Sweeney Todd makes its Ilkley debut

Composed in 1979, the ever-popular musical thriller reached new audiences when it was adapted for the big screen in 2007 with an all-star cast, including Jonny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter and Alan Rickman.

Benjamin Barker, a barber, returns home from prison to seek revenge on the Judge who had him locked up for a crime he didn't commit. Realising the Judge is responsible for the death of his wife, and now has his daughter held captive, Barker (who now goes by the name of Sweeney Todd) hooks up with Mrs Lovett, the owner of an unsuccessful pie shop. Together they devise a gruesome scheme which provides fresh meat for Mrs Lovett’s pies and allows Sweeney to revenge himself on the world.

A darkly humorous show, this is Sondheim at his very best. The cast of Ilkley Amateurs have been working hard over the last several weeks to master the notoriously difficult harmonies and lyrics. The select ensemble has been boosted by an influx of new members and by many of the society’s talented junior members. Directed by Mark Allan, who also plays the part of Sweeney, the show features Rachel Warren, well known as a leading light of local G&S societies, as the manipulative Mrs Lovett.

Sweeney Todd is a visually and musically stunning piece of theatre which will have audiences laughing one moment and gasping the next.

Definitely a show not to be missed, it runs from March 2 to 5 at 7.15pm. Book online at www.ilkleyoperatic.co.uk or call 07763816611.