Sweeney Todd review: Stephen Sondheim's demon barber of Fleet Street remains a cut above in this stunning revival. The production transforms Victorian melodrama into a dark fairy tale, blending gothic humor with operatic grandeur.
Sondheim's Dark Fairy Tale Vision
Stephen Sondheim was drawn to fairy tales, and Sweeney Todd is steeped in folklore tropes. The story of a serial killer who provides grisly contents for his landlady's pies echoes Hansel and Gretel's cavernous oven and Little Red Riding Hood's threat of being eaten. Sondheim's lyrics even quote the nursery rhyme Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake, Baker's Man.
Operatic Staging and Design
Director Joe Murphy gives Sweeney Todd the full operatic treatment. The staging is rich in detail yet austere in execution. The chorus sings directly to the audience, fixed like ghostly statues under Rory Beaton's icy lighting. Elin Steele's concrete-grey set features a looming Lady Justice, symbolizing a corrupt legal system that transported Todd to Australia.
This London is rendered in grimy monochrome, with period costumes in mustard, lime, and peach standing out defiantly against poverty. The production balances seriousness with dark humor, avoiding heaviness despite Sondheim's abundant songs.
Performance Highlights
Ramin Karimloo never cracks a smile as the title role, giving the blade-wielding barber a chilling nobility. His surface calm suggests suppressed murderous rage. Offsetting this fury is Meow Meow as landlady Mrs. Lovett, a witty study in venality and opportunism.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ★★★★★ | Karimloo and Meow Meow deliver standout performances |
| Staging | ★★★★★ | Operatic treatment with stunning visual design |
| Music | ★★★★☆ | Sondheim's score is brilliant but occasionally overlong |
| Direction | ★★★★★ | Murphy balances darkness with gothic humor |
Key Takeaways
- Sweeney Todd remains Sondheim's masterpiece of dark fairy tale storytelling
- The production features exceptional performances from Ramin Karimloo and Meow Meow
- Operatic staging and monochrome design create a haunting atmosphere
- Gothic humor offsets the chilling subject matter
- This revival proves the demon barber is still a cut above
FAQ
What is Sweeney Todd about?
Sweeney Todd is a musical about a demon barber who returns to London seeking revenge on a corrupt judge, and partners with landlady Mrs. Lovett to bake his victims into pies.
Who composed Sweeney Todd?
The music and lyrics were composed by Stephen Sondheim, with the book by Hugh Wheeler, based on a play by Christopher Bond.
Is Sweeney Todd suitable for children?
No, Sweeney Todd contains graphic violence, dark themes, and mature content, making it unsuitable for children under 13.
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