Review: Sweeney Todd - Adelphi Theatre, London
SWEENEY TODD
ADELPHI THEATRE
Monday 19th March 2012: Sweeney Todd has transferred from its sell-out run in Chichester to the huge stage of the Adelphi Theatre, and the audience are loving it!
Anthony Ward's towering industrial set, with wrought iron spiral staircase, revolving barber shop and various other automated trucks provide the perfect backdrop for this exciting production. Mark Henderson's lighting adds to the monochrome styling with the right amount of shadows and haze, and the orchestra sound superb, not too over powering, just the right volume for some of Stephen Sondheim's finest work which is delivered to startling effect from the company.
Michael Ball is in the title role of Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street. Ball is in fine form with his vocals, especially when duetting with John Bowe as Judge Turpin on the fantastic number Pretty Women.
Quite possibly one of the finest performances I've seen so far this year is Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Lovett. Staunton's comedy, facial expressions and vocal passion comes out in force on this stage, and has the audience gripped instantly. It would not surprise me at all if Imelda gets nominated for a few awards this year.
The only thing to bear in mind when booking tickets for this production is that because of the height of the set, you don't get to see the top of it from the back of the stalls, and on a couple of occasions you lean forward to see the ensemble up there singing away. But apart from this, the show is fantastic to watch.
Don't delay any longer, go and see Sweeney Todd as soon as you can. Currently booking until 22 September 2012.
SWEENEY TODD
Adelphi Theatre
Booking until 22 September 2012
Age Recommendation 12 + Parental Guidance
Running Times 2 hours & 45 minutes approximately
Jason Manford will appear as Pirelli for performances from 2 - 27 July 2012
Access Performances
Audio Described - Wednesday 16 May 2012 at 2.30pm
Captioned - Tuesday 22 May 2012 at 7.30pm
A restoration levy of £1 per ticket has been collected on behalf of the theatre.
Booking until 22 September 2012
Age Recommendation 12 + Parental Guidance
Running Times 2 hours & 45 minutes approximately
Jason Manford will appear as Pirelli for performances from 2 - 27 July 2012
Access Performances
Audio Described - Wednesday 16 May 2012 at 2.30pm
Captioned - Tuesday 22 May 2012 at 7.30pm
A restoration levy of £1 per ticket has been collected on behalf of the theatre.
