Sweeney Todd at The Little Theatre Leicester Review
Image: Russell Webster
Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd is a beast of a musical, a two-hour-plus operatic thriller demanding vocal stamina, sharp timing, and a cast willing to give it their all. The Little Theatre's production takes all of that on with real ambition, and while it does not land every beat, it is a gripping, confident night of theatre that shows off genuine talent on stage.
The strongest work comes from the ensemble. Their harmonies are tight, their crescendos stay coordinated, and their entrances and exits are executed with a precision that keeps the constant pace of the show moving. There is a real chemistry between the actors that fills the stage, and the comedic touches are used smartly to balance the darkness — exactly what this show needs to keep from tipping into gloom. It is clear a great deal of care went into the group work, and it pays off.
Vocally, the production soars. Grace Bale as Johanna has a brilliant operatic voice, and Harry Woodward delivers Tobias with a voice and acting skill well beyond his years, his diction is impressively clean for his age. Sweeney himself (Keiran Whelan-Newby) is committed throughout, keeping up with the show's demanding numbers with skill. The costumes are brilliant, and the cast's vocal stamina across such a taxing score is genuinely well-suited to the material.
The set is a real highlight — it enhances the show beautifully, giving the production atmosphere and depth. The transitions into each scene and song are clean, and the staging of the ensemble is well-balanced throughout. There are, however, a few rough edges that keep this from a higher rating: The use of silence and tension was well handled but could have been embraced even further to sharpen the drama , some mic issues lingered through the evening, and unfortunately Mrs. Lovett seemed to struggle, I have no doubt that this was due to illness as you can hear that she definitely has the ability and range vocally. Apart from that, Alexandra Elliott’s acting skills soared.
The chemistry between the actors, the strong set and the polished ensemble work all come together to create a Sweeney Todd that entertains, unsettles, and impresses in equal measure. A strong, worthwhile production - and a particularly good night at The Little Theatre.
Sweeney Todd plays at The Little Theatre until 19th September.
★★★★
Written by Grace for Theatre and Tonic, September 2026.
