I’d never seen Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street before, so I went into Birmingham Rep with no idea quite what to expect. I’d heard it was one of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest musicals, but nothing quite prepares you for it.
Dark, witty, shocking and surprisingly funny, it’s a production that keeps you hooked from the opening number right through to the final curtain. By the end, it was easy to see why this Tony Award-winning musical has stood the test of time and is regarded as one of the greatest ever written.
Directed by Birmingham Rep’s Artistic Director Joe Murphy, this new production strikes a brilliant balance between the show’s darker themes and its wonderfully sharp humour. It’s dramatic, unsettling and often surprisingly funny, with a score that is every bit as powerful as I’d been led to believe.
Set in Victorian London, the story follows Benjamin Barker, a barber who returns home after being wrongly imprisoned for 15 years. Reborn as Sweeney Todd, he discovers that everything he loved has been taken from him by the corrupt Judge Turpin.
Determined to seek revenge, Todd reunites with pie shop owner Mrs Lovett and together they embark on one of musical theatre’s most infamous partnerships. What follows is a tale of vengeance, obsession and murder, all wrapped up in Stephen Sondheim’s extraordinary score.
Although it’s known for its blood-soaked storyline, there’s so much more to Sweeney Todd than its reputation suggests. Beneath the dark humour is a story about loss, grief, corruption and the lengths people will go to when everything has been taken from them.
Musical theatre legend Ramin Karimloo was always going to be a huge draw, and he is outstanding in the title role.
His portrayal of Sweeney Todd is intense, emotional and completely believable. He captures the character’s heartbreak just as convincingly as his growing obsession with revenge, and his vocals are exceptional throughout. Epiphany was undoubtedly one of the standout moments of the evening, showcasing not only his incredible voice but the sheer intensity he brings to the role.
David Bedella is everything Judge Turpin should be – calculating, sinister and deeply uncomfortable to watch. Every appearance reinforces exactly why Todd’s desire for revenge burns so fiercely.
Shem Omari James was great to watch on the stage, bringing warmth and sincerity to the role of Anthony Hope, delivering a beautiful rendition of Johanna that was one of my favourite musical moments of the evening. Jo Stephenson is equally impressive as Johanna, with the pair sharing some lovely scenes together. I was sat rooting for them in the audience.
Jack Gibson makes an incredibly likeable Tobias. His performance of Not While I’m Around was one of the most touching moments in the production and brought a real sense of innocence to an otherwise dark story.
Meow Meow was brilliant as Mrs Lovett. She made the role her own, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but also showed the character’s darker side when it mattered. Her chemistry with Ramin Karimloo was a joy to watch, particularly during A Little Priest and By the Sea, which were clear audience favourites.
The supporting cast deserve just as much praise. There wasn’t a weak performance on the stage, with every member of the company helping to bring Victorian London vividly to life.
Visually, this production is stunning.
The set manages to feel grand without ever distracting from the story, with towering staircases, a huge angel of justice, dramatic lighting and clever staging creating a London that feels bleak, oppressive and completely fitting for the tale being told.
Scene changes flow effortlessly between Todd’s barber shop, Mrs Lovett’s pie shop and the streets of London, allowing the story to unfold at a pace that never lets your attention drift.
The seven-piece orchestra, under the musical direction of John Rigby, deserves enormous praise. Sondheim’s score is famously demanding, but every note felt rich, powerful and beautifully performed. Hearing songs such as Pretty Women, Johanna, A Little Priest, By the Sea and Not While I’m Around performed live was an absolute treat.
Despite running for almost three hours, the production never felt long. The combination of gripping storytelling, memorable songs and moments of unexpected humour meant I was completely engrossed throughout.
As someone seeing Sweeney Todd for the first time, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. Birmingham Rep has assembled an exceptional cast, the production looks incredible, and Sondheim’s score is simply magnificent.
As the final moments unfolded, the audience rose as one for a standing ovation. It wasn’t one of those occasions where a few people stood first and everyone else gradually followed. The applause started instantly, with the entire auditorium recognising what a special production they’d just witnessed.
Whether you’re already a fan of Sweeney Todd or, like me, you’re seeing it for the very first time, this is a production that’s well worth booking.
Rating: 5 stars
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is at Birmingham Rep until Saturday 15 August 2026. Book tickets here: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street/
Please note, the production is best suited for those aged 14+.
Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the press performance of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Birmingham Rep. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.