This seems like an interesting production. I like the dirt/dingy/grime/realism of how they portrayed it. The original Broadway company had a slightly surreal/colorful/spunky attitude to it that works, but isn't near what should be portrayed for people in the lower class in London in the 1840s.
watched this production when I was 14, my dad took me (he introduced me to the theater), I was transfixed by this and fell in love with Stephen Sondheim, as well as most of the cast, (Adrian Lester) - we saw this production twice with both Armstrong as Sweeney and Quilley as Sweeney. I have since seen quite a few other productions, but this was the best and most memorable- love it!
@AnAuthenticRose I meant to say hate. Also, Have you seen the original broadway DVD? Also, the broadway revival is good. It's an unpopular opinion that people preffer HBC as Lovett. Not sating you have to change your opinion. It's suprising that's all.
I don't know why you're apologizing for the darkness of it--the grungy qualities of the video are really cool IMO. I really like how raw she is here, but I feel like while that's awesome for an extra with just a few lines (like the Beggar Woman) it might be a bit too much for a leading lady for the whole show. But this video is all I've seen of her so I could be very wrong!
I don't love this interpretation of Mrs. Lovett. At first glance I thought it was interesting, and it is, but the more I thought about it the more I thought about how Mrs. Lovett wants to look nice and pretend she's a respectable woman with a good business and this Madame Thenardier-esque bluntness about her doesn't really sit well with me.
@inlovewithJLT whilst i agree with what you're saying, if you listen to the lyrics you can see how this interpretation fits. the WORST pies in london, and times are hard!! it just screams to me that she would be impovrished.
I like this Lovett, shes way different from Angela or Patti's version of Lovett but it seems more fitting for the role. She also has the accent down so much better, probably because she naturally has a british accent already. But yea. I like this version of Sweeney :D
Saw this on Broadway in NY in the late 70's.I'm usually very protective of our musicals, but as this is set in London, who better to perform it than the English. The American Sweeney is much more frightening though.Sometimes I think your natural urge for understatement would be better served in other art forms.Musicals are not intended to be nuanced.
@tet43 I completely agree to an extent, but in parts such as the opening number when it makes it much much much more frightening than the american version. The quieter and more understated these moments are the more frightening it becomes when it gets to moments like epiphany and the finale (judge's death etc). Sweeney isn't a screaming psychopath (except maybe in epiphany), he's quiet, brooding, plotting his revenge, and that is much more frightening.
Wish I could have seen this in person :( That opening sent chills down my spine... And their transitions between the two scenes just seems to be so playful. Plus, Mrs Lovatt as a drunk? Mega lols.
After looking at several images of both I really don't think the Sweeney in this video is EITHER Alun Armstrong OR Denis Quilley, though the confusion is understandable. Armstrong played the role when this production opened at the National Theatre, whilst Quilley (who had been London's original Sweeney in 1980) played the Judge. When the show later transferred to the West End, Quilley replaced Armstrong. Still, this guy doesn't like either gentleman. I presume he's just a stand-in.
I played French horn in the National Theatre production of Sweeney Todd and the chap who's playing Sweeney for this TV show is neither Alun or Denis as you say but the understudy (a very talented member of the chorus). The show never transferred to the west end but did go on a short tour of Britain and a small tour of Budapest oddly. Both Alun and Denis were great guys (especially Denis who was always first to the bar to buy the band a drink, no dillusions of grandeur there!)
I really love Julia McKenzie in this role, she seems to make the most sense out of this song compared to the other videos up on youtube. As much as I love Lansbury, I think this is just a more understandable performance.
Actually, it isn't! That's actually the original Sweeney from the first london cast: Dennis...something! He did as a one-off performance for this occasion.
I can definitely see Imelda Staunton as Mrs Lovett (she was undersecretary/headmistress in Harry Potter and Phoenix) and is a great actress in almost everything she does but cannot see Michael Ball as Sweeney Todd. Yes, he has the range, vocally, but he is too sweet sounding vocally and in his demeanor. It is definately casting against type. Sweeney has to have that insane/psychopathic yet sympathetic thing going and I don't see Ball having the insane/psychopathic thing. Her, yes. Him, no.
I am a huge fan of Brenda Blethyn and loved 'Little Voice' because of her, even though her character was hardly likeable. Mrs Lovett needs to have a strong voice and I don't think I have ever heard her sing. Yes, is she has the voice, she could do it so well. I met someone who knew her and said that the northern English accent she puts on so often (and cockney/East London) is all put on and that she speaks Queen's English. You are right, indeed! Would love to see her do Lady Macbeth, too.
by the way sweeney todd fans i'm one two its opening in london again in 2011 it was said on eliane page and enternet the cast for mrs lovett and sweeney todd are.
Michale Ball as sweeney todd
and Imelda Stanton as mrs lovett apprently she was in harry potter the 5th
I've got a soft spot for Angela Lansbury's Lovett and always will, but Julia McKenzie is absolutely brilliant here! I'd love to have seen the full production of this.
this is my favorite interpretation of mrs lovett! shes chatty and cheery yet dark and imperfect. (that contradicts itself but you guys get it, right?)
