Sweeney Todd

the demon barber of Fleet Street

Just went to see this play, it was a musical. Very very nice. The theatre was packed and the play was for about 2.5 hours. I especially loved the boy, Pirelli's assistant. He was a bit over dramatic but it was funny. Amazing to see they can sing so nicely without any mics or anything. Sweeney was pretty scary. There were some bits that were not in the movie I think, well at least more subtly portrayed in the movie I think. Like how the judge actually wanted the girl for himself. Overall, the play was wonderful and I'll go to Roleystone again because the theatre is very nice as well. Details below

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler
Directed by Stephen Carr and Musical Direction by Matt Austin

Nov 13, 14, 18, 20, 21,25, 27, 28 Dec 2, 4, 5 (2009)

A macabre tragi-comedy based on the legend of a half-mad 19th century English barber. He is driven to crime when an evil judge takes his wife and child from him. Unjustly imprisoned, Todd eventually escapes and vows to bring justice not only to the judge who destroyed his world, but also to all the people of London. To this end, he forms a cutthroat partnership with Mrs Lovett, an enterprising mistress whose meat pies are to die for!

Cast
Sweeny Todd - Scott Burns
Mrs Lovett - Lindsay McNab
Toby - Tim How
Judge Turpin - Paul Treasure
Beedle Bamford - Peter "Pear" Carr
Johanna - Cassie Skinner
Anthony - Owen Measday
Pirelli - Manuao Teaotonga
Begger Woman - Casey Edwards
Fogg - Leo Downsborough
Male Chorus - Warren Bracken, Allan O'Neil, Morgan Philips, Ben Steele, Leo Downsborough
Female Chorus - Sarah Cosstick, Ellen Brooks, Jacqui Keogh, Emily Tompson, Kate Jones, Tara Joyce, Sam Warn

Discontent

by the constantly abhorrent mind

Sleep that gives no rest
I sleep a lot, I sleep just plenty.
When I awake, I feel I didn't get any.
Walk around in a daze that is hazy,
Some might think I'm just plain lazy.

Food that does not fill
I eat a lot, I eat just plenty,
But after a while, I still get hungry.
Thinking of food tasty and yummy,
Caving to cravings just makes me sickly.

Work that brings no fulfillment
I work a lot, I work just plenty,
Taking all my time, I'm not left with any.
Stress so much that the brain's gone kooky,
What I have to show is nonentity.

Play that provides no pleasure
I play a lot, I play just plenty,
Still I want more, never saying enough already.
Activities of multitude and great variety,
Blissful moments, though not really happy.

Misery that has no meaning
I'm miserable a lot, I'm miserable just plenty,
Why this is so, the reasons escape me.
Persistent discontent leaves me perpetually gloomy,
Might one day drive to sheer lunacy.

Canal

by Lawrence