Sweeney Todd: Costume design (including hair and make-up)

Costume Design in ‘Sweeney Todd’

Overall Concept

The costume design in ‘Sweeney Todd’ often adheres to a Victorian Gothic aesthetic, aligned with the historical context and dark themes of the play.
Costume design directly impacts the characterisation of individuals and reflects the socio-economic stratification of societies during the Victorian era.
Shades of black, white, and gray dominate the ensemble’s attire, subtly hinting at the story’s grimmer and darker elements.

Individual Character’s Costumes

Sweeney Todd’s costume typically consists of a ragged, Victorian-era barber’s outfit which becomes progressively bloodier as the play proceeds, reflecting his increasing moral decay.
Mrs. Lovett, being a working-class woman, is often seen in faded and worn-out dresses. These outfits reflect her struggle, emphasising her socio-economic status and pragmatism.
In contrast, the upper-class characters such as Judge Turpin and Beadle Bamford are clothed in fine, lavish garments, illustrating their higher social standing and authority.
Tobias’ attire often includes a newsboy cap and a tattered vest which clearly expresses his role as a vulnerable, street-hardened young boy.

Hair and Make-up Design Elements

Sweeney Todd’s hairstyle and make-up design often aligns with the sombre and morose tone of his character. His hair is usually black and styled straight back, giving a stern and slightly menacing appearance. His make-up is often pale to emphasize a ghostly, mournful presence.
The make-up design for Mrs. Lovett focuses on creating a worn-out, weary look, matched with disheveled hair, further reflecting her toilsome life.
Upper-class characters’ hair and make-up often exude pomp and sophistication. Judge Turpin, for example, could have slick, well-groomed hair and a well-trimmed beard.

Symbolism and Function of Costume, Hair, and Make-up Design

The dirty and worn clothing of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett contrasts sharply with the clean, fancy attire of upper-class characters, symbolising class disparity.
Progressively bloodier costumes highlight the growing darkness within Todd and reinforce the consequences of his actions.
Make-up design, particularly pallor and facial features shading, can be used to accentuate emotional states, health, or a character’s moral decline.
Character transformations can be symbolically represented through changes in costumes, hair, and make-up; for instance, Todd’s transformation from a regular barber into the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Understanding the role of costume, hair, and make-up design in ‘Sweeney Todd’ is essential for grasping character development and the progression of narrative themes in the play.