BWW Interviews: David Bedella and Sarah Ingram of Twickenham Theatre's SWEENEY TODD
By: Robert Diamond Aug. 28, 2014
As the first week of rehearsals come to an end for Sweeney Todd at Twickenham Theatre, we caught up with David Bedella and Sarah Ingram to see how it's all going.
So, David, Sarah, how's it going so far?
DB: It's been an eye opener. Just when you think you understand how difficult and complex Sondheim's work is, Sweeney Todd lands in your lap and everything else in the world seems easy!
SI: It's overwhelming but inspiring. Having a great time.
Can I ask what attracted you to the roles of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett?
DB: Sondheim; the complexity and challenge of the character; the music. And obviously the fact that I'm a masochist!
SI: I've loved the show for as long as I can remember. The music is so beautiful and so haunting. I've always wanted to sing it.
And how do you view the relationship between Sweeney and Lovett?
DB: She is simply a tool in my quest for revenge.
SI: From Lovett's point of view, it's pure attraction and pure love. She'd do anything for him and the proof is in the pies!
Is Sweeney a man on a mission, seeking revenge for the love of his life OR an evil serial killer, seeking revenge on ALL society?
DB: I imagine he's both. It begins as a quest for revenge but when faced with reality and bleakness of human nature he decides to widen the spectrum.
SI: I agree. I think it starts as one and develops into the other. Power is a corruptive thing.
This production is a return to Sondheim's original format, as a small chamber musical. What challenge will that present to the cast and crew?
DB: It's less of a challenge than it is a gift.
SI: It becomes purely about the text, not bells and whistles. It allows subtly in the storytelling which is gift actors very rarely get the chance to explore nuance.
How will this production be different to previous versions of the show?
DB: By virtue of its size it will be wonderfully intimate.
SI: No one knows who I am?!
What is the most challenging aspect of this role/production?
DB: Without a doubt, the singing. It's operatic in nature and lies on top of such intense emotions.
SI: Trying not to miss a beat. Every lyric is important, a new idea or a new thought. There are no 'fillers'.
Sarah, the real Mrs. Lovett was said to be highly unattractive! This might explain her willingness to aid Sweeney in his work, in order to try and win him over.... How will you portray Mrs. Lovett and explain her actions to an audience?
S: It's interesting to me that these characters are. capable of so much love and so much passion and that never changes. It doesn't matter how evil somebody is, they have loved someone or something completely at some point in their lives. Love tends to be the force behind most evil acts. I don't know why that is. Love gives anything a green light. Throughout history, whether it be love of a person, love of a belief, life of a country. It's like it white washes conscience.
Is there any person you've worked with that really sticks out as someone who has left a special mark on you? Or has changed the way you work as an actor?
DB: Yes, Christopher Biggins. I hate him. I find him useless and I strive to be just like him!
SI: Kevin Spacey. It's an extraordinary thing with Kevin. The detail in his work is incredible. I've never witnessed anything like it.
Director wise, working with Declan Donnelan on Martin Guerre changed everything for me. I started it as a dancer and after six weeks working with him in rehearsals I was an actress. He made me see storytelling in a whole new light and just opened mind up really. Music wise David Charles Abell and Shaun Alderking who are the most talented musicians with a deep understanding of text.
Do you have any dream roles you'd like to play in the future?
DB: Yes - Christopher Biggins.
SI: Mamma Rose in GYPSY. But then every character of a certain age wants to get her teeth into that role. Basically every role that Imelda Staunton ever played. I've done a few of them - Adelaide, soon Mrs Lovett and I've done the nurse in R&J as well. So if she ever wants a night off, here's my number!!
Why should people come and see Sweeney Todd at the Twickenham Theatre?
DB: I think it will be more frightening in this setting than in most others. The show when done on a large-scale can be quite distant. In this production we will be in the laps of the audience and there will be no hiding! *Evil laugh*
SI: Because actually it's being produced as a chamber piece which is how it was written in the first place, and there's something very beautiful about well honed claustrophobia!
It seems inappropriate not to ask... what is your favourite pie?
DB: Any pie that's rare. I like them bloody!
SI: Oh, Shepherd - with actual Shepherd on top
Sweeney Todd begins previews at Twickenham Theatre on 10th September and runs until 4 October.
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