This Mrs. Lovett is perfect. Half crazed and not too pretty. All the other Lovetts are too perfect. She has the qualities of Lovett, while being imperfect!
i saw this production on iits very last performance with my sister. i was quite young at the time. one of my few memories was during this (mrs lovetts) song the rolling pin fell off the table with a bang and then rolled off of the stage! still one of(if not the) best nights i have ever had in the theatre.
there was a recording of this whole production that was aired on bbc radio 3 shortly after it finished. does anyone know to find it?? would really like to hear it again
This is a really good, gritty, dirty version. Makes a change as all the Victorian sets in films look gothy and romantic, although I do LOVE the Burton version. Is there more of this version?
i have this gr8 version of sweeny todd that i taped off the radio ages ago. it was done by the company opera north and it is just amazing! the tape is wearing down though :(
Jesus, I would kill to hear the full score w/ Julia McKenzie. She rocks! Also, it's cool to hear the organ being used more prominently as part of the orchestra, which I don't think I've heard before.
ah, but I wouldn't go and say that all 19th century londoners residing in Fleet Street sounded like stark-raving alcoholics. I wasn't incredibly fond of her, if not just because it was more screaming and overracting than anything else.. i'm extremely partial to angela lansbury, but that's just my opinion.
And I MUST say, I have NEVER been more frightened of the character Sweeney until I saw that bastard jump out nowhere and sing "He served a dark and a vengeful god". AWESOME!
so confused, loved this version and wanted to see more but why the bow after "worst pies" command performance? concert version? surely not with that set! is there a version i can get my hands on?
I really liked this! althoug it would have been cool of they moved around in the opening. but i liked how this one was differant from all the other broadway sweeney todds.
flawless performance. i think it's amazing that the actress that plays mrs. lovett can come across as so poor and dirty, but yet she sings so wonderfully and still show off her beautiful voice!
Now that is an excellent rendering of the song. Personally, I think that the most important aspect about their performance is that it was original. Unlike others who tried to copy the original production, they invented their concept and their own interpretation.
Excellent!! I wasn't aware that Ms. McKenzie had such a voice! Her Mrs. Lovett is up there with Angela Lansbury's- a completely different take on the approach, just as perfectly executed.
I hope that Ms. McKenzie does some singing (somehow) in the Miss Marple TV series~
Without a doubt the best Mrs Lovett I have seen (including Lansbury, Lupone and the almost criminallly inert Bonham-Carter).
For some reason though, this video does not capture the magic of the actual performances at the National Theatre. It is all a bit forced here - perhap the stage and auditorium are just rather a lot bigger than at the NT original venue...
After Julia McKenzie (and even Patti Lupone and Angela Landsbury), H. Bonham Carter, poor pretty thing, sound like a little pussycat for Ms. Mooney's pies.
She doesn't look like the Mrs. Lovett I'd think of...the Mrs. Lovett I see still has some of her former beauty, since she's always hoping for the past to relive itself (going "By the Sea" and having a husband).
Thanks for posting this! Julia McKenzie rocks! This is such a difficult song to pull off. I'm a bit apprehensive about seeing Tim Burton's film - can't help feeling that the music will be compromised.
I've never been a fan of hers but, after this clip, I may to reevaluate that opinion. She was really superb. I wish this entire production had been recorded!
I would so love to see her doing by the sea. :P be such a contrast with the characterization she shows here. Too bad the show closed over 10 years ago. :( I wish we had an equivalent of the lincoln centre videos here in London.
best version of worst pies in london ever!! if a musical is set in england KEEP THE CAST ENGLISH!! yes patti lupone is amazing but her english accent is diabolical!! can't wait to see how helena does it!
The Sweeney is magnificent. I wish they had made a cast recording of this revival. Alun Armstrong, the Sweeney, is an amazing actor, not only is his Sweeney the best, but Thenardier is the best too.
Nope. Dennis Quilley was the Original London Cast Sweeney. This has to be Armstrong because the same night this was performed, he won an Olivier award for Best Actor.
Amazing. Alun Armstrong is an even more versatile actor than I imagined. Comparing this to his Thenardier it's stunning how different they are in voice and appearance. And he sings beautifully! Don't you just hate him? ;)
He seems so different because he IS different - this isn't Alun Armstrong or Dennis Quilley. Quilley took over from Armstrong (and yes, he was the original London Sweeney as well), but this is a different actor who must have taken over later - sorry, I don't know his name.
I wish ths cast moved a little more during the opening. Other than that I have no complaints. Certainly this is an interesting take on lovette's character to say the least.
I know what you mean, but the fact that they're not running around needlessly lets them sing flawlessly. This is the most perfectly directed and balanced choral cast I've seen.
This Sweeney sucks. He's too clean-cut and handsome, and he's singing the music with one of those annoying "opera accents." It's Sondheim, not Puccini for God's sake.
Judging from the way this is directed, it seems like they made the choice to make Sweeney more normal at the beginning and go for contrast later. I'd *love* to see more of this production.
I think Julia McKenzie's interpretation is wonderful. I like the aspect of her drinking because as she says "times is hard!". I'm not putting down other actresses here. It is just fun to see the variety of interpretations.
WOW! I've been looking for something from the London cast production since I saw it in the summer of 1980! I don't think this is the production I saw though. Anyone know where I can find a CD or any video of that? This is terrific as well...thank you so much for sharing it.
This interpretation of Mrs. Lovett is my absolute favorite. It's funnier, grittier, and much more logical than any of the other ones-- either Lansbury's jolly-crazy lady or LuPone's sultry businesswoman. This one is simply a down-on-her-luck shopowner in Dickensian times who is poor and out of options.
