Morecambe Warblers A.O.S Present
Sweeney todd The demon barber of fleet street A Musical Thriller Music and Lyrics by Stephen
Sondheim
Book by Hugh
Wheeler
originally directed by HAROLD PRINCE from an adaptation by CHRISTOPHER BOND
orchestrations by JONATHAN TUNICK
29th September - 3rd October
Sweeney Todd
Warning: show contains adult themes • Registered Charity No: 1148184
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Sweeney Todd
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Presidents Message Having been a member of Morecambe Warblers for over sixty-four years it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our 2015 production of “Sweeney Todd”. The intricate music of Stephen Sondheim combines all the elements of love, tragedy, horror, romance and comedy into a brilliant musical. We are so fortunate this year to have Sharon Bell as our Director and Phil Allcock as our M.D. for this wonderful show and with a superb cast who have worked with dedication and enthusiasm I feel sure all our audiences will have an evening to remember. Thank you for your continued support - without you, live theatre would cease to be.
Morecambe Warblers
Amateur Operatic Society Registered Charity No. 1148184
Officials of the Society President Audrey Sutcliffe Chairman Chris Isherwood Acting Secretary Carey Isherwood Treasurer Bob Bailey
Committee Mandy Butterworth, Sally Featon, Stuart Featon, John Haydock, Carol Liptrott, Bernice Moorhouse
— NODA Awards — 35 Years: Gwen Carter
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (N.O.D.A.) Morecambe Warblers AOS is very proud to be part of a long established body which was formed in1899 “to protect and advance the interests of Operatic and Dramatic Art and of societies engaged therein”. N.O.D.A. has a membership of around 2,300 amateur societies throughout the United Kingdom, staging musicals, operas, plays, concerts and pantomimes in a wide variety of performing venues; ranging from leading professional theatres to tiny village halls. Members also have access to a wide range of benefits and support. N.O.D.A. is divided into eleven areas supported by a regional network of representatives who form a vital link to the grass roots of the association, the amateur theatre companies. The headquarters of the association are based in Peterborough where friendly, knowledgeable staff are on hand to deal with enquiries relating to amateur theatre.
Sweeney Todd
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Sweeney Todd
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Production Team Sharon Bell Director and Musical Staging Sharon started dancing at the age of seven and completed her training at the Northern Ballet School, Manchester before opening her own successful dance school. She became a Fellow of The International Dance Teachers Association in 1991 and currently works as Course Leader for Dance and Tutor of Performing Arts for Oldham Sixth Form College. Sharon has been involved in amateur theatre for over 35 years having worked as choreographer for LADOS and Romiley Operatic Society as well as taking many stage roles for several societies over the years, her first being In Morecambe Warblers’ Oklahoma when she was13. Currently, Sharon is the Director as well as a trustee of About Theatre. She is delighted to be part of Morecambe Warblers’ production of Sweeney Todd – a musical she has wanted to direct for many years - and would like to thank the company for all their incredible hard work in bringing this production to the stage. She would also like to thank you, the audience, and hopes that you will never look at a meat pie the same way again!
Dr Phil Allcock Musical Director Phil has performed and/or conducted at venues around the world and with a variety of ensembles including the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO). He completed his doctoral studies 2014, receiving a PhD in Musicology from the University of Huddersfield. Phil would like to thank everyone involved with this production of Sweeney Todd for their hard work and dedication.
Important Notices
No Photography Sweeney Todd
No Video Recording
Switch OFF Mobiles Page 5
“My Friends” Sweeney Todd
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Synopsis Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street returns from Australia after 15 years in exile to the streets of London seeking revenge against those who separated him from his beautiful wife and child. In London he meets Mrs. Lovett who owns a meat-pie shop and who admits to making the worst meat pies in London. She recognises Sweeney Todd and wastes no time in telling him that his wife, Lucy had taken poison because of Judge Turpin and his accomplice Beadle Bamford. Mrs. Lovett also tells Todd that Johanna, now a young woman, is Turpin’s ward. Todd sets up his Barber business above Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop , intent on seeking revenge on anyone who has wronged him. Johanna and a young honourable sailor named Anthony Hope, who Todd met sailing into London, have fallen in love with each other from afar. However Judge Turpin lusts after Johanna and wants to marry her, and will do whatever he needs to get Anthony out of the way. Meanwhile, Todd, during a visit to the marketplace, denounces a fraudulent hair tonic by faux-Italian barber Adolfo Pirelli and later humiliates him in a public shaving contest. Pirelli’s boy assistant, Toby is then taken in by Mrs. Lovett when Pirelli goes missing? Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett come up with an evil plan. All will be revealed.
