Sweeney Todd
Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society
The Palace Theatre, Southend on Sea
11-14 November 2015
Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society
The Palace Theatre, Southend on Sea
11-14 November 2015
The cast of Sweeney Todd welcome me to one of their rehearsals. Picture: Emma Stowe
With just two weeks before their opening night, Southend Operatic & Dramatic Society are very much looking forward to performing one of Sondheim’s most popular productions, Sweeney Todd. According to the Society’s Chairman and Director of the show, Ian Gilbert, “They’ve done all the hard work they need to do to make it a great production and now they just need an audience.”
Most of us will be familiar with the film version of the show, starring Johnny Depp as Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street and co-starring Helena Bonham-Carter as Mrs Lovett, the pie shop owner who allows Todd to use her upstairs room as his barber shop - with grisly ulterior motives.
Most of us will be familiar with the film version of the show, starring Johnny Depp as Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street and co-starring Helena Bonham-Carter as Mrs Lovett, the pie shop owner who allows Todd to use her upstairs room as his barber shop - with grisly ulterior motives.
Les & Ashley-Marie Pic: Emma Stowe
Playing these coveted roles for SODS are Les Cannon and Ashley-Marie Stone. Les has been a member of the Society for 27 years now and in that time has had the privilege of playing many parts from Gangster No 2 in Kiss Me Kate, in his first show, to Tevye in Fiddler on The Roof and Max in The Producers which, he tells me, he feels extremely blessed to have been able to perform. As far as Sweeney is concerned, I ask Les if he will be basing the character on either Johnny Depp in the film version or Michael Ball, who played the part in the West End production. He tells me, “People are familiar with the show and the film but I like to take a part and do something different with it. People don’t want to see the same thing all the time.” He is clearly intent on making the part his own and this is something that he says the director has encouraged him with.
Ashley-Marie has been involved with SODS for six and half years, with her first production being My Fair Lady where she was in the chorus. Working her way up through the company, she is now hugely excited to be playing her first leading role as Mrs Lovett. “I’ve been in the chorus for quite a few shows and played supporting roles like the wardrobe in Beauty & the Beast; so this is really exciting although slightly nerve-wracking having to follow in the steps of the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Imelda Staunton!” she smiles. “Everyone has been really supportive and patient though. Although Mrs Lovett provides a lot of the comedy relief in the show, it’s still quite a gritty role and I really enjoy our last scene which is full of grit and emotion.”
Ashley-Marie has been involved with SODS for six and half years, with her first production being My Fair Lady where she was in the chorus. Working her way up through the company, she is now hugely excited to be playing her first leading role as Mrs Lovett. “I’ve been in the chorus for quite a few shows and played supporting roles like the wardrobe in Beauty & the Beast; so this is really exciting although slightly nerve-wracking having to follow in the steps of the likes of Helena Bonham Carter and Imelda Staunton!” she smiles. “Everyone has been really supportive and patient though. Although Mrs Lovett provides a lot of the comedy relief in the show, it’s still quite a gritty role and I really enjoy our last scene which is full of grit and emotion.”
Newcomer Oliver Mills with Les & Ashley-Marie Pic: Emma Stowe
Younger members of the cast include Maddy Lahna, who is 19 years old and will be playing Johanna alongside Declan Wright as love interest, Anthony, and newcomer, Oliver Mills who at just 17 years old is taking on the part of Tobias. Oliver who is currently taking his ‘A’ Levels and would like to study Psychology at University, says he's slightly nervous about taking on such a pivotal role but really excited to be performing at The Palace. From what I saw of his performance at the rehearsal, he looked every bit the consummate performer.
Another newcomer to the group but not the musical theatre scene in Southend is Scott Roche who is taking on the part of The Beadle. Scott is all too familiar with the show having played the lead part of Sweeney Todd himself 6 years ago.
Johnny Buxton, is thrilled to be playing the comedic part of Pirelli. “It’s a part I’ve always wanted to play,” he tells me excitedly, “I can tick that one off my bucket list now!”
There seems to be a real buzz throughout from the cast members of this production and with Elizabeth Dunlop taking over the reigns as Musical Director once again, this show looks set to be on course for yet another success for the Company. Promising lots of gritty acting, an amazing score and enough gore for the slightly bloodthirsty amongst us, we can't wait to see what this production has in store.
You can get tickets for the show online at www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01702 351135
Another newcomer to the group but not the musical theatre scene in Southend is Scott Roche who is taking on the part of The Beadle. Scott is all too familiar with the show having played the lead part of Sweeney Todd himself 6 years ago.
Johnny Buxton, is thrilled to be playing the comedic part of Pirelli. “It’s a part I’ve always wanted to play,” he tells me excitedly, “I can tick that one off my bucket list now!”
There seems to be a real buzz throughout from the cast members of this production and with Elizabeth Dunlop taking over the reigns as Musical Director once again, this show looks set to be on course for yet another success for the Company. Promising lots of gritty acting, an amazing score and enough gore for the slightly bloodthirsty amongst us, we can't wait to see what this production has in store.
You can get tickets for the show online at www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01702 351135
Declan & Maddy Pic: KT
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Johnny Buxton & Samantha Williams Pic: KT
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