1. The Story of Sweeneyipaproductions.com/activities/sweeney/ipa-activities... · 2015. 11. 23. · IPA P A This activity is esigne to e use in conjunction with a erforance of A roductions’

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I PA This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Sweeney. For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.

Sweeney

1. The Story of SweeneyRead and listen to The Story of Sweeney.

The play begins with the arrival of Sweeney Clod and Tony, a sailor, to London. Sweeney Clod has been away from London for fifteen years. He admits to Tony that he has escaped from prison. He explains that he was a very clumsy barber who killed a man by accident when he was shaving him. He was sent to prison by a deaf, old judge, who didn’t hear him explaining that he was innocent. Sweeney Clod wants to find the daughter that he left behind. He makes plans to meet Tony again the next day.

When Sweeney Clod lived in London he’d had a barber shop on Fleet Street. The barber shop was above a pie shop. He decides to visit the owner of the pie shop, Mrs. Lovett. When he enters the shop, Mrs. Lovett recognizes him. Mrs Lovett tells Sweeney that his daughter, Johanna, has married the judge who imprisoned him, Judge Turnip. She says that Johanna married the judge for his money. Sweeney plans to get his revenge on the judge. Mrs Lovett tells Sweeney Clod that she has kept his razors and he agrees to rent the room upstairs again.

Meanwhile, Johanna goes for a walk with her husband, Judge Turpin. She married him for his money but regrets it as he is old and deaf. While he goes to buy her some flowers, Tony arrives. He sees she is upset and tries to comfort her. He agrees to rescue her from her husband and they decide to marry. When she mentions Judge Turnip’s name he realises that she is Sweeney’s daughter.

Mrs Lovett encourages Sweeney Clod to challenge Pirelli, an Italian barber, to a competition to prove who the fastest barber is. They bet on who will win. They have a shaving competition and Sweeney wins. Pirelli doesn’t have enough money to pay Sweeney and agrees to visit him later with the money he owes.

Tony tells Sweeney Clod that he has met Johanna and fallen in love with her. He encourages Sweeney to help him get rid of the judge so that he can marry her. Sweeney tells him to find out where she lives.

Later, Pirelli comes to the barber shop and reveals that he recognizes Sweeney Clod. He tries to take money from him and threatens to tell Judge Turpin that he has returned. Sweeney Clod accidentally kills him.

When Mrs. Lovett and Tony discover the body of Pirelli, she suggests that they use him for her pies. Many customers are killed to provide the meat for the pies. Mrs Lovett dreams of marrying Sweeney and moving to the seaside.

Judge Turpin comes to the barber shop for a shave and Sweeney Clod thinks at last he will have his revenge, but he realises that he can’t kill him. When Mrs. Lovett and Tony see the judge leaving alive they are unhappy. Mrs Lovett suggests that they poison him with one of her pies and rescue Johanna. She sends Tony to bring the judge back to the shop and makes some poisoned pies. The Judge arrives and eats a pie. He dies. Johanna arrives at the shop and is hungry so eats a pie. She dies. Tony is so sad that he eats a pie and dies. Finally, Sweeney Clod arrives and sees his daughter has died. He is devastated and eats the final pie. Everyone is dead.

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Teaching notes

Time

20–30 minutes

Level

Easy/Medium

Skills Focus

Listening and reading (possibly speaking).

Aim

To familiarize the student with the story of Sweeney. It’s also an opportunity for the students to learn any new vocabulary.

1. The Story of Sweeney

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2. True or FalseRead and listen to The Story of Sweeney then decide if the sentences are true or false. If you think a sentence is false, write the correct version below.

1. Sweeney Clod was sent to prison for robbery. T F

2. Sweeny Clod escaped from prison. T F

3. Mrs. Lovett doesn’t want Sweeney Clod to rent the room upstairs. T F

4. Johanna is happily married to Judge Turnip. T F

5. Judge Turpin is young and handsome. T F

6. Pirelli is a barber from Italy. T F

7. Sweeney Clod kills Pirelli by accident. T F

8. Mrs. Lovett doesn’t like the idea of using dead people in her pies. T F

9. Johanna wants Tony to help her to get rid of her husband. T F

10. Mrs Lovett wants to marry Sweeney. T F

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Teaching notes

Time

20–30 minutes

Level

Easy

Skills Focus

Writing and reading (possibly speaking).

