As I write this, part of me realises Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street does not really need a preview. Originally branded as a ‘Musical Thriller’, this much-loved staple of musical theatre marries the macabre and the delightfully absurd. Set on the cobbled streets of Victorian London, it tells the story of the murderous barber Sweeney Todd who returns to his shop after fifteen years of unjust incarceration, alongside his pie baking accomplice Mrs Lovett. As he sets out to find the judge who wrongfully condemned him it seems that his murderous spree cannot be quelled as the filthy secrets of London begin to creep out from the shadows. Paired with a score that is arguably Stephen Sondheim at his best, haunting melodies and rich harmonies and accompany lyrics that quickly move between chilling and the wickedly funny, (the song ‘A Little Priest’ comes to mind here). This show is very capable of drawing its own crowd.

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street does not really need a preview”

Credit must also go to the show’s publicist Natina Rose as this, I’m sure, is not the first you are hearing about this production. In some Cambridge theatre firsts, this production already has an elaborate trailer and featured in a collaboration with Harvey’s Cafe (apparently Sweeney’s drink of choice is a long black…). On top of this, the cast hosted a cabaret-style sneak peak at The Architect pub last week. Needless to say this production is highly anticipated and has got Cambridge very excited for Lovett’s not-at-all suspicious pies…

“This production already has an elaborate trailer and featured in a collaboration with Harvey’s Cafe”

It was the night of the preview at the Architect that confirmed to its audience that these iconic songs were in safe hands and that this production of Sweeney Todd would indeed walk the walk. Surrounded by production crew, friends, and a few confused diners, the cast gave us a taste of what is to come. Packed into a cramped corner with only a keyboard, the cast managed to create an atmosphere of suspense from the very opening of ‘The Ballad of Sweeney Todd’. It was a treat to get a glimpse into the dark and twisted, though undeniably likeable, relationship between Sweeney (Hugo Robijns) and Mrs Lovett (Freya Cowan). They showcased an impressive variation of tone from the unsettlingly beautiful ‘These are my Friends’ (a love song to Sweeney’s razors) to the outrageously comedic ‘Worst Pies in London’ (perhaps not the promo the Architect envisioned given they are supplying the pies for this production). The cast have already demonstrated a skillful grasp over this complex score. Not only that, but they had fun with it, and it is the darkly charming side of this duo that keeps this show interesting.

“The cast have already demonstrated a skillful grasp over this complex score”

What became immediately apparent upon talking to director Em Sparkes is the sheer scale of this already ambitious production. ADC productions require a lot of work at the best of times but Sweeney is on another level. At present count, it has now surpassed a production team and cast of one hundred people working on it. From cast, crew, band, ex-students, and an army of ‘blood technicians’, their Camdram page is truly something to behold. Maybe the real question is whether there will be anyone left in Cambridge to see it.

"Sweeney is on another level”

But Sparkes is keen not to get carried away in the over the top caricatures that this show has the potential for. Instead she seeks to to ground this production in the real and nuanced when considering the characters’ relationships. In this light, she pays particular consideration to Mrs Lovett. She aims to contrast previous interpretations of Lovett, particularly the idea that she acts only because of her love for Sweeney. Sparkes aims to reconsider this power dynamics and give her some credit for her schemes and leadership. Perhaps it is power, more than Sweeney, that she desires. Sparkes prioritises humanity in the production, reminding people that this a show about the terrifying potential we hold inside of us if we let bitter resentment fester. It is about people who are hurting as much as it is about gothic maniacs baking people into pies.

“Sparkes prioritises humanity in the production, reminding people that this a show about the terrifying potential we hold inside of us”

To apply this idea to the ensemble is an interesting concept, Sparkes’ vision for the ensemble mirrors Sweeney’s attitude towards his razors; that they are an extension of him. With their movement and physicality increasingly infected by the evil actions of Sweeney and Lovett, they demonstrate the pollution that Sweeney is causing in the city.

When I asked Sparkes what she was most excited or scared about, one word came back for both: ‘lampography’. The true meaning of this, I’m sure, can only really be appreciated when watched. I feel, though, that this sums up the aim for show: full of atmosphere, inventive and visually interesting. Sweeney Todd promises to be a delicious spectacle. Just don’t ask what’s in the pies…

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is on from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 23 March at the ADC Theatre