SWEENEY TODD

SHORT BACK AND PIES at Starlight Theatre Co-op's Centre Stage Theatre. Sondheim's thriller musical "Sweeney Todd" will return to the Brisbane stage on July 23. The story is simple, though not particularly appetising: Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, sets out for revenge on the judge who destroyed the lives of his wife and daughter, by meaning to take a razor to the legal vulture's throat. En route, he slices through more than a few more tonsils, and conveniently disposes of the evidence in meat pies baked by his adulating accomplice, Mrs Lovett. Well known for Tim Burton's gothic screen adaptation of this show, starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, Brissie audiences can expect something quite different, according to local director Rodney Wolff. "Burton's gothic portrayal of this story was majestic on the big screen," said Wolff. "But we are going for a more confronting psycho-drama in an intimate theatre, where Todd's slicing and Lovett's pie-making are right there, within blood-splattering distance - almost. It is an unsettling story: almost every character in it is involved in terrifying or despicable activities, though each is pitiable because of the desperate situation in which they are caught up." You may never get a haircut again ... or perhaps just become a dedicated vegetarian. "There are some good laughs along the way," Wolff added, who recently directed the smash-hit musical comedy "The Full Monty" at QPAC, "and that brings some welcome moments of relief." Geoff Secomb and Nick Hollamby, music and vocal directors respectively, complete the directorial team for this, the 10th production of Starlight Theatre Co-op. "Ten shows in just two years is a very exciting track record," said Jack Bradford, the Artistic Director of Starlight, who is also playing the title role. This stylish production will be brought to life in Victorian London by the extraordinary talents of set and costume designer Shane Rodwell. "Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street" plays at Centre Stage Theatre, Quarry St, Spring Hill, from July 23 for only three weeks. Director - Rodney Wolff Musical Director - Geoff Secomb Vocal Director - Nick Hollamby Production Designer - Shane Rodwell Lighting Designer - Tom Dodds Cast: Jack Bradford, Alice Barbery, Bekki Adams, Chantelle Hope-Hodgetts, Cody Arthur, Duncan Watson, Jacob Bradford, James Gauci, Jessica Thyer, Kate Raynor, Kym McNaughton, Laura Meldon, Laura Mulcahy, Liam O’Byrne, Luke Swetman, Megan Crocombe, Michael Hills, Rebecca Walker, Steph Taylor, Steve Trollope, Wayne Greenley, Zac Bradford, Tristan Ham. Season: July 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, August 1, 6, 7, 8 at 8pm. August 8 at 2pm. Tickets: Adult $31.25, Concession $25.25, Children under 12 and groups of 15 or more $22.00 Bookings: Oztix 1300 762 545 or www.oztix.com.au (booking fees apply) Tickets are also available at the Centre Stage Theatre Box Office 30 minutes prior to commencement of show pending availability. EFTPOS facilities are not available.