From the moment I walked into the Theatre at Headington, even before the show had started I knew I was in for a treat and I wasn't wrong! Firstly the magnificent set transported you back in time to a dark, dismal London, then the "beggars" that were everywhere gave me a really eerie feeling with their vacant, desperate staring and pitiful pleading.
The sullen, sadistic, steely eyed Sweeney Todd was played superbly by James Penniston - and the lovable, loathable, laughable Mrs Lovett, equally brilliantly cast, was played by Harriet Matthews -both gave "West End" performances to be proud of with fantastic singing, dramatic acting, wonderful humour, and are stars of the future. They were supported by great performances from George Watkins as Bamford Beadle, with his booming voice, Ryan Harrison as the naive and cheeky Toby, Robert Peacock as the terrifying tyrant Judge Turpin, the lovely Chantelle Vicavs as Joanna with a sweet voice, and Dan Richards gave a convincing performance as the romantic Anthony. Not forgetting Rebecca Goldie as the more than believable Beggar Lucy Barker.
This would have been a wonderful, awe-inspiring, spine tingling, experience if I had seen in the West End - but it was even more impressive as it was cast and performed in 1 WEEK by 11-18 year olds! I take my hat off to all of you - you were simply stunning and all STARS NOW and certain Stars of the future - as the whole audience would agree as they gave them a resounding standing ovation - and rightly so!
I can't wait for the next one. Well done to everyone involved - you were truly sensational!
The sullen, sadistic, steely eyed Sweeney Todd was played superbly by James Penniston - and the lovable, loathable, laughable Mrs Lovett, equally brilliantly cast, was played by Harriet Matthews -both gave "West End" performances to be proud of with fantastic singing, dramatic acting, wonderful humour, and are stars of the future. They were supported by great performances from George Watkins as Bamford Beadle, with his booming voice, Ryan Harrison as the naive and cheeky Toby, Robert Peacock as the terrifying tyrant Judge Turpin, the lovely Chantelle Vicavs as Joanna with a sweet voice, and Dan Richards gave a convincing performance as the romantic Anthony. Not forgetting Rebecca Goldie as the more than believable Beggar Lucy Barker.
This would have been a wonderful, awe-inspiring, spine tingling, experience if I had seen in the West End - but it was even more impressive as it was cast and performed in 1 WEEK by 11-18 year olds! I take my hat off to all of you - you were simply stunning and all STARS NOW and certain Stars of the future - as the whole audience would agree as they gave them a resounding standing ovation - and rightly so!
I can't wait for the next one. Well done to everyone involved - you were truly sensational!