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Set against the grim backdrop of 1800s London, the production was led by a commanding performance by Tom C as the titular Sweeney Todd, capturing both the brooding menace and tragic complexity of the infamous barber. Piper S shone as Mrs Lovett, masterfully blending humour and charm with her rendition of The Worst Pies in London. Her vibrant portrayal and obsessive love for Todd added a delightful yet unsettling spark to the production, even as their characters’ decline to dark deeds unfolded. Joshua C-J brought sincerity and warmth to the role of ingenue Anthony Pope, Todd’s loyal friend; Monty T’s flamboyant Beadle was sinisterly preening, exaggerated mannerisms and sharp timing ensuring incipient laughter died in the throat.
The energy continued with bold performances by Stella C as Tobias Ragg and Tise O as Pirelli. Stella’s solo in Miracle Elixir showcased her vocal prowess; Tise brought flair to Pirelli, whose early demise added to the tension of the plot.
Amidst the swirling chaos of blood and betrayal, a tender love story blossoms between Johanna (Mollie T) and Anthony, highlighted by a sweetly rendered, expertly sung duet offering a moment of light amidst the shadows.
Judge Turpin (Gabriel C-B wielding authority with menace) ostensibly keeps order; with the Judge’s secrets lurking just beneath the surface it’s only a matter of time before his misdeeds lead him to Sweeney’s infamous barber’s chair for a final reckoning.
Meanwhile the beggar woman flits in and out of scenes, her presence enigmatic and her voice – courtesy of the captivating Nerea K-M – hinting at deeper truths yet to be revealed. Who is she really? The question lingers like an unresolved melody. Particular mention should be made of a committed and spirited Ensemble, who made the most of their every appearance as a group and featured characters, bringing crowd scenes vividly to life in dynamic tableaux, Miss Farmery’s choreography ensuring clean lines and stage presence. The cast of 29 more than rose to the challenge of Sondheim’s complex music and lyrics (at times little short of operatic), giving wholehearted yet nuanced performances which brought out the many textures. Four pupils – Eddie A, Isaac H, Grace S, and Lucien S – took their place alongside the pros in the orchestra pit, testimony to their prodigious musicianship under the skilled baton of Miss Harlow, Musical Director. Pupils were fully integrated into the production team, assisting with lighting and sound, and operating the follow-spot.
A polished and engaging series of five performances played to packed houses and great – and thoroughly deserved – acclaim, skill and dedication evident in every scene. Moody lighting, an ingenious and intricate set design, and spot-on period costumes and hair added to the professional texture of the show. Congratulations to the entire team for an ambitious, riveting interpretation of this classic musical. This was a true company production, and a rip-roaring success with all the pride and sense of achievement that comes with the satisfaction of having worked intensely hard over a long period to create a substantial piece of theatre. Mrs Gerstmeyer’s first musical theatre production at Lancing was a triumph.
For my last musical at Lancing, Sweeney Todd was certainly one to remember. I have always found such a joy participating in any school production and this year was no exception. The atmosphere of a good cast both backstage and onstage is unmatched and it really is an opportunity to create new and lasting connections all throughout the school. Weeks of rehearsals late into the night, and the complexities of Sondheim’s music were certainly worth it for a show that went by far too quickly in its final moments. As a story with so much depth, it was exciting to see how it developed into an engaging show we will all miss and everyone’s individual performances, principal, or ensemble, were thoroughly enjoyed by the rest. The progress we made from stumbling over Sondheim’s tricky timings to knowing every word of everybody’s songs was incredibly gratifying, and was truly pulled together into a practically professional show by Sweeney’s signature barber chair from the genius DT teachers (which several members of the cast had a go sliding down), Alison Charteris’ authentic costumes, Mr Chandler’s atmospheric lighting, the orchestra (a slight but brilliant shock to the system after previous rehearsals with only Miss Harlow’s keyboard), Mrs Gertsmeyer’s direction and a talented cast. Whether it was onstage with a rapturous audience, in the changing rooms struggling to help each other with our excessively hooked Victorian dresses or switching up the whole feel of the show with a backstage rendition of Pitch Perfect, I enjoyed every single part of this production, and it was the perfect one to end on.
Rosanna M, Upper Sixth
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing the role of Anthony in the production of Sweeney Todd. It was so much fun to be part of such an amazing musical and an honour to have performed it with such an incredible cast. However, it would not have been possible without those who worked hard behind the scenes. Special mentions have to go to our director, Mrs Gerstmeyer, musical director, Miss Harlow and everyone else involved in the show’s success.
Josh CJ, Lower Sixth
I was lucky enough to get tickets to the highly anticipated Sweeney Todd. Having seen it on opening night, the impressive set and professionalism of the cast and crew blew me away. The show was incredibly well-received for its witty humour and outstanding vocals by the cast. Audience members were surprised when, during Act II, the genius detail of the set was shown; those who met the unfortunate end of Sweeney Todd’s barber chair fell through a trapdoor to give the illusion of them falling into Mrs Lovett’s Pie shop. The cast showed incredible commitment to the musical through long hours that prompted exceptional results. With an impressive number of songs, all of the cast, with stand-out performances from Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett, delivering beautiful vocals that really brought the story to life. The professional direction and management from the backstage crew were admirable, with use of lighting, sound, props, and set being a key aspect of the production for many. The infamous tale of Sweeney Todd was such a joy to watch and had me laughing and leaving with disgust.
Pippa F, IV Form
Having spent nearly five years watching and being a part of Lancing musicals, I can say with confidence that the colleges production of Sweeney Todd is one of the best musicals Lancing has ever put on. The high quality of singing, dancing and acting from every cast member was of the highest class and their energy resonated throughout the theatre. The production had everything from humour to sadness to morbidity giving it every aspect of a grey musical. Every member of the production should be immensely proud of what they accomplished in putting on five back-to-back performances of such an incredible musical.
Fin S, Upper Sixth