Review: Sweeney Todd: A Victorian Melodrama, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘A cracking story, superb talent, and a lot of laughter’

I had no idea what I had let myself in for. The word ‘opera’ loomed (I admit to being wary). But luckily for us all, the word ‘melodrama’ thrilled. “Luckily”? Yes, because now  I can implore you, with a dastardly wah-hah-ha, “GO!”

Seriously, this Sweeney Todd from Opera della Luna is just a joy from top to severed toe. Like the rest of the audience, I was at first mutely attentive, appreciative of the small humorous touches (such as the creaky-violin-door and percussion rattle locks) and stunning vocal talent.

And by the end, we were an auditorium stuffed with adult kids, boo-ing with all our might at the wickedness of Todd (as he egged us on), cheering at servant Cecily’s canny wit and tittering at the panto-like knowingness of the script compelling doubling-up actors to run backstage, do a rapid costume change and return as their other character.

Will Kenning as Jarvis Williams – photo: Nathan Cox

You probably know the core story – but in case (!): Victorian barber likes killing his customers, and his entrepreneurial neighbour-in-commerce, Mrs Lovett, turns the bodies into delicious pies. But here, we’re enjoying an original Victorian melodrama script (it’s great!) – there’s a shipwreck, a betrothed gentle-lady, a string of pearls and some despicable bad’uns. As fortune would have it, there’s also loyal  – and canny – friends and family, to balance the see-saw of karma (and it all ends happily ever after).

Nick Dwyer is Todd, and Madeleine Robinson is Johanna (rightful owner of the eponymous pearls) – and both turn in great performances. They’re surrounded by a cracking bunch of actor-singers who double-up multiple parts: Paul Featherstone was our fave as Rev Lupin – a Uriah Heap / Mr Collins-like sleazeball (getting the audience ‘URGH”-ing out loud!). And a special mention must also go to Lynsey Docherty as Johanna’s maid Cecily and Mrs Lovett. Both of these received extraordinarily loud cheers at the curtain call.

Madeline Robinson as Johanna – photo: Andy Paradise

Every member of this creative team deserves a mention, but word-count forbids it. Kudos to James Widden for the musical arrangements. This French Horn-playing critic was full of admiration for the orchestra and musical team. And congrats to Jeff Clarke for a marvellous adaptation and direction.

This fantastic show ran in Salford’s Lowry in June and it’s only in Bath ‘til July 27th. After that, it’s over! That – to me – is the biggest crime of all. Someone, throw money at these people and take it round the country. This kind of theatre is what we need – cracking story, superb talent, and a lot of laughter.

But for you lucky lot, it’s on here, now. Get your ticket, quick!

Nick Dwyer as Sweeney Todd – photo: Andy Paradise

Sweeney Todd: A Victorian Melodrama is at Theatre Royal Bath on July 23-27 at 7.30pm, with additional 2.30pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Main photo: Andy Paradise (Lynsey Docherty as Mrs Lovett, Nick Dwyer as Sweeney Todd)

Read next:

• Review: The Deep Blue Sea, Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘A truly special production’
• Review: The Glass Menagerie, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘The final exchange had audience and cast members in tears’
• Review: A View From The Bridge, Theatre Royal Bath – ‘Unmissably golden’