Sweeney Todd was the first of five musicals at the Coliseum Theatre in London directed by Lonny Price.
This was my first opportunity to work with Lonny Price, and I would go on to have a significant role in the production of three more musicals with Lonny Price.
As Sweeney Todd at the Coliseum was semi-staged, my role involved working with Emma Thompson on how to create Mrs Lovett's death. We planned for Mrs Lovett to fall from the stage into the orchestra pit, which was empty as the full orchestra were on stage.
Due to the highly fluid nature of the scene, and the height of the fall into darkness, it was decided that we would have six members of the ensemble catch Mrs Lovett to ensure there was no possible way to miss the landing area.
This involved training a large number of the ensemble in catching, lifting, and spotting, as well as working with Emma Thompson on correct falling and landing techniques.
This involved training a large number of the ensemble in catching, lifting, and spotting, as well as working with Emma Thompson on correct falling and landing techniques.
It was a pleasure to work with Emma Thompson, who was not only an absolute professional, but also a lovely person to be around.
The production team clearly liked my work, as I was invited back to work on many more productions after Sweeney Todd.