— Musical Numbers — — ACT ONE — The Ballad of Sweeney Todd The Company No Place Like London Todd, Anthony and Beggar Woman The Barber and His Wife Todd The Worst Pies in London Mrs. Lovett Poor Thing Mrs. Lovett My Friends Todd Green Finch and Linnet Bird Johanna Ah, Miss Anthony and Beggar Woman Johanna Anthony
Sweeney Todd
Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir Tobias Ragg, Todd, Mrs. Lovett and Company The Contest The Company
— ACT TWO — God, That’s Good! Tobias, Mrs. Lovett, Todd and Company
Wait Mrs. Lovett
Johanna (Quartet) Anthony, Todd, Johanna and Beggar Woman
Johanna: Mea Culpa Judge Turpin
By the Sea Mrs. Lovett
Kiss Me (Part I) Johanna and Anthony
— Wigmaker Sequence —
Ladies in their Sensitivities Beadle Bamford Kiss Me (Part II/Quartet) Beadle, Johanna, Anthony and Judge Turpin Epiphany Todd
Not While I’m Around Tobias and Mrs. Lovett Parlour Songs Mrs. Lovett — Final Sequence — The Ballad of Sweeney Todd The Company
A Little Priest Todd and Mrs. Lovett
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Anthony and Johanna
Lovett and Sweeney
THE YORK HOTEL
Lancaster Road, Morecambe - Tel: 425353 A traditional pub B&B offering a warm, friendly local atmosphere, courteous and friendly service and quality refurbished accommodation at affordable prices. We are able to host a variety of events to suit the budget of a small to medium business. It also offers: • Quality Beers, Spirits and Wines • Cask Ales • Premium Coffees from our Jura coffee system • Darts and Pool • Covered and heated smoking balcony • Outside Patio • Car Parking for Customers / Residents • Quality Pub Food. Large Plasma screens in 3 rooms. Traditional Sunday Lunches - Roast Beef, Roast Pork and Roast Lamb; all served with fresh seasonal Vegetables, traditional accompaniments and real gravy!!
Sweeney Todd
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The Posh and the Poor
In rehearsal - John Beamer (Sweeney) and Emily Prescott (Mrs. Lovett) Sweeney Todd
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For SWEENEY TODD Director and Musical Staging Musical Director Stage Manager Lighting Designer Sound Designer Follow-Spot Operator Technical Runner Props Prompt
Sharon Bell Phil Allcock Peter Thompson Richard Prescott Christian Butterworth Adam Robinson Drew Bell Kim Ireland, Charlotte Dootson, David Milligan Bernice Moorhouse, Avril Haydock, Carol Liptrott, Joanna Jeffreys
Photography Wardrobe Mistresses
John Atkinson, Christian Butterworth Jean James, Bernice Moorhouse, Cathy Moorhouse
Makeup
Michelle Davis, Bethany Isherwood, and Team
Hair Front of House Manager (for Warblers) Theatre Manager Costume Hire Scenery and Prop Hire
Deborah Reeve-Stennett George Carter Ellie Singleton Charades Proscenium, Lancaster Footlights
In Memoriam We remember the following Associate Life Members and former members who have passed away this year. Joan Sharp, Frank Duckworth, Jean Miller, Val Foster Life Members Stephen Schofield Barbara Schofield Ray Cambray Pat Cambray Donald Street
Pauline Duckworth David Owen Wendy Owen David Liptrott Carol Liptrott David Read
Bernice Moorhouse Audrey Sutcliffe Gail Sutcliffe Ian Newman Pamela Newman
Associate Life Members Janette Scott in memory of Thora Hird
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The PRINCIPalS
Sweeney Todd ...played by...
