PICTURES: Meat-pies, murder and mayhem as Sweeney Todd comes to Tipperary

Many would say it's been a long time coming, but preparations are well underway for Tipperary Musical Society’s upcoming production of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which cuts a bloody dash into the Excel Theatre, Tipperary Town next month (February).

Based on the popular "Penny Dreadful" stories from Victorian England, the tale of Sweeney Todd was immortalised as a stage musical by Stephen Sondheim in 1979, as an epic tale of tragedy, gothic terror and sweet revenge. With a sweeping score, lavish setting and an alluring darkness, it was only a matter of time before Tipperary Musical Society set its sights on Fleet Street, London for their next outing.

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Leading a stellar local cast is the ever-formidable Derek Ryan in the title role of Sweeney Todd; a bloodthirsty spectre, seeking revenge - with a cut-throat razor as his instrument of choice!

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Dispatching victims from his barber's chair is tough work, so Sweeney's capable assistant in all things macabre is Mrs. Lovett, played by Deirdre Ryan, in a role she may have well been born to play.

Providing a little comic-relief, Mrs. Lovett's struggling meat-pie shop is set for a surge in popularity as her new recipe is a real hit with the locals… but what's in Mrs. Lovett's meat pies, anyway?

The cast of Sweeney Todd also features Paul Finn, in his welcome debut with TMS, as the sinister and cruel Judge Turpin, while Cathal Walsh is also welcomed into the fold in the role of Anthony Hope.

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TMS is also thrilled to present Jordan Freeman as Johanna, and Jamie Sheehan as Tobias Ragg. Making a return to the society is the ever-brilliant Rachel Breen as the mysterious Beggar Woman, James O'Donovan as Beadle Bamford, Cole Flanagan as Alfredo Pirelli, Connie Withero as Jonas Fogg and Eimhin O'Meara as the Bird Seller.

The sensational principal cast will be ably-supported by a phenomenal ensemble who act as Greek chorus, townsfolk, pie-eaters, policemen and even asylum lunatics, all while bolstering the complex, sumptuous vocals, which are the hallmark of this production. Under the renowned musical direction of Mary-Rose McNally, the audience can expect a lush 13-piece orchestra – a rare treat in amateur theatre.

TMS are also delighted to welcome their new Choreographer, Amanda Kearns from Limerick, who has been putting the cast through their paces over the last number of months. Finally, the society warmly welcomes back David Hennessy of Waterford, who returns to Tipperary Town as this year's Director.

Tipperary Musical Society invites you to line-up, extend your necks and brace yourselves for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street!

Performances takes place at the Excel Theatre, Tipperary Town from Monday, 16 February to Saturday, 21 February 2026, at 8.00 p.m., nightly. Tickets on sale from Thursday, 29 January 2026 and will be available at www.tipperaryexcel.com or by calling the Excel Theatre Box-Office on 062-80520. Strictly over 14s only.