AMPAUL with Paul Kendon Arts and entertainment blogger

The Tauranga Girls' College and Tauranga Boys' College's production of Sweeney Todd opened to a packed house at Baycourt Theatre last night.

It was a show of two halves with full credit to the chorus, crew, supporters and sponsors.

The stage-set is worthy of any million-dollar production and the period wardrobe convincingly authentic.

Jaden McLeod as Sweeney Todd reunited with his trade tools by Anna Mahon as Mrs Lovett. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

Anna Mahon almost steals the show as Mrs Lovett the sinister pie purveyor with a pitch perfect accent and eccentric antics appreciated by the audience.

The demon barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd, is performed to perfection by Jaden McLeod, who systematically slaughters most of the cast with the demeanour of the demented.

The plot sees Todd return from extradition under mysterious circumstances to reclaim his daughter, whom has been made a ward of the less than honourable Judge Turpin.

Turpin is played by Finlay Martin, who even I wanted to kill by the end of the show. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. Turpin is designed to be loathed and Martin lived up to the task.

Judge Turpin's henchman, Beadle Bamford, is brought to life by Liam Norris. Liam is a true talent and his time on stage stole many scenes and probably a few hearts as well.

Robbie O'Hara as Anthony seranading Leilani Taula as Johanna.

Anthony, the doting suitor of Todd's estranged daughter, played by Robbie O'Hara sung many solos enthusiastically received by the audience.

Todd's daughter Johanna played by Leilani Taula balanced Robbie's vocal talent with some inspired soprano solos second only to her polished presence and demure delivery.

Robbie Evison as Tobias with Anna Mahon as Mrs Lovett.

Watch out for the beggar woman played by Miriam Chancellor and Isaac Newton as the money grubbing former apprentice, who both shine in their roles and provide a couple of the shows OMG moments.

The real surprise of the evening was Robbie Evison as Tobias, the kind hearted urchin. I thought he was lip-syncing at first. His sopranos were spot on. He could easily be a big star one day.

Director Jodie Moore, Musical Director Stephanie Geor and Choreographer Jerrika Samuel have produced a show all other High School Musicals will be judged by this year.

The production runs from 24 to 28 July and is a lot of show for the small ticket price of $25 per adult or $15 per child or student.