Ditto - the detail is what makes it so good!

Don't you dare apologise - this is fabulous! Can't wait for the next part

*drums fingers on desk*

*checks watch*

*wriggles in seat impatiently*

Perhaps she has very big cups!

On the other hand, I suppose it takes quite a while to type it all out

I know ! I can't wait to hear the rest! Yay! x

welcome back luvvy!

yes - I am prepared to wait for the detail.

*hoping cup of tea not spilt inside computer's hard drive*
*hoping Jeanie knows difference between Cup Holder and CD drive*

* Small whimpers of anticipation*

Thanks sweetie. I'm looking forward to it too. If I can't go 'til next year at least I can enjoy it vicariously through the forum And the detail is great!

In all the excitement of meeting Daniel my review of the actual show was a bit limited, so here we go:-

The Royal Festival Theatre isn't the best place, in my opinion, to stage a musical, but this was a concert version of the play, so I suppose it was fitting. The stage is on different levels, the London Philomonic Orchestra were off to one side of the stage and there were many props hidden by black cloths on the stage.

The choir and ensemble came on to start the opening number - all dressed in black - some might say quite goth looking ... and you could immediately tell what sort of show we were in for, because the sound of the choir and orchestra was amazing - the hairs on my arms were stood on end.

Anyway, Bryn Terfel and Daniel appear from a lower stage door and walk to centre stage. Daniel is dressed in a black duffle coat and is carrying a sailors bag. Soon, after open dialogue, they are singing the first song and goodness what voices. It's true to say that Daniel's stage voice was not shown at all on ADWD (poor choice of songs Lord Webber!!) - it is powerful and rich in tone. There is some humour as they meet with the beggar woman who tries to feel Daniel up ...

So after this initial song Daniel's character, Anthony, disappers and Sweeney Todd finds his old Barber's shop in Fleet street, and we meet Mrs Lovett, brilliant played by Maria Friedman ... she is truly amazing and stole the show from Bryn in my opinion - very witty, kind of looked like Minnie Mouse - and she was the only one in the whole show NOT to be wearing black.

Anthony reappears a little later to catch sight of Johanna, singing from her room where she is locked away. He and Johanna then sing 'Ah Miss' where he tries to get her attention. Finally he does and he buys her a caged bird. Before he has chance to pass this to her, the Judge arrives and threatens Anthony to leave her alone, and the Beadle, his right hand man takes the bird from Anthony's cage and breaks it's neck, threatening that he will do the same to Anthony. Anthony then moves across stage to sit by himself holding the dead bird - whilst the Judge tells Johanna he will marry her himself - she is repulsed. In a particularly moving scene you just see Daniel holding the dead bird and the cage ... he says nothing ... it is really sweet but sad. Anthony decides that he will rescue Johanna - and then you get his main singing number Johanna - beautifully sung ... and then he takes his leave from the stage.

There is more with the rest of the cast - I'm not gonna go through that ... but Anthony next appears at Sweeney Todd's barbers telling him he is going to free Johanna - unfortuantely just as Sweeney is about to slit the Judge's throat. So the Judge once again threatens Anthony and Sweeney is also mad at him because he has lost the chance to slit the Judges throat. Anthony disappears back to see Johanna - she has dropped him a key from her window. Next we see Daniel on a side stage in dimmed lighting - there is another scene taking place centre stage, but on Daniel's stage you see Anthony and Johanna embrance, kiss, and generally get passionate ... for about 5 minutes!!! As a Daniel fan, I wish I were Johanna!!!!! He then takes his leave from Johanna, and we don't then see him again until the second half.

So to the second half - I've cut loads of the main story out so I apologise if this doesn't make sense!

Johanna has been put into an asylum by the Judge to keep her away from Anthony ... who is desperately trying to find her. There is a reprise of the Johanna number where he sings whilst trying to find her.

Skipping through a lot of murders by Sweeney Todd ... Anthony arrives at Sweeney's barbers and they hatch a plan to free Johanna - disguising Anthony as a wig-maker in black leather jacket and cap (cute) and so he makes his way to the asylum, where he finds Johanna. As they try to escape they have to shoot the guard ... and then they flee.

Only Anthony and Johanna are left surviving at the end - also Toby who had got slightly bonkers being locked up in Mrs Lovett's cellar with all the bodies!

