Sweeney Todd: use of performance space

The Setting and Physical Space of ‘Sweeney Todd’

Sweeney Todd’s Barbershop

Elevated from the rest of the stage, the barbershop symbolises Sweeney Todd’s social superiority over the customers.
The distinct, balustrade-like structure of the barbershop’s chair conveys an eerie sense of danger and death, in line with the impending doom faced by Todd’s victims.

Mrs. Lovett’s Pie Shop

The shop is generally represented as lower in physical space, indicating her lower social standing in stark contrast to Todd.
The dull, grimy surroundings reflect the shop’s unhealthy practices and Mrs. Lovett’s corrupt morality.

Judge Turpin’s House

The higher physical space used for Judge Turpin’s house signifies his power and authority in society.
However, the muted colours and materialistic representation of the space shine a light on his inner corruption.

The Non-Literal Use of Space

The Oven

The oven in Mrs. Lovett’s Pie Shop is symbolic of hell, resonating with the theme of sin and death.
It’s a crucial area for executing the lethal plan of Todd and Mrs. Lovett, changing its meaning throughout the musical.

Sweeney’s Basement

Sweeney’s basement, where bodies are disintegrated, further emphasises the presence of death and serves as a tangible representation of his nihilistic view on life.

Movement and Positioning

Movement between Levels

Characters movement between levels in the stage setup serve as physical indicators of their shifting power dynamics.
For instance, Todd’s consequential rise to the upper level after his transformation symbolises his Readiness for revenge.

Positioning of Characters

The positioning of characters within the confined spaces offers an opportunity to explore their interpersonal relationships and to heighten dramatic tension.

Using space effectively is central to successfully staging ‘Sweeney Todd’. Whether it is through different levels corresponding with social statuses, symbolic representations of significant areas, or strategic character positioning, the use of performance space greatly contributes to the play’s overall thematic depth.