SCHOOL NEWS: Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Preston School!

THE cast and crew of the latest stage production performed at Preston School in Yeovil will be coming back down to earth today (Friday, February 26, 2016) after wowing packed audiences for its presentation of Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

We will try to keep predictable puns of “close shave” and “cut above” out of proceedings – but it really was cut throat stuff as Sweeney Todd went on a murderous rampage with his beloved razor for two nights (February 24-25, 2016).

Full marks go to the cast who must have spent many months rehearsing and perfecting the production which includes a number of intense and intricate songs.

The school edition of the dark and sinister tale of old London has been adapted for younger people – but it still is, nonetheless, dramatic and with no shortage of murders!

Angel Morais did excellently in the lead role of Sweeney Todd who returns to London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who had coveted his wife and falsely imprisoned him. Angel seemed to have a real nasty twinkle in his eye as he looked at his implement of death.

Vini Lloyd put in a fine performance as Judge Turpin before his untimely demise under the knife of Mr Todd. But before his part came to a premature end he was convincing as the cruel and manipulative judge who had imprisoned Johanna (Megan Passmore) – the daughter of Mr Todd – in her chamber at his estate.

The “love interest” in the production came from Johanna and Anthony (Ryan Chick) and there were some real touching moments between the two – including a loving kiss.

But while there were scenes of murderous drama – there were also plenty of moments of humour such as with Pirelli the flamboyant barber (played on the opening night by Vienna Gould) and her sidekick Tobias (played on the opening night by Malachy East).

We don’t normally like to pick out “star performers” for productions when the entire cast deserves to take the plaudits and appreciation.

But we will go against the norm on this occasion – as Sweeney Todd was no normal production.

Step forward Pippa Strickland who was simply superb as Mrs Lovett who was in charge of the pie shop which became a devouring success when she started using the “meat” from Mr Todd’s victims.

Hilariously funny, but devilishly sinister with a sparkle in her eye – Pippa owned the stage every time she was on it. She has come through the ranks of previous Preston shows and this week was her moment to shine as she stole the limelight with fantastic wit and skill.

Even when things might not have gone according to the script – she brilliantly turned those occasions into her own role with super quick-thinking success.

Her meat pies might not have been all that special, but Mrs Lovett was great!

But no school production can work without a great chorus and it was no different with this one as they adapted to each individual scene whether it was as lunatics, beggars or gentry.

Drama teacher Kayleigh Plomer, who directed the production, should be – without question – over the moon at how well the show went.

“Every year I say what a rollercoaster of a ride putting on the annual school production has been, how proud I am of our wonderful students and how fantastic they have been in rehearsals and organising costumes and props etc,” she wrote in her programme notes.

“This year is no different. This is the third production that I have put on with Preston students and it is our largest to date with our youngest cast to date. This only serves to make me more proud of what our students have accomplished.”

It also makes you wonder that if this was the youngest cast to date – surely future Preston shows could get even bigger and better as the students gain more drama experience and more acting talent comes to the fore.

The trouble is it might leave Mrs Plomer having to make some difficult “cuts” of her own on deciding who gets which part.

Congratulations to PrestonSchool on a super show.

Cast: Sweeney Tood, Angel Morais; Mrs Lovett, Pippa Strickland; Johanna, Megan Passmore; Tobias, Malachy East & Tyler East; Anthony, Ryan Chick; Judge Turpin, Vini Lloyd; Beadle, Amanda Johnson; Beggar Woman, Ellie-Mae Dunn; Pirelli, Olivia Deverill & Vienna Gould; Beggar Woman, Abi Marsh; Beggar Woman/Bird Seller, Amber McLean; Fogg, Jack Slicker.

Lunatics – Abi Marsh, Amber McLean, Tara Scaife, Rory Burrows, Olivia Deverill and Vienna Gould.

Beggars – May Cao, Molly Frost, Tia Cousins, Danielle Shead, Alfie Oke, Chloe Courtenay, Caitlin Hackett, Laura Hampson, Zak Courtenay, India Courtenay, Amara Baker, Tom Deacon and Mackenzie Passmore.

Gentry – Ollie Hodgson, Sam Green, Chloe Cox, Ryan Farrand, Robyn McAleese, Ellie Miller, Leah Read, Imogen McDonald, Rory Burrows, Ella Mae Wright, Izzy Goodwin, Emily White, Grace Pryor and Izzy Fox.

Police – Harry Taylor and Josie Farrant.

General Understudies – Katelyn Waddleton.

Cast and Crew: Audio team, Chris Blundon, Will Hallett and Drew Wilcox; lighting, Luke McDonald-Greves; props, Alex Plimley; stage manager, Kayleigh Constanza.

Special Thanks: Nick Chapple, John Sharp, Liz Hughes, Mrs Purton and textiles students, Susanna Dalton, Adele Sampson and Sarah Lowery.

More photos can be found on these galleries (taken at the opening night performance on Wednesday, February 24, 2016).

GALLERY 1: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/02/26/preston-school-and-sweeney-todd-part-1-feb-2016/ .

GALLERY 2: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/02/26/preston-school-and-sweeney-todd-part-2-feb-2016/ .

GALLERY 3: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/02/26/preston-school-and-sweeney-todd-part-3-feb-2016/ .

GALLERY 4: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/02/26/preston-school-and-sweeney-todd-part-4-feb-2016/ .

GALLERY 5: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/02/26/preston-school-and-sweeney-todd-part-5-feb-2016/ .

GALLERY 6: http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2016/02/26/preston-school-and-sweeney-todd-part-6-feb-2016/ .

If anyone would like to buy any copies of the photos – please get in touch via email at christine.jones33@googlemail.com .

PHOTOS: All taken at the opening night performance on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.

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