This is a spirited version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical of murder, revenge and madness. It has some very good performances, it’s well paced, finely costumed and designed, and, apart from problems with the acoustics – words are often drowned out by the band which is a shame as Sondheim is such a superb lyricist – there’s little to complain about. However, for me the production never quite reaches the heights it should. I have to point out here that I love Tim Burton’s film adaptation and, perhaps wrongly, couldn’t help comparing each performance and song with the way it was presented in the movie – with the movie scoring more wins than losses.
Hugh Wheeler’s book takes the barnstorming melodrama and fleshes out the protagonists. It also has a distinctly political edge to it showing how those with money and power exploit the lower classes in a society where ‘those below serve those up above’. Although this is a penny dreadful come to life, it has a depth which belies is sensationalist origins.
Callum McArdle certainly has the brooding, saturnine air of a man who has been the victim of men’s cruelty and decides to repay humanity back in spades. His descent from wounded victim into depravity is absolutely convincing. He has a fine voice, a commanding presence, and is an excellent Todd. Alice Redmond is wonderful as Mrs Lovett, Todd’s venal partner in crime. She manages the not inconsiderable feat of making the audience feel some sympathy for her unrequited love of Todd despite the fact that it’s at her suggestion many innocent Londoners end up as filling for her meat pies. Alistair Higgins gives one of the stand-out performances as Tobias Ragg, the urchin who unwittingly ends working up in the human pie business. His rendition of Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir is a mischievous highlight; and his final descent into madness is unnervingly impressive.
This is an enjoyable evening of gothic horror which is a fine introduction to one of Sondheim’s masterpieces. My companion for the evening, who hadn’t seen it before, enjoyed it thoroughly. So if you’re new to it – or have the strength of will I lack and can resist comparing it to the film – I’d warmly recommend it.
Continues until October 29.
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