By the way, it's an absolute PLEASURE to actually hear this part being sung with a REAL English accent.
Angela Lansbury's accent is real? :S Have you HEARD her? Sorry, I've lived in England all my life, and have never heard an english person in my life. and she left England when she was around 13 or 14, so it would've been easy for her to lose her accent for the american one, which she did. Her performance is good, but her accent is TERRIBLE.
she currently resides in Ireland right now I believe but her accent at least for this show was intended as an exaageration, and in a few interviews she's stated as such.
The first song sucks, but my god, Julia McKenzie is by far the best Lovett I have seen (and I saw Lansbury, Lupone and some others). Also, best staging of Worst Pies. Weird how flat and unimaginative the openning number is.
Maybe she's less likable, but she's more like a failing business woman in Dickensian England. Definitely darker, but not as campy as the way Patti Lupone played her darker edge. I actually like this. Very different from Angela of course. You can't compare the two, they're completely separate approaches.
Question is, are you really SUPPOSED to like Mrs. Lovett? That's up in the air IMHO - the only one you have to be able to emphathize with is Sweeney (of the lead two - up untill "Epiphiny," that is). You could argue that, despite all of the horrors that Sweeney does in the 2nd act, Mrs. Lovett is the more evil of the two, as everything she does is to get what she wants.
she's the Lady Macbeth of this play-more like a force than a person which controls the path of the play and the fate of the (anti-)hero--perhaps she's Sweeney's god *cracks up at thought*.
But, of course, she is apart of the post-Epiphany Sweeney (I'm not gonna spoil the plot by giving an example but just think about it...).
In short: fear her, hate her, feel nothin' 'bout her, yer pick (tho' she is funny).
she does everything she does because of her pitiful hope that sweeney will love her, and to benefit her own life.
it may be horrid on the level, but you have to empathize with her as well.
if you don't like mrs. lovett you won't want to laugh at her- and if you don't laugh at mrs. lovett there is little to no 'bright-side' of this show and all you can feel is tragic the entire time,
which would defeat the brilliant writing that does it's best to have mrs. lovett lift the mood even from the moment she enters the stage and the entire feeling of the show changes.
She's good, but I couldn't see the character the way she played her actually saying her pies were awful. She'd seem more the type to bitch slap ya if you made a face at the taste or the way she kept 'er shop.
OMG! I love this show and I saw this production way back when I visiting London in 1994. It was my first Sondheim show and I've been a fan since.
I paid for student priced tickets and was in the 2nd row middle, and had some blood squirted on me when Sweeney killed Pirelli.
I saw this before I saw the DVD with Angela Lansbury, and I'm at odds who the better Mrs Lovett is. But I think both Angela and Julia McKenzie both did a great job, better than Patti LuPone, me thinks.
This looks really good, but I don't know if I like her as lovett...she just seems a bit whinny, not as fun to watch as langebury, and I actually perfer both of lupone's characters (being the concert version and the revival, because she does play them differently) her accent of course is tons better then lupone's no doubt about that.
I don't know if I really like it. It lacks feeling, and it's not as interesting. In the begining all the people do really is pose a bit. It seems a little tense. Mckenzie played Mrs. Lovett pretty well, but the way she did made the caracter much less likeable in my opinion. I don't really like seeing it so dark, it makes it look like what you assume when you hear about the play: just some random idea for a gorey show.
McKenzie is awesome. She was also the original witch in "Into the Woods" and Sally in "Follies" (London productions). She played Lovett twice and was also a member of the original "Side by Side by Sondheim" cast. She is well versed in her Sondheim =)
This is great. Julia Mckenzie, keeps it real, raw and just true to the character. Brilliant!
30Roxie 1 week ago
This seems like an interesting production. I like the dirt/dingy/grime/realism of how they portrayed it. The original Broadway company had a slightly surreal/colorful/spunky attitude to it that works, but isn't near what should be portrayed for people in the lower class in London in the 1840s.
jcanepa07 3 weeks ago
watched this production when I was 14, my dad took me (he introduced me to the theater), I was transfixed by this and fell in love with Stephen Sondheim, as well as most of the cast, (Adrian Lester) - we saw this production twice with both Armstrong as Sweeney and Quilley as Sweeney. I have since seen quite a few other productions, but this was the best and most memorable- love it!
lcv2030 1 month ago
hate mrs.lovett.. :( prefer helena bonham carter. :p
AnAuthenticRose 4 months ago
@AnAuthenticRose Geot outta town.
Boonedaba 2 weeks ago
@Boonedaba ?
AnAuthenticRose 2 weeks ago
@AnAuthenticRose I meant to say hate. Also, Have you seen the original broadway DVD? Also, the broadway revival is good. It's an unpopular opinion that people preffer HBC as Lovett. Not sating you have to change your opinion. It's suprising that's all.
Boonedaba 2 weeks ago
@Boonedaba oh okee.. :)
AnAuthenticRose 2 weeks ago
Julia McKenzie is fabulous - amazing to see her now playing Miss Marple!!
143clancy 5 months ago 2
I don't know why you're apologizing for the darkness of it--the grungy qualities of the video are really cool IMO. I really like how raw she is here, but I feel like while that's awesome for an extra with just a few lines (like the Beggar Woman) it might be a bit too much for a leading lady for the whole show. But this video is all I've seen of her so I could be very wrong!
