This was not the Scottish premiere of Sweeney Todd. That honour fell to an earlier staging by Perth Theatre, with leading operatic perfomers Donald Maxwell and Linda Ormiston in the leads.
Nevertheless, this was a superb effort by Dundee Rep's ensemble, several of whom had been regulars at this theatre for fifteen years or more.
David Birrell was perhaps not well known locally, but certainly made a mark. Ann Louise Ross most certainly was a familiar face, with a record in music theatre going back to the touring Borderline staging of Weill's Threepenny Opera in 1981. The Beggar Woman and Judge Turpin, central roles both, were taken by established founder members of the team in Emily Winter and Robert Paterson.
Other long-term Ensemble performers included John Buick, once a wonderful Ebenezer Scrooge in a memorable Christmas Carol. In the backing company could be seen Kevin Lennon, the Ensemble's Romeo and Elephant Man. Even more impressive in revealing the company spirit was the versatile Irene Macdougall. Her roles over a number of years included the Duchess of Malfi, Puck, Olivia and Lady Macbeth, as well as 'Prospera' in The Tempest and Mrs Robinson in The Graduate.
The production was sharply directed by James Brining, soon to transfer to Leeds and the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Not only would he continue to direct plays and musicals, but he also worked with Opera North. The choreography was by Andrew Panton, eventually to become director of the whole Dundee ensemble. A superb band was beautifully projected under Hilary Brooks.
Complete run of dates to be confirmed.
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