Ramin Karimloo and Meow Meow create a partnership that is both deliciously funny and deeply unsettling in this captivating new revival.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What's it about?
Stephen Sondheim's legendary musical thriller follows the wrongfully exiled Benjamin Barker, who returns to Victorian London under the name Sweeney Todd seeking revenge on the corrupt Judge Turpin. Reunited with pie shop owner Mrs Lovett, Todd's thirst for vengeance spirals into one of musical theatre's most infamous and gruesome partnerships.
What we loved
Ramin Karimloo is simply magnificent. Dashing, dry, charismatic and utterly compelling. His vocals are stunning, delivered with effortless power and precision, but it is the conviction behind every line that makes his performance so captivating. He doesn't simply play Sweeney Todd; he inhabits him completely. It is a genuine privilege to see an actor of Karimloo's calibre take on one of musical theatre's greatest roles.
Opposite him, Meow Meow's Mrs Lovett is an absolute delight. Quirky and mischievous, she finds the humour without ever undermining the darkness of the piece. Most importantly, she and Karimloo share a glorious chemistry. Their constant interplay, sly glances and effortless comic timing make it genuinely feel as though they are having enormous fun together, and that infectious enjoyment spills into the audience.
Visually, the production is striking. Elin Steele's set design, the monochrome costumes and Rory Beaton's bold lighting combine to create some genuinely stunning stage pictures throughout the evening. Against this muted palette, Mrs Lovett's bright yellow dress, which is significantly upgraded with the proceeds of her now booming pie business, provides the perfect contrast.
Anything we'd change
The Rep's stage is undeniably epic, creating an imposing world for this Victorian tale. However, its sheer scale occasionally works against the production. With a relatively small company, some of the more intimate scenes and character moments feel swallowed by the vastness of the space.
That scale also exposes some of the mechanics of the staging. There are a handful of moments where actors simply cross the stage to reach an entrance or exit, creating brief periods where the momentum dips. Likewise, the repeated running up and down the staircases begin to feel a little predictable. A few additional concealed entrances or exits might have created greater variety and kept the movement feeling fresher throughout.
The portrayal of Tobias by Jack Gibson felt slightly uneven. As the story progressed, the character seemed to become increasingly ‘simple’, losing some of the nuance established earlier in the production. That said, Gibson's rendition of 'Not While I'm Around' was beautiful.
Meow Meow's accent occasionally wandered during the first act, although it settled considerably after the interval and became far less noticeable in the second half.
Who would enjoy it?
Fans of classic musical theatre, Sondheim devotees and anyone wanting to experience two exceptional performers tackling iconic roles.
Who created it?
Music and Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: Hugh Wheeler
From an adaptation by: Christopher Bond
Director: Joe Murphy
Designer: Elin Steele
Music Supervisor and Orchestral Reduction: Dr John Rigby
Musical Director: Leo Munby
Lighting Designer: Rory Beaton
Sound Designer: Kelsh Buckman-Drage
Movement Director: Tinovimbanashe Sibanda
Verdict
A visually striking revival with two magnetic performances at its heart. Ramin Karimloo delivers a commanding, mesmerising Sweeney Todd, while Meow Meow's delightfully eccentric Mrs Lovett provides the perfect counterpart. Their chemistry alone makes this production worth seeing, and although a handful of staging choices prevent it from reaching perfection, this is a compelling and highly entertaining revival of one of Sondheim's greatest musicals.