Sweeney Todd – reviews of 'thrilling' pie-shop revival
Sondheim's grimly comic musical staged in London's oldest pie shop is 'brilliantly atmospheric'
What you need to know
A revival of Sweeney Todd has opened at Harrington's Pie and Mash Shop, Tooting Broadway. The Tooting Arts Club have adapted Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's 1979 musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, for Harrington's 106 year old pie and mash shop (London's oldest).
Bill Buckhurst directs the ghoulishly comic tale of a serial killer who murders people in his barber shop then sends their bodies to Mrs Lovett to be baked into pies. Anton's barber shop across the street from Harrington's functions as the theatre bar during the production. Runs until 29 November.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What the critics like
This chilling, exhilarating revival of the classic Sondheim musical is "extraordinary" and in this 32 seat venue it feels thrillingly intimate, says Henry Hitchings in the Evening Standard. Bill Buckhurst's crisp and pacey production is genuinely scary, proving that this operatic tale doesn't have to be done on a grand scale.
"This clever pie-shop staging of Sondheim's musical walks the tightrope between grisly and comic" in its tiny chamber musical of horrors, says Lynn Barber in The Guardian. Buckhurst's brilliantly atmospheric production is like a luscious, overfilled meat pie - all meat and no gristle.
Buckhurst and a spellbinding cast of just eight players give "a thrilling dramatic and musical account" of Sondheim's masterpiece, says Mark Shenton on The Stage. This Sweeney Todd brings the audience right into the action – it's never felt more authentic.
What they don't like
"The pie shop capacity is limited, its benches are narrow and hard, and the action takes place in a very confined space," says Jane Martin on What's On Stage. But the old working pie shop is the perfect stage setting for this robust and inspiring production – just take a cushion to sit on, and maybe try the jellied eels instead of the pies.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Government shutdown looming? Blame the border
Talking Points Democrats and Republicans say funding for immigration enforcement is the budget battle's latest sticking point. That's about all they agree on.
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Conservatives have not limited their attack on reproductive rights to the US'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Housing costs: the root of US economic malaise?
speed read Many voters are troubled by the housing affordability crisis
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published