Sweeney Todd at the London Coliseum review: Bloody compelling ★★★★★

Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd has been given a new lease of life in a fantastic production that bridges the gap between musical and opera.

Emma Thompson and Bryn Terfel star in the English National Opera production at the London Coliseum, which retells the classic story of revenge and murder, all to the tune of Sondheim's memorable songs.

Sondheim's music and lyrics translate well when performed by operatic performers such as Terfel, and it is a masterful touch to see the 58-piece orchestra on-stage, right in the thick of it.

Director Lonny Price has created an inspired production, which begins with the cast arriving on stage in front of music stands and copies of the score. But don't be too put off by the set-up, as all is not quite what it seems.

Thompson is magnificent and hilarious as Todd's accomplice Mrs Lovett, commanding the stage with an excellent blend of humour and naivety. She is playful and energetic, and her singing voice works perfectly alongside the bass-baritone of Terfel.

While Thompson may get the majority of the plaudits, Terfel also deserves high acclaim for his powerful interpretation of Sweeney Todd. Both menacing and childlike, it is almost impossible to take your eyes off him whenever he is on stage. He is a truly huge talent, in every sense of the word.

Meanwhile, the supporting cast is also excellent, particularly John Owen-Jones as Pirelli, Philip Quast as Judge Turpin and Rosalie Craig as the Beggar Woman. The ensemble's choreography is also highly engaging, and at times broke the fourth wall and almost felt like an immersive theatre production.

For those unsure of whether an operatic performance of Sweeney Todd is for them, it is highly recommended that you put your queries to one side and go see a brilliant night of musical theatre, with a company who are simply at the height of their powers.

One may not get to see the full extent of the Sweeney Todd story in comparison to other productions, including a fringe theatre version on Shaftesbury Avenue, but this is uniquely compelling in its own right.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street runs until April 12 at the English National Opera, London Coliseum.