I must admit I had my concerns when I learnt that Beeston Musical Theatre Group were going to be staging a modern dress version of Sweeney Todd, a musical that 99% of the time lends its styling and visuals to the dark realms of grim Victorian times or, as was recently the case at Birmingham Rep, Georgian times, complete with a looming statue of justice and an enormous stage and a enormous musical theatre star in the formidable shape of Ramin Karimloo.

Could BMTG pull out the stops and compel its audience to sit through nearly three hours (including interval) of the famous characters looking like the costume van had got lost on its way to the venue? Would it be alright on the night or a frightful mistake ? Would Mrs Lovett’s cheap and cheerless highly unsavoury pie gaff be closed down by the food and hygiene authorities before a note had been sung? I even went as far as to enter a local barbers and asked if modern day barbers got asked for a close shave. Apparently they do, especially when a chap is wanting to look super smart for a special do like a wedding and Turkish barbers are well known for shaves and hot towels. Cut throat razors have been replaced by trimming tools with a tiny razor blade. The barber at Benji Barker’s Mens’ hairdressers showed me one. I didn’t stay long.

As one of my reviewers said to me when I expressed my deep concerns “Keep the faith Phil. Keep the faith.” So after a light tea of meat pie (contents unkown) and chips I head down the gloomy back streets of Long Eaton to the Duchess Theatre and a nearly full auditorium. Seems all the other punters were not over thinkers like me. To use a well used phrase I am here to ‘Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd’ in a contemporary setting. I was not disappointed.

Director George Lamb has done a very fine job of reinventing the story with some amusing touches and his cast shine vocally as they inhabit their characters, be they named roles, or the brilliantly played and sung ensemble. Movement director Charlotte Drewitt-Holden creates a real atmosphere right from the off with the cast already gathering on stage as the audience enter. The pace and scene changes are, like Sweeney’s murderous moments, swiftly dispatched, and make for a fluid story telling experience. Hidden away in a side room are musical director, Sam Griffiths and his accomplished band creating a superb musical soundtrack. Steve Greatorex’s creative and striking lighting and Dave Dallard’s pin sharp sound play out alongside Damon Pipes’ utilitarian backdrop set.

Lamb’s acute direction uses every inch of the playing space on stage, in front of the apron and down the central isle, often with spot on timing regarding the entrances and exits. This is a very hard working amateur cast lead by some terrific leads and support characters. Dare I say that this BMTG Sweeney Todd cast totally kill it.

Tim Yearsley is a very strong choice for the lead role of Sweeney Todd. Not only does he possess a muscular singing voice and stage presence but, when appropriate, he shows us the dark humour of his character especially when he is working alongside the like of Sara Evans’ superbly actualized Mrs Lovett. Yearsley and Evans are stage teamwork to die for especially Evan’s comical and oddly sympathetic Mrs L as she dreams up macabre ways to bring in more free meat for her soon-to-be famous hot meat pies. As for the ‘Sweeney Todd bumps off his clients’ moments Beeston Musical Theatre Group have devised a smart way of removing the slaughtered men folk from the barber’s chair without them falling through a hole in the stage.

There isn’t a weak link in the whole production and the lead supporting roles are very well played by Jordan Silver (Anthony Hope), Harriet Campion (Johanna), Arden Casper – Jennison (Tobias Ragg), Craig Arme (Adolpho Pirelli), Eleanor Carry (Beggar Woman), Thomas Telford (Beadle Bamford), Adam Guest (Judge Turpin), Andy Bulmer (Jonas Fogg).

Mrs Lovett may sing of ‘The Worst Pies In London’ but if this production was a pie it would be a surprisingly juicy pie with a meaty mouth watering filling and a to die for pastry. Oh and did I mention it is modern dress. And it works a treat. The entire cast and backstage crew invest themselves whole heartedly into this production. The company isn’t NODA winning for nothing.

Sweeney Todd runs at The Duchess Theatre Long Eaton until Saturday 31st October.

BMTG are proud to be supporting BANA. British Acoustic Neurons Association.

Photos: Martin Holtom.