Sweeney Todd, the musical, first debuted on Broadway in 1979. The production was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and won eight, including Best Musical. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, the musical was based on a 1970 play by Christopher Bond. The character of Sweeney Todd first appeared in a weekly magazine during the winter of 1846 to 1847 and was immediately turned into a play. Further revisions occurred and by the 1870s the character of Sweeney Todd was already well known.
Sweeney Todd made its West End debut in 1980, but it wasn’t until 1987 that it had its Australian premiere. Since that time, numerous productions have allowed new audience the opportunity to enjoy this classic musical thriller and now Soundworks Productions brings Sweeney Todd to Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel.
Director Benjamin Samuel has delivered a fresh interpretation that will delight fans of the macabre musical. There are some moments of humour to provide balance to what is essentially a very dark story.
Under the musical direction of Jack Barnard, the band deliver a rich and high quality sound. Vocals are crisp and the diction is clear, aided by sound design by Thanu Moulton.
An impressive set design by Harry Gill greets the audience upon arrival. The multi level set allows for clarity of scenes taking places across multiple locations and assists with the story-telling. The barber’s chair is perfect for the era, and although there is no trapdoor below the chair, the clever use of headscarves easily convey the necessary details of the story.
Lighting design by Sidney Younger creates a dark and moody atmosphere for the most part, but some bright strips of lights at the back of the stage were distracting and seemed out of place with the rest of the story.
An excellent costume design by Jessamine Moffett establishes the era. Paying attention to the lyrics, ‘For in the once familiar streets I feel a chill of ghostly shadows everywhere’, the cast appear as somewhat ghostly figures with their heads covered in burgundy – or is that deep blood red? – scarves. Those same headscarves are later used with good effect to distinguish the grisly end of Sweeney Todd’s customers. Dark clothing is peppered with touches of red, but in the second act the deep blood red colour is accentuated.
This production includes a surprising amount of choreography for this musical. The choreography by Skylar Delphinus is crisp and adds a layer of energy and intensity to the show.
The success of this production lies in the quality of the casting. In the leading role of Sweeney Todd, Aidan Niarros gives a commanding performance, relentless in the pursuit of justice and revenge. The all-encompassing rage in Sweeney Todd is palpable.
Kate Yaxley is wickedly delightful as Mrs Lovett and provides some lightness to balance out the intensity of Sweeney Todd’s lust for revenge.
Ashley Garner is charming as Anthony, and his rendition of ‘Johanna’ is tender and heartfelt. Annabelle Rosewarne is sweet and perfectly scatty as Johanna.
Brendan Matthews is wonderfully endearing as Tobias.
Christian Gillett is outstanding as Judge Turpin – both unlikable and irredeemable.
Daniel Hillman provides some balance to the evil nature of Judge Turpin in his portrayal of Beadle Bamford, adding some lightness and humour.
Amy McMillan gives a strong performance as the Beggar Woman, while Teddy Burgess adds some colour and fun to the story in his portrayal of Pirelli.
Soundworks Productions has delivered a quality rendition of this dark musical that will no doubt delight fans of both Sondheim and Sweeney Todd.
Sweeney Todd is currently playing at Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran until September 23rd 2026.
Photos: Matthew Chen
