Last year, students of Leighton Park School reached new heights in their performance of Phantom Of The Opera but this year’s production of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, in itself a difficult story to tell with little to recommend it in terms of morality and human decency, saw a very different but equally brilliant performance.
Rosemary Scales, Director of Music, at the school commented “We knew that asking our students to undertake Sweeney Todd was going to be a serious challenge but we have
been delighted by the way in which our company has adapted to the demands of creating this unique style of performance”
The musical follows the demon barber of Fleet Street as he returns to London as a convict from Australia, seeking revenge against those who separated him from his wife and child.
From the very first scene, with its impressively intimate and evocative set design, the audience is immediately invited to step into the dark, rank streets of Victorian London, where the tale of Sweeney Todd unfolds, performed by senior students of the school from Years 9 through to the Upper Sixth.
The depraved and ultimately self-destructive relationship between Sweeney and Mrs Lovett is brilliantly portrayed by Dan Barber and Niamh Green, both in the Sixth Form, but the whole cast’s performance is remarkable in piecing together the tragic and blood thirsty tale of the demon barber. There are moments of hilarity as portrayed by Danny Humby in his performance of Pirelli contrasted against the sad madness of the beggar woman, Sweeney’s wife, played by Robyn Ellis. Joshua Holder-Browne, who plays the part of Anthony Hope explained the demands of the production, “Playing Anthony personally for me has been tough; I won’t lie. Mainly because of the beautiful song I have to perform and wanting to do it justice. Having Rose and Geraint to lead me through made me able to meet this personal challenge and I honestly think that Sweeney Todd is another great Leighton Park production.”
There is no doubt that this production presented challenges to the cast, a point reflected upon by Geraint Thomas, Head of Drama, “The cast have truly adapted well to the demands of this complex show. Entering rehearsal, we had a very definite interpretation in mind which has been significantly developed by the cast`s approach to the characters and Sondheim`s remarkable dexterity with words and innovative use of music. It has been a joy to work in this way with such a committed company and a rare occurrence, in my experience, in school drama. We sometimes forget that they are students with busy lives and not seasoned professionals but this only makes their achievement more commendable and our experience more fulfilling”
It would be easy to think that stars were only in the performers but students from Year 9 to the Upper Sixth have contributed to the technical crew, choreography, set design, the costumes, make-up as well as the musical and dramatic performances over the four night run. This year the student film crew had the opportunity to work with state of the art recording equipment and technology through the generosity of Marise Plater from Holdan and Russell Butcher from Altered Images who lent the school remote controlled broadcast cameras and a TV gallery style video editing console.
Parent, Louise Koro, whose daughter Yasmin was in the chorus ensemble, was enthralled by the whole show. “Wow what an amazing performance from a stellar cast. Everything from direction to music production was incredible! Dan and Niamh were scarily convincing leading the cast in an outstanding production. I actually forgot I was at a school! Fantastic!”
The final applause must go the student and staff orchestra who, although hidden from the audience behind the Barber’s Shop, perform the dark and evocative music to a level of professionalism that would support any West End performance.
Here are some of the audiences reaction:“I wanted to write you following my visit to see your production of ‘Sweeney Todd’ last night. I was absolutely blown away by the standard of acting that I saw, not only were your leads of a professional standard, but the whole cast showed complete dedication and understanding of the plot and themes. Your ‘lunatics’ were particularly eerie! Considering the incredibly complex nature of the music, the vocal qualities of the cast was wonderful; I found Judge Turpin to have a wonderful tone and Todd and Lovett worked so well together, as did Anthony and Johanna”
“In the words of my husband, who does not give praise lightly “ridiculously brilliant for a school production” “ quality and the calibre of everyone , soloists, chorus, lighting, stage, sound,crew etc gave it quality and depth”
The final applause must go the student and staff orchestra who, although hidden from the audience behind the Barber’s Shop, perform the dark and evocative music to a level of professionalism that would support any West End performance.