – a very classy piece of construction, working well every drop. And in true Sweeney style the blood flowed freely onstage.

Altona City Theatre are to be commended for taking on a Sondheim classic and giving it a red hot go.

Shirley Jensen

Our earlier coverage.