John Beamer
John’s first stage appearance was the result of a bet made with a friend, late one night after a few too many cheeky vimtos. The result was the part of Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof. After that he was bitten by the bug and performed many smaller roles until he was chosen to play his first lead in Grease (Danny, not Sandy). Since then he has played several larger roles in shows such as, Oklahoma, Kiss Me Kate, Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, and Jekyll and Hyde to name just a few. John is no stranger to the work of Mr. Sondheim, having performed in Company and Into the Woods. Until recently however, John was a stranger to Morecambe Warblers, as this is the first time he has worked with us. John has thoroughly enjoyed working with the company on such a complicated project and is looking forward to working with us again in the future. This has been a busy year for John which started on skid row with him playing the sadistic dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, then moving South America to play Juan Peron in Evita and now finishing the year on Fleet Street as Mr. Todd. John would like to thank all involved in this production for making it such a professional piece of work which, will live long in the memory of all who helped create it and all who come to see it. Emily Prescott is a Music & Performing Arts teacher at Morecambe Road School. She has played a number of roles for various societies and companies including Tuptim in The King & I, Carrie in Carousel, Bobbie in The Railway Children, Maria in West Side Story, Emma in Jekyll and Hyde, and more recently, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.
Mrs. Lovett ...played by...
Emily Prescott Sweeney Todd
In spite of her self-confessed inadequacies in the kitchen, Emily is delighted to be playing Mrs. Lovett for Morecambe Warblers. More familiar with making playdough than pastry, Emily definitely had her work cut out getting her head around this role... not to mention her mouth around Sondheim’s relentless lyrics! Having previously always been cast as the sweet and innocent character, she has relished the opportunity of taking on such a dark and challenging role!
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Anthony Hope
...played by...
Gavin Wells
From a young age Gavin has loved to perform on stage. He has been with Morecambe Warblers AOS for over 5 years now and he has thoroughly enjoyed every minute. He has had the chance to be part of some terrific shows such as; The Full Monty, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma and South Pacific. This year Gavin is playing the part of Anthony Hope, a somewhat lighter character in a rather dark musical. He feels very honoured at the chance to perform with such an amazing cast of people and really hopes you all enjoy tonight’s performance.
Johanna
...played by...
Gabrielle Dams
Training: Robinson Read School of Dance and Productions/Jazz Scholar for British Ballet Organization. Her past performances include, Eva Peron in Evita, Silly Girl 2 in Beauty and the Beast, Ursula/postulant in The Sound Of Music, and Ronnie Boylan and Annette in Annie - all performed with MAODS at The Lancaster Grand Theatre. Gabby is delighted to be joining this society for Sweeney Todd, and to be given the chance to play the part of Johanna and would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
Beggar Woman ...played by...
Anna Webster
Anna has previously played Nancy in Oliver, Frenchie in Grease and Babette in Beauty & The Beast with other local societies, but this is her first show with Morecambe Warblers. She feels that everyone has been so welcoming, and has really enjoyed working with such a talented cast and production team to bring Sweeney Todd to the Lancaster Grand Theatre stage. To date, this is perhaps the most challenging role Anna has undertaken, but she has really grown to love the Beggar Woman.
Pirelli
Sweeney Todd
...played by...
Thomas Ledsham
This is Thomas’s first time performing with the Warblers, and he hopes it will not be the last. Having performed in Sweeney Todd twice before, he has eagerly awaited another opportunity to perform in the show, and where better than at the Grand Theatre. He has played roles previously in Evita, Blood Brothers, My Fair Lady, and many more. Musical Theatre has been an extension of performance for Thomas, who usually performs in plays such as A View from The Bridge. Thomas has also written and performed in a variety of shows in Liverpool.
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Tobias Ragg
...played by...