MithraMusic 7 months ago
I don't love this interpretation of Mrs. Lovett. At first glance I thought it was interesting, and it is, but the more I thought about it the more I thought about how Mrs. Lovett wants to look nice and pretend she's a respectable woman with a good business and this Madame Thenardier-esque bluntness about her doesn't really sit well with me.
inlovewithJLT 7 months ago 2
@inlovewithJLT whilst i agree with what you're saying, if you listen to the lyrics you can see how this interpretation fits. the WORST pies in london, and times are hard!! it just screams to me that she would be impovrished.
andrew3347 7 months ago
@andrew3347 Of course, but this woman seems to be reveling in her grunge as opposed to trying to put on a respectable face despite being destitute.
inlovewithJLT 7 months ago
She's good, but I definitely prefer Angela.
sacredlunatic 9 months ago
wow....i love the kinda "twist" ta' mrs. Lovetts
JesseWadeTaylor 1 year ago
I like this Lovett, shes way different from Angela or Patti's version of Lovett but it seems more fitting for the role. She also has the accent down so much better, probably because she naturally has a british accent already. But yea. I like this version of Sweeney :D
FleetStreetNightmare 1 year ago
Saw this on Broadway in NY in the late 70's.I'm usually very protective of our musicals, but as this is set in London, who better to perform it than the English. The American Sweeney is much more frightening though.Sometimes I think your natural urge for understatement would be better served in other art forms.Musicals are not intended to be nuanced.
tet43 1 year ago
@tet43 I completely agree to an extent, but in parts such as the opening number when it makes it much much much more frightening than the american version. The quieter and more understated these moments are the more frightening it becomes when it gets to moments like epiphany and the finale (judge's death etc). Sweeney isn't a screaming psychopath (except maybe in epiphany), he's quiet, brooding, plotting his revenge, and that is much more frightening.
50feetintheair 9 months ago
Wish I could have seen this in person :( That opening sent chills down my spine... And their transitions between the two scenes just seems to be so playful. Plus, Mrs Lovatt as a drunk? Mega lols.
soulfuldreamer03 1 year ago
Comment removed
leporello56 1 year ago
After looking at several images of both I really don't think the Sweeney in this video is EITHER Alun Armstrong OR Denis Quilley, though the confusion is understandable. Armstrong played the role when this production opened at the National Theatre, whilst Quilley (who had been London's original Sweeney in 1980) played the Judge. When the show later transferred to the West End, Quilley replaced Armstrong. Still, this guy doesn't like either gentleman. I presume he's just a stand-in.
coljaime 1 year ago
@coljaime
I played French horn in the National Theatre production of Sweeney Todd and the chap who's playing Sweeney for this TV show is neither Alun or Denis as you say but the understudy (a very talented member of the chorus). The show never transferred to the west end but did go on a short tour of Britain and a small tour of Budapest oddly. Both Alun and Denis were great guys (especially Denis who was always first to the bar to buy the band a drink, no dillusions of grandeur there!)
exhornnerd 1 year ago
I really love Julia McKenzie in this role, she seems to make the most sense out of this song compared to the other videos up on youtube. As much as I love Lansbury, I think this is just a more understandable performance.
fraz87 1 year ago
Sweeneys voice is really good in this vid i like it
not too sure about Lovett tho
I like Angela's rendition of Lovett better
imsweeneytodd 1 year ago
I don't like Julia's portryal; she makes Mrs. Lovett look like a hag from Narnia!
Plus, it's a shame that this only an awards act; I would love to hear how Alun Armstrong portrayed Sweeney!
2010Wilde 2 years ago
that's Alun!? God, find more videos of him! He's my all-time favorite Thenardier!
WondersNassiri 2 years ago
Actually, it isn't! That's actually the original Sweeney from the first london cast: Dennis...something! He did as a one-off performance for this occasion.
2010Wilde 2 years ago
Dennis Quilley
MaskedLion 1 year ago
is this from the one london recording?
RaWrZzZz 2 years ago
I never thought I'd say this, but Angela Lansbusy suddenly looks underplayed and dignified. O_o *lol*
Bobzeaux 2 years ago
I would've payed £1000 to see the whole of this production live.
adaircairell 2 years ago
I can definitely see Imelda Staunton as Mrs Lovett (she was undersecretary/headmistress in Harry Potter and Phoenix) and is a great actress in almost everything she does but cannot see Michael Ball as Sweeney Todd. Yes, he has the range, vocally, but he is too sweet sounding vocally and in his demeanor. It is definately casting against type. Sweeney has to have that insane/psychopathic yet sympathetic thing going and I don't see Ball having the insane/psychopathic thing. Her, yes. Him, no.
ferrierepc 2 years ago
or how about Brenda Blethyn? She can play ogres (as in Little Voice)!
noahsdad61 1 year ago
I am a huge fan of Brenda Blethyn and loved 'Little Voice' because of her, even though her character was hardly likeable. Mrs Lovett needs to have a strong voice and I don't think I have ever heard her sing. Yes, is she has the voice, she could do it so well. I met someone who knew her and said that the northern English accent she puts on so often (and cockney/East London) is all put on and that she speaks Queen's English. You are right, indeed! Would love to see her do Lady Macbeth, too.
ferrierepc 1 year ago
by the way sweeney todd fans i'm one two its opening in london again in 2011 it was said on eliane page and enternet the cast for mrs lovett and sweeney todd are.
