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When London wants a really special musical evening, it looks to Wales to supply the finest performers.
For Sweeney Todd, nobody around today can match Bryn Terfel, who has already wowed America in the part.
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This big team is well directed by David Freeman who ensures that this is very much a visually theatrical experience from the funereal opening to the happily murderous ending. Terfel may not be the most fluid of movers on stage but he convincingly inhabits the person of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He is a big, brooding presence, glaring throughout as he seeks revenge on evil Judge Turpin played by recent Juan Peron in Evita, Philip Quast, with whom he shares a couple of manly duets.
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A love element is introduced by the charming pairing of Emma Williams as Todd’s daughter, Johanna and Daniel Boys, recently seen in Any Dream Will Do. He plays Anthony Hope, the sailor who falls for and eventually saves her.
This couple both sing and act well, getting a beautiful duet as they contemplate a marriage that is blocked by Johanna’s dastardly guardian, none other than big, bad Judge Turpin, who desires her for his own bride.
© Western Mail & Echo Limited
