Munster Express Online

Liam Butler and Emma Jane Reilly.

What an experience! Audiences since last Saturday’s opening night of ‘Sweeney Todd’ have been enthralled, mesmerised, shattered almost, as the superb Cast bled the last drop of tension from Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical.

The stage was choked with emotion, love, hate and blood, as Liam Butler’s every note, word, action and gesture brought the demon that is Sweeney Todd, to frightening life. Emma Jane Reilly, the pie woman who aids and abets the murdering barber, got every nuance from her role, with great comic touches.

The diabolical twosome were augmented in every way by a frontline on top of its game, from the flesh creepingly evil Judge Turpin of Derek Ryan, the crawling bully Beadle of Greg Porter, the supercilious charlatan Pirelli of Ray Collins, and the pitiful Lucy, the Beggar Woman, of Irene Malone.

Joanna, with the superlative voice of Triona O’Callaghan, ensconced in her ivory tower by her guardian the Judge, was superb, as was her lover, the sailor Anthony, in the twenty year old hands of Emmet Donlon.

The other young man in the Principal line-up, Matt Williams as Toby, the simple Pieshop helper of Mrs Lovett, stole many scenes, belying his youthful years.

Ray Nolan’s Birdseller and Seamus Power’s Fogg, in sinister charge of the Asylum, completed what was a splendid frontline.

The Troupe of 10 that backed the Principals made an excellent Greek Chorus, and the general Chorus added great voice and atmosphere to a superlative production.

Full marks to Tony Finnegan’s inspired direction which made this a bona fide ‘Theatrical Experience’.

Much of this is due to the Music, and Musical Director Fergal Carroll controlled a marvellous Orchestra that never put a foot, or finger, astray in Sondheim’s intricate score.

Catriona O’Dwyer’s Principal and Choral work shone through like a beacon, ensuring ‘Sweeney Todd’ surpassed the star studded record of the Musical Society.