Michale Ball as sweeney todd
and Imelda Stanton as mrs lovett apprently she was in harry potter the 5th
operastar1994 2 years ago
I WANNA GO
abbiejohnson1 2 years ago
I've got a soft spot for Angela Lansbury's Lovett and always will, but Julia McKenzie is absolutely brilliant here! I'd love to have seen the full production of this.
zankokunasora 2 years ago
Agreed
TaoDusk 2 years ago
I love the production, only don't like Worst Pies in London scored with organ.
Aquired2 2 years ago
in a couple of weeks im interviewing this mrs lovett - any questions you guys think/want me to ask about this role?
jayrip 2 years ago
this is my favorite interpretation of mrs lovett! shes chatty and cheery yet dark and imperfect. (that contradicts itself but you guys get it, right?)
SingingStar818 2 years ago
Comment removed
prozack1312 2 years ago
I LOVE IT!! it's amazing... she's amazing and perfect
lostboySlightly 2 years ago
This Mrs. Lovett is perfect. Half crazed and not too pretty. All the other Lovetts are too perfect. She has the qualities of Lovett, while being imperfect!
ActorJames9421 2 years ago 15
This is my favorite Lovett. Just wow.
Angela comes next, then Patti--but all three are great performances.
aa6338 11 months ago
She's good!
henrysvg 2 years ago
I also saw this production at the NT in the 90s. I thought it was fitting to see the show in such a bleak space.
cohodas208c 2 years ago
wtf? mrs. lovett's on crack.
killhannahlover 2 years ago
Pity the sound quality is total crap.
EdnaSweetlove 2 years ago
I wish it would come back to London i am 14 coming up for 14 15 and i am so wanting to see this
operastar1994 2 years ago
i saw this production on iits very last performance with my sister. i was quite young at the time. one of my few memories was during this (mrs lovetts) song the rolling pin fell off the table with a bang and then rolled off of the stage! still one of(if not the) best nights i have ever had in the theatre.
there was a recording of this whole production that was aired on bbc radio 3 shortly after it finished. does anyone know to find it?? would really like to hear it again
glynbo 3 years ago
scary year i was born sigh
operastar1994 3 years ago
This is a really good, gritty, dirty version. Makes a change as all the Victorian sets in films look gothy and romantic, although I do LOVE the Burton version. Is there more of this version?
lostmyshoes80 3 years ago
i have this gr8 version of sweeny todd that i taped off the radio ages ago. it was done by the company opera north and it is just amazing! the tape is wearing down though :(
fatbob666 3 years ago
Maybe you should transfer the tape to CD, if that is possible. It would really be a shame to lose that bit of theatrical history.
OldieMusicMan 2 years ago
wow! I love this! I've seen the musical in portugal, the musics are the same, but they sing in portuguese! it was great, just like this!
nicasportugal 3 years ago
I prefer the OBC to this, but Mrs. Lovett really gets into it, she's not bad.
DukeofYar 3 years ago
i remember seeing her at the national theatre doing this....the best version of sweeney ive ever seen
dickie1066 3 years ago
WOW....this really is one of the best versions of Sweeney I have ever seen!!
CubicalGirl 3 years ago
Wow, they were great!
handmiadenofgod 3 years ago
Wow. She is good.
maryandtom 3 years ago
AMAZING =]
i forget if i already commented but I love the way that its slightly londonish (cockney?) accents, as the story is set in london
its brilliant ;]
bobulous1993 3 years ago 9
Jesus, I would kill to hear the full score w/ Julia McKenzie. She rocks! Also, it's cool to hear the organ being used more prominently as part of the orchestra, which I don't think I've heard before.
misscleo3861 3 years ago
I totally agree, imo she nails it far better than Patti, Helena and Angela. I wish I could hear her sing my friends.
autumn999 3 years ago
A recording with this cast was made. It was played over BBC Radio, luckily I got a copy and can email upon request.
MaskedLion 3 years ago
you know where to get a COPY???? of this???? I saw the show at the National. I would love to know how to get a copy of the recording!
jeffg773 3 years ago
THIS IS BRILLIANT!!
pjsdoggy 3 years ago
She NEEDS to play Mme Thenardier in Les Miserables. She was BORN to play that.
arwentheelf02 3 years ago
this mrs lovett is playing a typical 19 century londoner, you don't get that on broadway
WJC007 3 years ago
ah, but I wouldn't go and say that all 19th century londoners residing in Fleet Street sounded like stark-raving alcoholics. I wasn't incredibly fond of her, if not just because it was more screaming and overracting than anything else.. i'm extremely partial to angela lansbury, but that's just my opinion.
And I MUST say, I have NEVER been more frightened of the character Sweeney until I saw that bastard jump out nowhere and sing "He served a dark and a vengeful god". AWESOME!
klickenpod 3 years ago
i cant believe she's belting most of this
funkadelic89 3 years ago
so confused, loved this version and wanted to see more but why the bow after "worst pies" command performance? concert version? surely not with that set! is there a version i can get my hands on?
rrkrum 3 years ago
It's the Olivier Awards in 1994, the sort-of British equivalent of the Tony Awards.
jaypmorgan 3 years ago
I really liked this! althoug it would have been cool of they moved around in the opening. but i liked how this one was differant from all the other broadway sweeney todds.
456Josh 3 years ago
I like the detail of Mrs. Lovett drinking gin, and the ambiance is awesome.
Johnny123456789x 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Is she playing Mrs. Lovett or Madame Thenardier.
