Review of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Birmingham Rep

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street first appeared in this musical form in 1979. Adapted from an original play by Christopher Bond, the work was set to music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, with a book by Hugh Wheeler. It quickly became a huge success, opening on both Broadway and the West End within a year. Following Tony and Olivier wins, the show has seen revival after revival over the years, as well as a musical film starring Johnny Depp. Now, Birmingham Rep presents its own pared-back version of the show, featuring some big stars of the theatre world. So, the question is, is Sweeney Todd as razor-sharp as it once was?

What is clear to all at the outset is that director Joe Murphy, also artistic director at Birmingham Rep, has assembled a remarkable and bold cast for the show. Leading as Sweeney is Ramin Karimloo, whose bio speaks for itself and is the biggest draw for this show, especially for theatres outside London. His Sweeney is a perfectly brooding affair, broken by the unjustness of his past. He easily makes the audience feel they want to be on his side, potentially even as he dispatches innocents from his chair. His breakdown is believable as events spiral out of his control. Vocally, obviously, he is second to none, portraying every nuance of character in his songs and allowing us to live his stress and anger ourselves.

Mrs Lovett, in the hands of Australian cabaret singer Meow Meow, proves to be a very different prospect to the character of Sweeney. Alongside the director, she has channelled her performance into full-throttle comedy; nothing is off the menu here. A larger-than-life Mrs Lovett would you never see, and yes, I think it just about works, but it's a fine line. Vocally, she is at times extraordinary, but does very occasionally not have the range for the challenge that is Sondheim. It is, though, without question, a crowd-pleasing performance.

The final name many would recognise is David Bedella as Judge Turpin. Bedella also ramps up the role's creepiness to the maximum, especially regarding his tendency toward his young ward, Johanna. Richly delivered vocals from Bedella make it a perfect and delightfully repulsive performance.

Of the rest of the cast, there are lovely performances from Shem Omari James as Anthony and Jo Stephenson as Johanna, the two would-be lovers, thrown together fortuitously. Their relationship is believable, and their solos are pleasing to the ear. There is also a lovely performance from Jack Gibson, including a beautiful performance of Not While I'm Around.

Florence Andrews provides a heart-breaking performance as the Beggar Woman, while, in complete contrast, Julius D’Silva is suitably pompous and obnoxious as the Beadle. In fact, all of the cast are excellent, making you feel that there are far more than just eleven in the cast.

Staging by designer Elin Steele is surprisingly simple and, at times, lost on the vast stage at Birmingham Rep. However, where it is sparse, it easily draws your eyes to the things of importance, from the cleverly designed barber's chair to Lovett’s Meat Pies shop, rising from the ground as if from hell itself, whereupon the proprietors of both pie shop and barber are surely destined. Over all of this presides a vast angel of justice, destined to perhaps make that final decision on destinies. It is, without question, an excellent set, which provides the perfect backdrop.

Lighting from Rory Beaton is pinsharp as well and perfectly to the point, creating spots on characters of power, and beautiful shadows and silhouettes. At times, it looks filmic, and at all times, it looks beautiful despite the grime of the action occurring. Musical director Leo Munby brings the deliciousness of Sondheim music fantastically also to the theatre, and as ever challenges all of the musicians and cast alike, which they conquer superbly.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, in this new incarnation, has much to bring to the theatre audience. Rarely would you see a cast like this beyond London, and for that, the sheer nerve of Birmingham Rep should be applauded, and you should make a booking to attend the tale of Sweeney Todd before he scampers into the night once more.

God, it's good, but beware, that's definitely not the pies!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Friday 17th July 2026, The Birmingham Rep Theatre.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street plays at the Birmingham Rep Theatre until Saturday, 5th March 2026.

For further details about the Birmingham Rep and to book tickets, see their website at https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/

Production Photos: Manuel Harlan