Sam Wicks
Sweeney Todd is Sam’s first amateur dramatics performance outside of school life. Sam found it rather daunting to be involved in something where, at first, he didn’t know a single person, but he’s now a fully-fledged Warbler! Sweeney Todd is one of Sam’s favourite musicals, so when he heard that Morecambe Warblers were producing the show, he jumped at the opportunity. At the age of 18, and having just finished his last year of Sixth Form, Sam hopes to pursue a career in the performing arts, and hope that this show will open up new doors for him.
Judge Turpin
John Haydock
...played by...
Having been back on the stage with Morecambe Warblers and other local groups for 4 years now, John can safely say this is the hardest part he has had to prepare for. John often gets the role of the ‘Bad Guy’ having played Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Jud Fry in Oklahoma and Bill Sikes in Oliver, but he feels that all of them have had some grain of decency in their characters even if it was flawed. The role of Judge Turpin is far removed from this and he hopes you enjoy the show, and his portrayal.
The Beadle
...played by...
Robbie Love
Robbie, a PhD Linguistics student at Lancaster University, is making his first appearance with the Morecambe Warblers. After playing Pirelli in another production of Sweeney Todd two years ago, he was very keen to be in the show again but this time in a different role, having fallen in love with Stephen Sondheim’s score. Other recent roles include Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, Mark Cohen in RENT, Roger de Bris in The Producers, and the Emcee in Cabaret.
Jonas Fogg
Bird Seller
...played by...
...played by...
Ryan Butterworth
Matthew Bradley
The Orchestra Clarinet Carey Isherwood
Trombone Ethan Whittaker
Double Bass Dafydd Jones
Baritone Saxophone Elizabeth Bateman
Violin Jill Jackson
Piano Chris Wadeson
Trumpet
Violoncello Nick Milner
Percussion Rhian Davies
Kernthaler Sweeney Oli Todd
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The COMPANY
Bob Bailey
Mike Bailey
Karen Barker
Mandy Butterworth
Laura Bradley
Steven Bryant
Faye Cooper
Alice Dent
Sally Featon
Becky Halpin
Phil Huddard
Kirsty Johnson
Emma Knight
Eleanor Manning
Sarah Purcell
Deborah Reeve-Stennett
Emma Reeve-Stennett Sweeney Todd
Duncan Ryan
Claire Savage
Suzanne Willey Page 14
BARBERS ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR
Sweeney todd 24 VICTORIA STREET MORECAMBE LANCASHIRE Telephone (01524) 426452 Sweeney Todd
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www.robinsonread.co.uk Classes available at Bolton le Sands, Hest Bank and Burton in Kendal Children accepted from 3 years onwards A highly reputable, well established and successful school Fully qualified teaching faculty OFQUAL registered with the British Ballet Organisation. CEA Rewarding learning. DBS Checked Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatic Work, Singing, Festival and Production Work Former pupils now working as successful and accomplished fully trained dancers. First class Honour Degree graduates. With pupils gaining places at Elmhurst Ballet School, Doreen Bird College and others studying dance at College and University. Many pupils receiving Scholarship training with The Royal Ballet School, The British Ballet Organiation, Northern Associates and The CATS scheme in Manchester
For further information please contact 01524 812143 or 413404 or 422450 or 07778017737
We wish Morecambe Warblers every success with ‘Sweeney Todd’
Lancaster Red Rose AODS Proudly Presents
THE MUSICAL
Book, Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse The Morecambe Winter Gardens Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th November 2015
Ticket Prices—Adults £12.50 Children (Under 16) £10.00
Sweeney Todd
Book online at www.redrose.uk.net Or Telephone 0333 666 3366 (Booking fee payable)
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Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir
The Judge, Johanna, The Beadle
The Beggar Woman Sweeney Todd
The Competition Page 19
Acknowledgements The committee on behalf of the Society wishes to express their sincere thanks to: • All members of the public who have supported us. • The York Hotel, Vale of Lune Rugby Club, and Trumacar School for rehearsal and meeting facilities.