Mattbrain 3 years ago
flawless performance. i think it's amazing that the actress that plays mrs. lovett can come across as so poor and dirty, but yet she sings so wonderfully and still show off her beautiful voice!
mimi3733 3 years ago
Mrs Lovvet in this is amazing!
456Josh 3 years ago
McKenzie is brilliant! Bravo!
judas2610 3 years ago
I love the group
Mrs. lovett is good scred me a little bit thou
haha
sarahhlc 3 years ago
Hey, this is pretty good! :D I love the group.
honorableshadow 3 years ago
The Best theater is in london, it is the land of theater
Mo7ammaD87 3 years ago
For those of you interested, have a look at julis mackezie doing "broadway baby" stunning interpretation.
Sondheimsbitch 3 years ago
Now that is an excellent rendering of the song. Personally, I think that the most important aspect about their performance is that it was original. Unlike others who tried to copy the original production, they invented their concept and their own interpretation.
Fantastic job, well done!
HenryBakerHarvington 3 years ago
I saw this at the National at the time, still the best show I've ever seen. Loved it.
kentguy26 3 years ago
Excellent!! I wasn't aware that Ms. McKenzie had such a voice! Her Mrs. Lovett is up there with Angela Lansbury's- a completely different take on the approach, just as perfectly executed.
I hope that Ms. McKenzie does some singing (somehow) in the Miss Marple TV series~
Anne
annefu02 3 years ago
Sorry to dissapoint but Julia Mackenzie has retired from singing. this was her last show.
Sondheimsbitch 3 years ago
mrs lovett is fantastic!!!
themightyginge1992 3 years ago 2
I think this is a pretty good job.
80sKick 3 years ago
Ohhhh...a customer! That was brill!!! Best delivery!
Medication102 4 years ago
Without a doubt the best Mrs Lovett I have seen (including Lansbury, Lupone and the almost criminallly inert Bonham-Carter).
For some reason though, this video does not capture the magic of the actual performances at the National Theatre. It is all a bit forced here - perhap the stage and auditorium are just rather a lot bigger than at the NT original venue...
d60944 4 years ago
After Julia McKenzie (and even Patti Lupone and Angela Landsbury), H. Bonham Carter, poor pretty thing, sound like a little pussycat for Ms. Mooney's pies.
1blacklab 4 years ago 2
Um, why does nobody move for the entire opening ballad? The music clearly designates moments of movement and moments of rest.
dlweiss 4 years ago
the music is in direct contradiction to the specific stage directions that are for no motion on stage- it's a point made by Sondheim.
miaowjlm 3 years ago
Hm. Screechy. Slightly insane. I like it! XDDD It's very different.
shigureseditor 4 years ago
She doesn't look like the Mrs. Lovett I'd think of...the Mrs. Lovett I see still has some of her former beauty, since she's always hoping for the past to relive itself (going "By the Sea" and having a husband).
ksnygirl 4 years ago
I like it.
wickedLAcastlover 4 years ago
is this the olivier awards?
musicaldudepeter 4 years ago
Thanks for posting this! Julia McKenzie rocks! This is such a difficult song to pull off. I'm a bit apprehensive about seeing Tim Burton's film - can't help feeling that the music will be compromised.
Rooti1 4 years ago
I've never been a fan of hers but, after this clip, I may to reevaluate that opinion. She was really superb. I wish this entire production had been recorded!
UncleCharlieOakley 4 years ago 2
i really like this mrs lovett
very unusual, and scary, creepaleep
wouldyoulikeit 4 years ago
Ew, I don't like her version of Mrs Lovett. She would make a much better Madame Thénardier in Les Miz.
xoffender45 4 years ago
i actually agree with you
carecare91 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
shes annoying mrs lovett is she looks liek and acts like shes drunk
greenemerald152 4 years ago
"shes annoying mrs lovett is she looks liek and acts like shes drunk"
Most women of Mrs Lovett's lowly station in life in early Victorian London were rather fond of their gin.
ftumschk 4 years ago
indeed they were :)
The parents of the actual Sweeney Todd were alcholics.
NoldoWise 3 years ago
There really WAS a Sweeney Todd?
darthvalor07 3 years ago
No. Lots of people think there was, but it was just a Victorian myth.
santaevita1945 3 years ago
She's SOOOOOO good as the witch in "Into the Woods." She does THE BEST "Last Midnight" EVER.
pancho12 4 years ago
Oh wow. At first look at her I thought she was the begger woman. It was good. Scary...but good.
theatredork4ever 4 years ago
im lovin the whole completely stand and sing ballad, any1 got videos of maria frriedman as mrs lovett, wana see how she was
tmhereford 4 years ago
britts have a weird way of singing "properly" it is like doubely british
musicalfool 4 years ago
The worst pies in london is a strange song you really have to sing and act and speak at the same time to get the emotion and speed of it
musicalfool 4 years ago
what an original take on the role of mrs lovett!!! she didn't just sing the hell out of it, she acted the hell out of it!!! amazing!
jwiener 4 years ago
um... she sang the hell out of that. amazing.
AnonymousActor 4 years ago
Well done.
PoseidonRM 4 years ago
Wow. Julia McKenzie. That was pretty awesome. Nice take on Mrs Lovett.
