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Theatre 2000 Regent Centre Christchurch March/April 2004 It is hugely challenging dramatically, vocally and technically, and the company meets that challenge head on with thrilling results. But, on opening night at least, the complex set demands resulted in some shattered illusions, with too many appearances by non-costumed stage crew and, worse, the sight of Sweeney’s victims rising from the barber’s chair to take themselves off to be made into meat pies. And even the old adage that the show must go on took a battering when the interval extended to almost an hour due to a ‘technical hitch’. But, despite those problems, the entire company sings and acts like a dream. Frank Ewins’ Sweeney tears at the heart-strings with his misplaced sense of outraged justice, while Cindy Wells gives a bravura performance as his partner in crime, the deranged, deluded Mrs Lovett. It’s a partnership that ends in hell, but it’s made in heaven. And, among the rest of a cast that surely could not be bettered, Frank Beakhouse stands out as Tobias, the vulnerable, simple boy who sees too much. Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd. Please. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo |
