Sweeney Todd at English National Opera

   A slightly different post to the usual photography nonsense I talk about, but after attending the Sweeney Todd performance at the English National Opera in London, I thought I would review the performance. Music and lyrics by the outstanding and well-credited Sondheim and direction from Lonny Price, created a timeless piece with an interesting twist due to the formation of the set. This was primarily down to James Noone who designed the set, or should I say lack of set (we'll get back to this later). With outstanding vocal performances from Bryn Terfel (Sweeney Todd) and the wonderful Emma Thompson (Mrs Lovett), it was impossible not to compare their chemistry, delivery and vocals to the very well-known, critically-acclaimed Tim Burton movie starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter - which sadly is not where the story even originates. 

   Starting with a review of the performance, the cast definitely did an outstanding performance. The lyrics were incredibly humorous and it was one of the most audience involved musicals I have been to with the cast really reacting and responding to the laughter from the audience. It made the whole event seem rather relaxed and comfortable and limited the distance between the characters and the general public. Emma Thompson was undeniably the focal point for the majority of the musical, with her amusing and comic character gaining the attention of the audience and several round of applauses for not just her singing but her entertaining actions as well. 

Photo by ENO

   Sadly myself and my family has tickets for the balcony, which automatically puts us at a disadvantageous height from the stage - partly because of the distance, partly because of the sheer height of it (would not recommend if you have vertigo). In spite of this, the set and the stage usually accomodates for this and tries to alter the positioning of the actors slightly so that they are more viewable to the people at the top. However because of a very unique and different set this option was not available. The stage was made up of the orchestra on the stage taking up the majority of it leaving little space for the actors to move around. This was adjusted by extending the stage slightly over where the orchestra pit usually is but sadly this meant that the balcony could not see the edge of the stage meaning that when the performance came very close to the edge we could not clearly make out what was happening. This in turn caused everyone to be sitting very upright and forward causing the row behind to do the same and so on, so that you could see. 

   However, there were some positive aspects to having the orchestra in the centre of the stage as it meant that there was a level of comedic interaction between the performers and the musicians. For example, Mrs Lovett ordered one of the cellists to give up their seat so that she could give it to Sweeney for his barber shop and when she stole the baton from the conductor, there was an uproar of laughter. It also brought about levels due to the minimalistic nature of the set as it clearly showed the lower level - Mrs Lovett's pie shop - and the upper level - Todd's barber shop. This was beneficial in showing different scenes because the stage was lacking an elaborate set which was rather sad because often performances as large as these you expect something far more extravagant. 

Photo by ENO

Photo by ENO

   Overall, the performance was very interesting, and I have to admit that the colours worked rather well in the end, as I had originally thought that the red dress was not going to fit with the theme of the musical (it is set roughly in the 1890s). However by bringing the colour into the very bland and dark set definitely drew the centre point to Emma and made her stand out amongst the rest of the choir, performers and musicians. However, I was confused by some aspects such as the modern graffiti, featuring the works of Stik (one of London's most influential current street artists) in the background of the set, as well as words such as 'you are now entering Protestant territory'. Well we know for sure that this musical is set in London not Ireland, so I have no idea what that was about. Nevertheless, it did spark some thought process and gave a bit of interest to the simplistic set.

The performance has been running from 30th March and will finish in several days on the 12th April. Sadly, all tickets have been sold and I was very fortunate in getting mine when they added an extra matinee performance on Easter Sunday. However the website says that there will be 55 extra seats added across the house to buy on the each day of every performance at the Box Office at 10am ranging from the cheapest ticket price at £10. If you are not tempted by the story, at least be tempted by Emma Thompson and the venue - it truly is extraordinary. 

ENO Website