Chaadi87 4 years ago
I would so love to see her doing by the sea. :P be such a contrast with the characterization she shows here. Too bad the show closed over 10 years ago. :( I wish we had an equivalent of the lincoln centre videos here in London.
nekonuk 4 years ago
I love Julia McKenzie. Seriously.
theaterkid1015 4 years ago
I laughed when the random black guy popped out. Haha!
EvanOz85 4 years ago
This is fantastic! I'm sure this is not Alun Armstrong though, I think it's Dennis Quilley.
ollythebug 4 years ago
that bold man looks like Red Foreman XD
marvelman79 4 years ago
Scariest. Factory Whistle. Ever.
jayctravis 4 years ago
It's hard not to compare this to the Sweeney Todd: In Concert chorus where they marched around...still good tho, dark, just how I like it.
msartemisia 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Julia McKenzie extremely overacts and messes up the lyrics.
matonad44 4 years ago
You can think she overacts if you want to, but she doesn't mess up the lyrics - not ONCE!
DavidHuxley 4 years ago 2
The correct lyric is "These are probably the worst pies in London". Mckenzie sings "These have gotta be the worst pies in London"
matonad44 4 years ago
I didn't hear that... When?
DavidHuxley 4 years ago
OK, you're right, but that was probably intentional... Angie Lansbury messed the lyrics of BY THE SEA on the Tony telecast much worse.
DavidHuxley 4 years ago
Mrs. Lovett is supposed to be nuts/crazy so i understand if she is overacting, she's supposed to be.
RCDEF823 4 years ago
best version of worst pies in london ever!! if a musical is set in england KEEP THE CAST ENGLISH!! yes patti lupone is amazing but her english accent is diabolical!! can't wait to see how helena does it!
PhantomCake 4 years ago
do they sell this?
23jedimaster23 4 years ago
The Sweeney is magnificent. I wish they had made a cast recording of this revival. Alun Armstrong, the Sweeney, is an amazing actor, not only is his Sweeney the best, but Thenardier is the best too.
Bunchbackdtoad 4 years ago
Isn't the Sweeney here Denis Quilley? He looks a little bit like Armstrong, but sounds nothing like him.
ImhotepsAshes 4 years ago
Nope. Dennis Quilley was the Original London Cast Sweeney. This has to be Armstrong because the same night this was performed, he won an Olivier award for Best Actor.
Bunchbackdtoad 4 years ago
Amazing. Alun Armstrong is an even more versatile actor than I imagined. Comparing this to his Thenardier it's stunning how different they are in voice and appearance. And he sings beautifully! Don't you just hate him? ;)
ImhotepsAshes 4 years ago
He seems so different because he IS different - this isn't Alun Armstrong or Dennis Quilley. Quilley took over from Armstrong (and yes, he was the original London Sweeney as well), but this is a different actor who must have taken over later - sorry, I don't know his name.
AllanWo 4 years ago
Thought it was too good to be true... But I take back nothing I said about Armstrong! He is excellent!
ImhotepsAshes 4 years ago
why'd that guy smile at "his skin was pale"-oh wait everyone's laughing...
in this production EVERYONE'S insane!
I love how in the beginning they make him stand with the crowd in disguise!
GaminattheBarricades 4 years ago
I wish ths cast moved a little more during the opening. Other than that I have no complaints. Certainly this is an interesting take on lovette's character to say the least.
outlaw1212 4 years ago
I know what you mean, but the fact that they're not running around needlessly lets them sing flawlessly. This is the most perfectly directed and balanced choral cast I've seen.
jayctravis 4 years ago
This Sweeney sucks. He's too clean-cut and handsome, and he's singing the music with one of those annoying "opera accents." It's Sondheim, not Puccini for God's sake.
singforyoursupper 4 years ago
Judging from the way this is directed, it seems like they made the choice to make Sweeney more normal at the beginning and go for contrast later. I'd *love* to see more of this production.
jayctravis 4 years ago
I predict Burton's version of Mrs. Lovett and the style of the set will model itself the most after this version.
julesreverie 4 years ago
I wonder if the film will be really really dirty like this! or Hollywooded?
maskerade123 4 years ago
Julia McKenzie was really good!
A really different version but still excellent!
Bottogesell 4 years ago
I think Julia McKenzie's interpretation is wonderful. I like the aspect of her drinking because as she says "times is hard!". I'm not putting down other actresses here. It is just fun to see the variety of interpretations.
makeittrue 4 years ago
WOW! I've been looking for something from the London cast production since I saw it in the summer of 1980! I don't think this is the production I saw though. Anyone know where I can find a CD or any video of that? This is terrific as well...thank you so much for sharing it.
johnmcd7 4 years ago
This interpretation of Mrs. Lovett is my absolute favorite. It's funnier, grittier, and much more logical than any of the other ones-- either Lansbury's jolly-crazy lady or LuPone's sultry businesswoman. This one is simply a down-on-her-luck shopowner in Dickensian times who is poor and out of options.
