On the 7th and 8th of March, Ferens Hall was transformed into a backstreet of Victorian London. A capacity audience
gathered on each night to witness the unthinkable crimes of Sweeney Todd, skilfully played by Katie Webster, and his gruesome accomplice, Wilhemina Lovett, capably performed by Hannah Cumpson.
In this version by Peter Miller and Randall Lewton, the murderous tale was brought to life through an eclectic mix of music, including a rock song from Napoleon Bedlam’s (Michaela Vinales) terrifying inmates.
A cast of over sixty students kept the audiences in stitches throughout each performance by a combination of grisly murders, eerie ghosts, musical mayhem, and even an exploding pie machine, operated by Italian immigrant Angelo, Mrs Lovett’s hilarious assistant, played by Eloise Sommerville.
Credit must also go to Sophie Ernoult who played Tobias Stoutheart, Sweeney’s battered assistant who was thrown around the stage like an old ragdoll but was fortunately able to survive the play to the end, and, with the help of sailors, Billy and Tommy, played by Olivia Pyle and Ellie East, was able to turn the villainous barber in to the Chief Police Constable played by Alfie Vincett and his hysterical Dwarf Squad!
It was without doubt a fantastic show and most definitely provided something for everyone; there was even a magic act from ‘The Amazing Alonzo’ (Alana Fajks-Collins) and his very aspiring side-kick Foozle, played by Marcus Guindi! Directed by Rachel George, the performance was well received by all.
Mark Winn also deserves praise for the direction of his very accomplished band. We would just like to inform everyone who witnessed the performance that despite the Heckler (Scott Dyer) being “thrown” off the balcony, no students were harmed in the making of this performance and we can assure you all that he made a delicious meat pie!