All the cast came on at the end for the final song - again what an amazing sound ... and to end they all took razors from their pockets and as the lights went dark slit their own throats ...

I've focused on Daniel in this review as otherwise it would be pages and pages long ... The whole cast were amazing - you couldn't fault anyone. They all sang brilliantly. Daniel has a wonderful voice and played his part beautifully capturing a decency and honesty in his character. Maria Friedman for me was the other stand out ... funny, amazing voice (despite her microphone crackling at times) and a real stage presence ...

What a shame they couldn't have had more performances.

xxx

Seeing as they had such an established cast it does seem a shame that it had such a short run.

But I guess that might be why they were able to get such big names.

I believe so - it was very much for the re-opening of the Royal Festival Theatre ...

Fab review Noah. Sounds like Daniel showed what a true star he is, (bar Lee) he easily had the best voice on ADWD.

Refreshed! Part Two -

The children in the choir are adorable. So often you get all eyes and teeth in horrendous stage schooly kids performances - these were just ordinary kids, who can sing really well. There are a couple of little ones (cunningly placed right at the front) who are little diamonds. Preeya Kalidas is stunningly beautiful and has a really clear, sweet voice. Then Lee arrived, dressed in white, descending down (from heaven?) with the most heart stoppingly wonderful smile on his face. The whole place erupted, cheering, clapping - such joy! After everything that Lee has been through to get to this stage (excuse the pun ), it's just so glorious for him to get a reception like that.

So - the show! Pretty much stays faithfull to the original production. Saw the Jason Donovan and the Philip Schofield performances years ago when Chloe was little, and can honestly say, hand on heart, that Lee is streets ahead of both of them. Was actually glad that they've kept the original spirit of the show, it would be too easy to try and put a more contemporary feel to it - but it still feels very comfortable and family orientated.

Stephen Tate does a stirling job as Jacob, makes a brilliant camp Potiphar and looks all the world like Gandalf as the Guru! The brothes are all brilliant - very funny, great dancers and look directly at the first couple of rows of the audience to encourage reaction. The wives, who double up as dancers are just superb. Special mention for Verity Bentham who plays Pontiphar's wife. She absolutely had the right balance of vamp, nympho and scary lady down to a tee.

Lee is everything and more than I could have expected. I'm old enough to be his mum, so I don't lust after him - rather I just feel almost protective and so proud of him. Which is ridiculous, seeing as I don't know him. But, I think having followed ADWD, and championing him from the start (ok - so I had a very soft spot for Ben as well ) - that it's just so satisfying to see him where he should be. He positively glows charisma. His voice cannot be faulted. He can act wonderfully, and his comedy timing (particuarly when he's just been chucked in the pit) are spot on.

One moment when he was swishing round in his coat, and he swished over the narrator's head as she sat on he edge of the stage. He actually clunked her head with one of the flaps of the coat. Not sure if he realised he'd done it, and she looked very momentarily jarred and very slightly cross, and brushed a lock of hair back, but quickly regained her composure. Bless him - he was so proud of that coat!

Close Every Door is obviously the song of the show. It is incredibly moving, and Lee's voice was just perfect - just has that tone that makes me go weak. He was full of emotion and I'm not ashamed to say that I was crying like a wet rag at the end of it. Again - the audience erupted with massive applause. Stunning.

There is a fairly brief interval - time to get a drink/ice cream/toilet break. Chloe overheard Mr Critical in the queue for the ice cream saying "he's good, but the production is cr*p" Ah well, looks like theres always someone who would be better off at home watching his DVD collection of "The Art of Napkin Folding" or whatever floats his boat.

Would mention here - that it was incredibly hot. Not sure if there is any air conditioning, or if there is, it maybe just does not work very well. Chloe and I didn't suffer too much, as I had one of those little hand held fans in my bag and we'd brought some bottles of water with us. However, noticed by the end that people in the front row and round us were suffering with the heat somewhat. The hair was actually plastered to their heads in some cases. So would advise anyone going to make sure you wear something cool, and maybe do like we did with a mini fan and some water to drink.

Act Two starts with a sweet little performance from the children, and then moves on to Dean Collinson's mega Pharaoh/Elvis performance. Very charismatic, very funny, very polished. Love 'Those Canaan Days' - again the brothers are superb, and one particular dancer can do things with her legs that would make your eyes water! Neal Wright (Judah) does a great job of "Benjamin Calypso".