By the way, it's an absolute PLEASURE to actually hear this part being sung with a REAL English accent.
tzohar 4 years ago
I think Angela Lansbury's English accent is quite REAL, since she is English and lived most of her youth in the UK up until Second World War began.
kubushh 4 years ago
I was referring more to how you hardly see it done with a read English cast. :)
tzohar 4 years ago
Angela Lansbury's accent is real? :S Have you HEARD her? Sorry, I've lived in England all my life, and have never heard an english person in my life. and she left England when she was around 13 or 14, so it would've been easy for her to lose her accent for the american one, which she did. Her performance is good, but her accent is TERRIBLE.
nekonuk 4 years ago
she currently resides in Ireland right now I believe but her accent at least for this show was intended as an exaageration, and in a few interviews she's stated as such.
thinggoes 4 years ago
Mrs. Lovett is such an awsome Character
rainbowspotter 4 years ago
the guy playing Sweeney looks like Bruce Campbell.
ashfan1989 4 years ago
I think its Len Cariou. But who knows maybe your right.
rainbowspotter 4 years ago
The first song sucks, but my god, Julia McKenzie is by far the best Lovett I have seen (and I saw Lansbury, Lupone and some others). Also, best staging of Worst Pies. Weird how flat and unimaginative the openning number is.
whereismikeyfl 4 years ago
Maybe she's less likable, but she's more like a failing business woman in Dickensian England. Definitely darker, but not as campy as the way Patti Lupone played her darker edge. I actually like this. Very different from Angela of course. You can't compare the two, they're completely separate approaches.
clarklesparkle 4 years ago
It's a little quiet, but I rather like it. I liked the Worst Pies in London. Well done!
romans11 4 years ago
Their Sweeney sounds Swedish.
MilkmanConspiracy 4 years ago
starting off this way, mckenzie has her work cut out for her making you like mrs. lovett by the ending.
lepetitthimble 4 years ago
I like it
maskerade123 4 years ago
Question is, are you really SUPPOSED to like Mrs. Lovett? That's up in the air IMHO - the only one you have to be able to emphathize with is Sweeney (of the lead two - up untill "Epiphiny," that is). You could argue that, despite all of the horrors that Sweeney does in the 2nd act, Mrs. Lovett is the more evil of the two, as everything she does is to get what she wants.
jmdixon 4 years ago
she's the Lady Macbeth of this play-more like a force than a person which controls the path of the play and the fate of the (anti-)hero--perhaps she's Sweeney's god *cracks up at thought*.
But, of course, she is apart of the post-Epiphany Sweeney (I'm not gonna spoil the plot by giving an example but just think about it...).
In short: fear her, hate her, feel nothin' 'bout her, yer pick (tho' she is funny).
GaminattheBarricades 4 years ago
NONO NO
she is not evil.
she is immoral, true.
she does everything she does because of her pitiful hope that sweeney will love her, and to benefit her own life.
it may be horrid on the level, but you have to empathize with her as well.
if you don't like mrs. lovett you won't want to laugh at her- and if you don't laugh at mrs. lovett there is little to no 'bright-side' of this show and all you can feel is tragic the entire time,
lepetitthimble 3 years ago
which would defeat the brilliant writing that does it's best to have mrs. lovett lift the mood even from the moment she enters the stage and the entire feeling of the show changes.
lepetitthimble 3 years ago
The opening was very.....boring.
Didn't like it.
I agree with Doooooooooom666 when they say that she makes Mrs Lovett less likeable.
Gotta agree.
She looks like a drunk lady trying to sing. LOL
ticklemeelmo3333 4 years ago
She's good, but I couldn't see the character the way she played her actually saying her pies were awful. She'd seem more the type to bitch slap ya if you made a face at the taste or the way she kept 'er shop.
MilkmanConspiracy 4 years ago
Thank you! I loved seeing this version of Mrs. Lovett - very refreshing and VERY entertaining!
msaada 4 years ago
i agree... shes amazing
TheTrendThisWeek 4 years ago
OMG! I love this show and I saw this production way back when I visiting London in 1994. It was my first Sondheim show and I've been a fan since.
I paid for student priced tickets and was in the 2nd row middle, and had some blood squirted on me when Sweeney killed Pirelli.
I saw this before I saw the DVD with Angela Lansbury, and I'm at odds who the better Mrs Lovett is. But I think both Angela and Julia McKenzie both did a great job, better than Patti LuPone, me thinks.
dc10kl13 4 years ago
This looks really good, but I don't know if I like her as lovett...she just seems a bit whinny, not as fun to watch as langebury, and I actually perfer both of lupone's characters (being the concert version and the revival, because she does play them differently) her accent of course is tons better then lupone's no doubt about that.
bassman462 4 years ago
l love it!
jgar6 4 years ago
wow i love this lady as Mrs. Lovett!
Wheresmyvoice77 4 years ago
McKenzie seems to have added a more realistic approach to the character of Ms Lovett. And flippin' crazy too. But I do love Angela's the best!
jazzitlikeopera 4 years ago
This is sort of bland, physically.
alifetimeatsingsing 4 years ago
I don't know if I really like it. It lacks feeling, and it's not as interesting. In the begining all the people do really is pose a bit. It seems a little tense. Mckenzie played Mrs. Lovett pretty well, but the way she did made the caracter much less likeable in my opinion. I don't really like seeing it so dark, it makes it look like what you assume when you hear about the play: just some random idea for a gorey show.
Dooooooom666 4 years ago
McKenzie is awesome. She was also the original witch in "Into the Woods" and Sally in "Follies" (London productions). She played Lovett twice and was also a member of the original "Side by Side by Sondheim" cast. She is well versed in her Sondheim =)
SondheimHammer 5 years ago
do have Adrian Lester singing "Not While I'm Around" if so could you please put it up as that is one of my favourite songs from Sweeney
frankthe2nd 5 years ago
No, Adrian Lester actually played Anthony and therefore didn't sing 'Not While I'm Around'
AllanWo 5 years ago