The curtain rises on a world of rot and retribution at the Birmingham REP, where Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has taken up residence until August 15. Directed by the theatre's artistic director Joe Murphy, this production presents a fresh and unsettling take on the classic tale.
A Stage of Decay and Danger
The set immediately establishes the tone: Georgian walls blackening from the ground up, watched over by a looming Lady Justice with scale and sword. Handprints in the filth suggest a bakehouse blaze, London smog, or simple decay. The white costumes of the actors are slowly consumed by the creeping darkness as they introduce the story.
Ramin Karimloo, a Tony-nominated actor, portrays the titular barber with a surprising softness initially, but once he descends into mania, he lights up the stage like a Georgian gaslamp. His unpredictability makes for extraordinary viewing.
Meow Meow's Mrs Lovett: Extraordinary and Disgusting
Mrs Lovett, played by Meow Meow, is a character you want to hear more about. She moves like a tragedy wrapped in absinthe-coloured fabric. Her singing voice thrills with little vocal flips and wavers that reveal the pie maker's lack of confidence and desire to keep up appearances. There's a vintage EastEnders quality to her: drag queen energy with Dot Cotton's mannerisms and a generous dash of comic relief with an unpalatable undercurrent. Delicious.
A Truly Revolting Judge Turpin
David Bedella's Judge Turpin is the most unpalatable character in a show full of villains. His portrayal is so vulgar that the audience hates him more than in any other retelling. Watching Lovett tip a slop bucket of innards down the drain is queasy, but Bedella's performance sends the audience into the stratosphere of disgust.
The production cleverly makes the audience cheer for the slashing of deserving necks, and even feel guilt when stomachs grumble at the sight of hot people pies.
An Ensemble of 11 Wonderful Performers
The cast of 11 moves quickly and cleverly to convince you there's a whole city of characters. Shem Omari James as Anthony stands out, his long, heart-rending notes bringing goosebumps. This production is stylish and sinister, touching and grotesque, camp and hilarious, stomach-churning and cerebral, all topped with a gloriously golden crust.
Tickets are priced from £26, and the show runs until Saturday, August 15.
