From the first bar of music, a beaming grin spread across my face. They have given the thought, the effort and the money to make this a quality production. The live orchestra (Musical Director Benjamin Dovey) are excellent, allowing the cast to flow with the delights of words and music. Marc Zayat has brought a new concept to the show: his ensemble represent the low-life of London, the "Vermin of the world that inhabit it" and also enact the pictures and dreams in Todd and Mrs Lovett's minds. It means the ensemble are a key element of this show. Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, their exaggerated make-up and stylised clothing take the production towards the horror story.
Jack Davies is a physically and vocally powerful Sweeney with nice despair/resignation at Mrs Lovett's advances. Ciara Waterfield is his expert foil and will develop more of the comedy as the run progresses. Rob Wilson is a sweet faced, sweet voiced Anthony, matched by the lovely voice of Thea Daljord's Johanna. John Cabrera takes time to warm up as Judge Turpin, unlike Daniel Glock's Beadle who oozes malice as he files his nails from the start.
Ethereal Theatre present the best musical at the Fringe this year!
Derek Benfield
