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REVIEW | Sweeney Todd, The Birmingham Rep
- Harry Brogan
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review. All views are our own
On Friday evening I had the pleasure of watching The Birmingham Rep’s thrilling new production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. This has been a highly anticipated adaptation for many theatre fans, and this production is sure to please those who are going to see it.
Sweeney Todd is widely hailed as one of Stephen Sondheim's best works, having been adapted many times for stage and screen. The story follows Sweeney Todd, formally known as Benjamin Barker. He is a barber returning from 15 years away to discover the life that he once knew has been destroyed by the antagonist of the story Judge Turpin. Our protagonist Sweeney teams up with baker Mrs Lovett, opening a barber’s shop above her pie shop. This then becomes the venue for Sweeney to seek his revenge for his previous life, for his wife and his daughter Johanna.
This 2026 version of Sweeney Todd is directed by Joe Murphy, the Artistic Director of the Birmingham Rep. Murphy stated that there were mantras that guided the production: “God is in the details, Less is More & Form follows Content”. Firstly it was important to showcase Sondheim’s incredible score, and Dr John Rigby and Leo Munby excelled in directing the seven-piece orchestra to do so. The music of Sweeney Todd really helps to create the atmosphere and make the audience feel the emotional complexity of the show.
The staging of the Sweeney Todd followed the ‘Less is More’ mantra, which was one of the key stand outs for me. The stage was utilised to perfection and helped to showcase the incredible talent of the cast, crew and beloved score. The simplicity of the staging helped to highlight the exceptional work by Elin Steele on the costuming. Taking much inspiration from the 18th century, the costumes were designed to be colourful as a juxtaposition to the monochromatic Georgian inspired set. Colour is used to help certain characters stand out, for example blue is used for the moral characters such as Johanna which compliments her beautiful musical numbers. This helped to put the 3rd mantra in place (form follows content), by using visual details to highlight the emotion of this show.
The casting of this production is truly spectacular. Ramin Karimloo, plays the role of Sweeney Todd as if this part was written for him. His voice and incredible aura command the stage every minute that he is there. David Bedella plays the corrupt Judge Turpin; he was perfectly cast in this role and managed to bring charisma to this corrupt character.
A standout of the show for me was Meow Meow as Mrs Lovett. From her first moments on stage, she brings the dark humour, humanity and heart of the story to the audience, truly making this role her own. I also have to compliment the rest of the cast; this is honestly one of the best ensembles that I have ever seen live.
Overall, this production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a must-see. The themes of the show, obsession, revenge and injustice are dark but also unfortunately relatable in today’s world. You should definitely “Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd” at the Birmingham Rep while you can.
★★★★★
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is currently running until the 15th August at The Birmingham Rep: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street/