• The press for publicity. • Gwen Carter and Carol Liptrott for compiling the programme content. • Local businesses for displaying posters and photographs • Ellie & Staff of The Grand Theatre • St Nicholas Arcade Lancaster. • A Huge thank you to our advertisers who have made this programme possible. • Our sincere thanks to anyone who has helped in any way and apologies to anyone we have unintentionally omitted. • All visiting parties for their support. May we wish you a safe journey home.
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Mandy Butterworth Mobile: 07748 273729 Email: mandy.cambridgediet@gmail.com
Richard Prescott IT Services
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Past Productions Since 1907 1907 Weatherwise 1908 Briganda 1909 Nebulista 1910 Rockylor 1911 Myosota 1912 The Pick of the Bunch 1913 Le Cloche de Corneville 1914 Falka 1915 Pierrotland 1916 The Chocolate Soldier 1917 Tom Jones 1918 Princess Caprice 1919 Merrie England 1920 The Duchess of Danzig 1921 Floradora 1922 The Balkan Princess 1923 Our Miss Gibbs 1924 Havana 1925 The King of Cardonia 1926 The Runaway Girl 1927 The Sunshine Girl 1928 My Lady Molly 1929 The Toreador 1930 The Balkan Princess 1931 The Mousme Arlette 1932 The Desert Song 1934 The Student Prince 1935 Maid of the Mountains 1936 The New Moon 1937 Goodnight Vienna 1938 Wild Violet 1939 The Silver Patrol 1939-1946 (On HMS) 1947 Gypsy Princess 1948 Balalaika 1949 Show Boat
1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981
Viktoria and her Hussar 1982 Show Boat Wild Violets 1983 Waltzes from Vienna The Dancing Years 1984 Annie Get Your Gun Annie Get Your Gun 1985 Hello Dolly Brigadoon 1986 Irene Zip Goes a Million 1987 King and I Annie Get Your Gun 1988 My Fair Lady Love From Judy 1989 Camelot Kiss me Kate 1990 White Horse Inn Balalaika 1991 Carousel The Merry Widow 1992 Half a Sixpence Kismet 1993 Anything Goes Chrysanthemum 1994 Finian’s Rainbow The Lilac Domino 1995 42nd Street Show Boat 1996 Barnum Student Prince 1997 Me and My Girl South Pacific (April) 1999 Gigi Salad Days (October) 2000 Half a Sixpence Carousel 2001 Pajama Game Robert and Elizabeth 2002 Songs from the Shows (Amateur Premiere) 2003 Wizard of Oz Brigadoon 2004 Oliver Oliver 2005 Carousel Half a Sixpence 2006 Guys and Dolls Finian’s Rainbow 2007 The Full Monty Fiddler on the Roof 2008 Big The Musical (Joint Amateur Premiere) 2009 The Railway Children Charlie Girl 2010 The Full Monty Oklahoma 2011 Wizard of Oz No No Nanette 2012 Oklahoma White Horse Inn 2013 Bugsy Malone South Pacific (Youth Production) Gigi 2014 South Pacific Desert Song 2015 Much Ado About Nothing Oklahoma (March) Brigadoon
Become a Warbler... Warblers have great fun when rehearsing and performing our shows and are always looking for new members to join the society. We meet on Mondays and Thursdays at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club from April to October. No experience is necessary to join us, but it would help if you can hold a note to appear on stage. It is not only performers we need; we are always keen to swell our backstage and front of house crew. If you would like to be involved in our next production, on or off stage, please contact: Acting Secretary (Carey Isherwood): secretary.warblers@gmail.com www.morecambewarblers.co.uk • Twitter: MWarblers • Facebook: Morecambe-Warblers-AOS
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The Company of Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd
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AARDVARK
ENTERTAINMENTS DJ & KARAOKE SERVICES
01524 832569 or 07748 273729 @ aardvarkkaraoke@aol.com
www.lancashiredisco.co.uk /aardvark.ents Programme designed and printed by Christian Butterworth: Design Services - Email: christianjoelbutterworth@gmail.com Page 24 Sweeney Todd