Birmingham Repertory Theatre – until 15th August 2026
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has arrived at Birmingham Rep. Under Joe Murphy’s direction, this revival perfectly balances gothic horror, razor-sharp humour and heartbreak. Set in the grim streets of Georgian London, the story follows Benjamin Barker, now known as Sweeney Todd, as he returns to London seeking revenge against those who destroyed his life and sent him to prison. His partnership with pie shop owner Mrs Lovett leads them down an increasingly vengeful path, where justice quickly gives way to obsession.
Ramin Karimloo’s stage presence and powerful vocals make Sweeney Todd both terrifying and deeply tragic. Alongside him, Meow Meow is a revelation as Mrs Lovett. she blends humour and sudden flashes of menace, ensuring the audience is never quite sure whether to laugh or recoil in horror. Her comic timing is impeccable, and she threatens to steal every scene she is in, with her unpredictable energy making her utterly captivating. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, creating a partnership that is as entertaining as it is unsettling.
David Bedella is thoroughly chilling as the corrupt Judge Turpin, while Shem Omari James and Jo Stephenson bring warmth and sincerity to Anthony Hope and Johanna, providing a welcome contrast to the darker moments. Jack Gibson delivers a deeply moving Tobias who gets pulled into Todd’s murderous plan. Florence Andrews is haunting and makes full use of her stage time as the Beggar Woman, and Silas Wyatt-Barke relishes every moment as the flamboyant Adolfo Pirelli. Julius D’Silva completes the principal cast as an imposing Beadle, whose foppish demeanour conceals a more disturbing nature. Emily Ivana Hawkins and Hadrian Delacey add further depth to the production as part of the ensemble, with the entire company bringing the world of Sweeney Todd vividly to life.
Joe Murphy’s direction embraces a more streamlined and stripped-back approach, with a cast of just 11 performers and only the essential set pieces and props required to bring the story to life. Rory Beaton’s atmospheric lighting and Kelsh Buckman-Drage’s immersive sound design combined with Elin Steele’s set design cleverly makes full use of the Rep’s stage. Two imposing stone staircases stand on either side of the stage, while a central movable platform transforms into Mrs Lovett’s pie shop, Sweeney’s barber shop, the bakehouse, Judge Turpin’s house and the asylum. The ingenious trapdoor beneath the barber’s chair, sending unsuspecting victims sliding into the bakehouse below, is a standout design feature. I have to admit, it looked far more fun than it probably should have!
Sondheim’s score and lyrics were delivered with remarkable clarity, ensuring the wit and emotion of the music are never lost. Under the musical direction of Leo Munby, the orchestra provides a rich accompaniment to the spectacle and the emotion unfolding on stage.
Sweeney Todd is gripping, beautifully staged and emotionally devastating, while never forgetting its wicked humour. The audience’s enthusiasm was clear throughout, with cheers erupting after each song and excitement filling the auditorium from the opening number. As the show came to a close, the audience was on their feet almost immediately for a prolonged standing ovation, a fitting response to a production that delivered on every level.
Sinister, mesmerising and sensational.