Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) is in celebratory mood after selling out its forthcoming production fully two weeks before opening night.
The last few months have seen the society tackling one of the most gruesome shows in the musical theatre repertoire. Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic masterpiece, is being performed by DAODS for the first time in its history at Heathfields Hall, Heath Lane from 12th – 16th April.
Set in 19th century London, the musical details the return of barber Sweeney Todd after 15 years of exile, his heart set on taking revenge on the corrupt judge who banished him. He conspires with a local baker, Mrs Lovett, who is in desperate need of fresh meat for her pies…
The cast and production team have been working hard to get to grips with the intricate harmonies and lyrics in Sondheim’s score, as well as the technical challenges of a show with a high body count. “It’s certainly a departure from our last show, Boogie Nights,” says Laura Gillham, the show’s director and choreographer. “We’ve worked hard to try to create a very intense atmosphere for the audience, and that’s been helped by having some really strong performances as well as a cast of over 40 people!”
The cast have received a boost knowing that they will play to full houses every night, and DAODS will be hoping to repeat this achievement in October when it returns to Dartford’s Orchard Theatre for Annie Get Your Gun.
The society is always on the lookout for new people to join both as performers and backstage. If you are keen to perform in Annie Get Your Gun or are interested in becoming involved in any other way, you can email daodscom@gmail.com.
For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.