All the while, Lee is shining as a true star and a true leading man. The rest of the cast are perfect - but Lee just has that extra edge that makes him stand out as the performer who your eyes are just drawn to. IMHO - it's nothing to do with the curly hair, the cute smile, the twinkly eyes. It is much deeper than that. It's that indefinable charisma that some people just have. Just so satisfying to see him where he belongs. At the centre of the stage. Long may he stay there.

The reprise and Joseph megamix were just wonderful. The whole audience - and I mean the whole audience - were on their feet, clapping singing, cheering and going wild. Lee is taken up on his Stana Lift to wave to the Dress Circle and Upper Balcony, while a rainbow of colour spreads out from his coat.

Lee looked so delighted with the reaction from the audience - yet quite calm as well. Just had the air of someone who was grateful for all the adulation, but also grounded enough to know that it wasn't being given to him on a plate. Wish him all the very best of luck and love - he deserves it.

Such a feel good show. Think Chloe and I smiled or laughed through most of it - or else cried during 'Close Every Door'.

Only problem was it was over far too soon. Mark of a good show for me is that whether I would be prepared to want to come and see it again the following day. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I would happily watch it again and again. Will definitely be booking for a return visit.

On the train home, an elderly couple noticed Chloe's bag
(she'd bought a Joseph vest top) - and asked us how it was. We told them it was wonderful, and they told us that they'd been to the Festival Hall to see Sweeney Todd! Really sweet couple. They enjoyed Sweeney, although the lady said it was a bit too gruesome for her liking in places. Said they were planning to take their grandchildren to see 'Joseph' after Christmas. Hope they can get tickets. We were then joined in our carriage by two very chatty women who'd been to the Live Earth concert, which they'd left early. As one said, "there's only so much Beastie Boys and Metallica I can take without needing a bottle of paracetamol or two" Think it was pretty well agreed that Chloe and I had enjoyed the best deal out of the three live experiences.

For those who have yet to see the show - you will love it. Lee is perfect. Why on earth he's been bypassed before, I just don't understand. However, the past is not important now - although maybe his previous battles have made him the performer that he is now. So pleased for him that he has realised his dream.

We all dream a lot
Some are lucky
Some are not ............

Any dreamer who has the opportunity to be touched by the magic of Lee is a very lucky dreamer indeed.

Love to you all x

What a fabulous review Jeanie - well worth the wait for the other half. You describe it so well, and also the indefinable Star Quality. You could see it on the ADWD show, too - your eyes are just drawn to him, and feel the emotion he is portraying so powerfully.
Last edited by redvelvet : 09-07-2007 at 12:18

Jeanie- what a beautiful way with words you have! Glorious review, I’m feeling all choked up now. Glad you had such a lovely evening.

Yay Jeannie!
What a fabulous review. Thank you so much for the time you have spent sharing that with us! I am so looking forward to seeing it and I think your review was full of the sort of detail I wanted to keep me going till I get to see it myself! That and the Diana concert performance definitely make me certain that the right guy won the competition - and not just because he was my favourite!

(Lots of exclamation marks there but you know how it is... )

Great review Jeannie..

Thanks a million

Glad you and Chloe had a wonderful evening!

Jeanie what a lovely review glad you both had a great time. All these reviews make me even more excited bring on December!

Thank you so so much for this, especially all the details! It sounds like it was really fabulous and I 'm glad you had such a great time

Hey Jeanie, I almost cried just reading your review, so God knows how I'll cope when I get there!

It sounds so magical and fantastic - I literally can't wait a moment longer to see it!

Thanks so much for all your work!

(PS what was the white costume like at the beginning?)

xox

I'm glad you had such a great time! Thanks so much for sharing it with us - all the details really bring the experience to life

That's a really lovely and helpful review Jeannie. I know I'll be in my shorts and t-shirt when I go . All of the reviews say how quickly it goes, so it must be a great show to watch. It was always obvious from ADWD that Lee had something that the rest of them didn't have, that charisma and ability to tell a story that an audience can get caught up in. I can't wait to see it in the flesh. Only 3 days to go. yey.

Hey Electrat - will you review it for us too? pretty please!

Hey Jeanie - just PM'd ya x