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BrumHour saw Sweeney Todd at the invite of Birmingham Rep.
By Dave Massey
This production contains onstage violence, blood and inferred sexual assault.
Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Birmingham Rep: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A dark, brooding musical feast
Directed by Joe Murphy, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler
Set in Victorian London, Sweeney Todd (Ramin Karimloo) has returned home after years as an Australian convict. He sets up shop as a barber above Mrs Lovett (Meow Meow) and begins to avenge those who have done him wrong. Firmly in his sights are Judge Turpin (David Bedella) and Beadle (Julius D’Silva), who appear to have taken his daughter Johanna (Jo Stephenson) into their care.
The music is stunning and the vocals as a massive chorus which blend together so well. The tones are deep and rich and very London in their style; Ramin Karimloo‘s accent choice sets him apart as a stranger in his own town, which adds to his mystery. Meow Meow steals all of her scenes, bringing chaos and mischief wherever she goes. She faces stiff competition from Jack Gibson as the brilliant Tobias. Shem Omari James is fun and hopeful as Anthony.
The set makes full use of the very wide Rep stage and its ability to lift and drop large sections of the stage floor. The victims are dispatched with style and full horror. The staging is the most modern aspect of this production, which leans into its history and legacy throughout. The costumes are in keeping with the story; elegant and tailored.
Operatic in tone and classical in style, Sweeney Todd is a dark, brooding musical feast. Sweeney Todd is at Birmingham Rep until 15th August 2026. Book tickets here: birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street.
