EDFRINGE REVIEW: Sweeney Todd (Captivate Theatre)

Sweeney Todd - ★★★★☆ - Vigorous

The Famous Spiegeltent (Venue 333): Tue 12 – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Review by Rebecca Mahar

Review commissioned by, and originally published on All Edinburgh Theatre, 22 August 2025. Edited by Thom Dibdin.

Captivate Theatre take on the Famous Spiegeltent with their production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street through the 24th, bringing Sondheim’s chilling musical, directed by Sally Lyall, to life beneath the canopy.

Sweeney Todd is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most enduring classics. With music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, the musical spins the tale of its titular barber, returning to London after many years spent in exile after having been transported for a crime he did not commit.

On his return, Todd finds that his wife Lucy took poison after being assaulted by the corrupt Judge Turpin, who sentenced him, and that the judge took his then-infant daughter, Johanna, for his ward.

Hazel Beattie (Mrs. Lovett) and Robert Moyes (Sweeney Todd). Pic: Captivate.

Visit All Edinburgh Theatre to read the full review!

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