Meaty roles for stars of Sweeney Todd

The acclaimed Stephen Sondheim musical has never been staged in Northern Ireland before, and excitement is growing at the new Theatre at the Mill as the countdown begins to Tuesday’s opening night, (February 2). The Times this week caught up with the stars of the show - Peter Corry who plays the murderous barber Sweeney Todd, and Nuala McKeever, who takes on the role of Mrs Lovett, a pie shop owner and Sweeney's willing accomplice in the grisly tale of throat-slitting revenge. While Todd's victims meet a sticky end at the hands of the barber, his partner in crime Mrs Lovett, packs her meat pies with their flesh, selling them on to unsuspecting customers. Peter and Nuala (pictured below), took time out of busy rehearsals to share their thoughts both on the seminal show and the spanking new theatre facility where it will enjoy its run. Belfast comedienne Nuala McKeever who is perhaps better known to local audiences for her witty repartee rather than her singing, said her role in Sweeney presented a meaty new challenge. “I have never been in a musical before, so this is something new for me, a whole different ball game. I did do a bit of singing in another show that Peter directed called 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change', so have sung on stage before, just not to quite this extent. “In saying that, I must admit I am loving the musical theatre experience. I won't be singing like a lark by any stretch, but then again the part of Mrs Lovett doesn't require that so much. It is more about using my voice to communicate and get a feeling and a story across. I'm so loving playing Mrs Lovett, and really hope audiences will in turn enjoy me performing the role.” Nuala revealed that she and Peter go back a long way. “We used to be in youth orchestra together, back in the day. Peter played the horn, and I was on the flute. I fancied him like mad, he'd this fantastic head of hair, but when we met up years later, he didn't remember me!” she laughed. “I've forgiven him for that and it is wonderful to be back working alongside him in Sweeney. The show is full of black humour, and I believe that's something audiences here rather enjoy. “And while it is set in 1847, the story of Sweeney has plenty of elements to it that are very relevant to society now, and indeed even the politics of today if you look at the way things have gone here recently with the Robinson scandal for example. “It certainly taps into the current mood, and in that way, is actually very of the moment.” Acclaimed singer Peter described Sondheim's score as “difficult”, yet one that was extremely rewarding to work on. “Sondheim's Sweeney is an intelligent, classy score and has some really beautiful music. There's plenty of light and shade, it's clever and intriguing, and for those reasons it is a huge privilege and pleasure to bring it to a stage in Northern Ireland,” he said. “There's plenty of irony in it and that's what we've tried to tap into in this version. It won't be as bloodthirsty as the movie version no, but it will still be dark in places. I hope people will not only enjoy it, but that it will give them something to think about.” Both actors said they were utterly impressed with the borough’s new theatre. “It is a gem. A lovely and exciting space for performers, and the size of the main auditorium is perfect, providing just the right amount of intimacy,” said Nuala. “In fact I have to say that the entire Mill development, not simply the theatre alone, is amazing. The way the old mill buildings have been adapted for modern use, while still retaining that feeling of oldness and tradition, gives the whole of Mossley Mill a wonderful ambience, and of course, it also fits in so well with the tenor of the production we’re staging, so yes, I’m a big fan.” Peter added that the Council had shown imagination and foresight in driving through plans for such a fantastic facility for the borough, particularly during the economic downturn. “It is state-of-the-art, no doubt about that. A theatre of this calibre is a huge asset as far as the the promotion of arts and culture goes in Newtownabbey. And by that I mean not just for those who come here from all parts of the world to perform, but also for local schools, colleges, clubs, organisations and businesses.” Theatre at the Mill marketing manager, Susan McCleary, said she was keen to see the new facility drawing theatregoers from all parts of Northern Ireland and even beyond. “The Mill is served by a good bus route, and the railway halt is also very handy, so we’re hoping to have many new faces come visit the borough and its new theatre. For those travelling by car there is plenty of parking, with 140 extra car park spaces having been created as part of the theatre plans,” she said. “Tickets to Sweeney are selling well. We’ve had quite a bit of interest from school parties, indeed one school group is coming all the way from Ballymoney, and I’ve also heard we are going to have a group of Dutch visitors. They are coming over on a trip to Northern Ireland and must have heard about the new theatre and show in a ‘What’s On’ guide, so that’s brilliant.” Sweeney Todd is being staged in the Theatre at the Mill from February 2 to 13. To book tickets, ring: 9034 0202 or log on to www.theatreatthemill.com