On Friday 19th March I went to see a production of Sweeney Todd, one of my favourite musicals, at the Epsom Playhouse, performed by Reeds School. This was my first time seeing the school edition of the show, and my expectations were extremely high.

Reeds School provided a very different interpretation of it, one I never expected to see. The acting was put aside as a main point of focus and instead the singing ability was put at the forefront. It was an element second to none, every character singing to a brilliant degree. Acting commendations must be handed to the Beadle and Pirelli, whose comic addition to the cast stole the show.

The production had, strangely, a creepier, more gothic feel than I would have imagined from an interpretation of Sweeney Todd. The chorus throughout was very robotic and sinister, with some of the more vibrant numbers being played down for a darker tone to the show. Although not a method I would have considered, it really worked, and there was a degree of tension that was present throughout. All round, a good night out at the theatre.

On a similar note, Blenheim High School is currently beginning work on their production of Sweeney Todd to be performed in July. There will be further details to follow in a future article.