Aim

To test the students comprehension of the synopsis of the play. It could be used as an opportunity for the students to work in pairs to discuss the correct answers.

Answers

1. False – Sweeney was sent to prison for murder.2. True 3. False – Mrs Lovett wants Sweeney to rent the room upstairs.4. False – Johanna is unhappily married to Judge Turnip.5. False – Judge Turnip is not young and handsome.6. True 7. True 8. False – Mrs Lovett likes the idea of using dead people in her pies.9. True10. True

2. True or False

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3. Story OrderRead and listen to The Story of Sweeney then put the events of the story in the correct order.

1. Johanna meets Tony in the street.

2. Mrs. Lovett gives Sweeney Clod the razors that she has kept.

3. Sweeney Clod kills Pirelli by accident.

4. Sweeney Clod is sent to prison.

5. Sweeney Clod challenges Pirelli to a competition to see who is the fastest barber.

6. Judge Turnip marries Johanna.

7. Tony falls in love with Johanna.

8. Mrs. Lovett recognizes Sweeney.

9. Tony and Sweeney Clod arrive in London.

10. Pirelli tells Sweeney Clod that he knows his real identity.

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Teaching notes

Time

20 minutes

Level

Easy

Skills Focus

Reading (possibly speaking).

Aim

Comprehension. To make students consider the sequence of events in the play in a logical order.

Variation

This activity could be made into a competition for small groups. Before the class cut the sentences into ten strips each containing one of the sentences from activity three. Give each small group a set of the ten sentences and tell them to put them in the correct order. The teacher should move around the classroom checking to see who gets the correct order first. This activity is great as a fun group activity.

Answers

4, 6, 9, 8, 2, 1, 7, 5, 10, 3

3. Story Order

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4a–4b. The Characters and Who Said That?

4aRead and listen to these descriptions of the characters in Sweeney. Use the information to help you with the exercise on the next page, and then listen to see if your answers are correct.

Sweeney ClodHis real name is Sweeney Todd, and he is an escaped prisoner who has returned to London after fifteen years away. After being falsely accused of robbery, he has returned to find the wife and daughter that he left behind. When he discovers that his daughter is married to Judge Turnip he vows to have his revenge.

TonyTony is a young sailor who meets Sweeney Clod when he escapes from prison. He is young and handsome. He falls in love with Sweeney’s daughter and wants to save her from her old husband.

Mrs LovettMrs. Lovett is the owner of the pie shop on Fleet Street, London. She saves Sweeney Clod’s razors and gives them to him when he returns. She is fond of Sweeney Clod and wants to marry him and move to the sea-side.

Judge TurnipJudge Turnip is responsible for sending Sweeney Clod to prison. He convicts Sweeney of murder as he is deaf and didn’t hear the facts correctly. Judge Turnip marries Sweeney’s daughter, even though she is much younger than him. He is a deaf, old man.

JohannaJohanna is Sweeney Clod’s beautiful, young daughter. She marries the Judge for his money. She pretends to fall in love with Tony so that he can help her escape her marriage to the old judge.

PirelliPirelli is an Italian barber. He recognizes Sweeney Clod and attempts to blackmail him. He threatens to tell Judge Turnip that Sweeney Clod is back in London. He becomes the first of Sweeney Clod’s victims.

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4b. Who Said That?Look at the character list below. Decide who you think says each sentence. Each character has two sentences. Use the information above to help you. Now listen to the sentences. Are you correct?

1. Yes, I am a bit clumsy.

2. So, it is you, Sweeney Clod, after all these years!

3. Yes, you are a stupid old man and I wish I’d never married you!

4. You know I’m a little deaf.

5. Oh dear! How can I get rid of the judge and marry Johanna?

6. If only he were young and handsome like you!

7. You will see who the best barber in the world is… mio!

8. Mr. Clod, I nearly forgot! I have found your daughter, Johanna!

9. Would you like a disgusting pie? This one is dog.

10. You don’t want Judge Turnip to know that you’re back in London do you?

11. Oh no! I’ve killed him.

12. I’m sorry, Johanna, my legs are old and I can’t walk as fast as you!

Sweeney Clod Tony Johanna Mrs Lovett Pirelli Judge Turnip

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Teaching notes

Time

30–40 minutes

Level

Easy/medium

Skills Focus

Reading and listening (possibly speaking).

Aim

To familiarize the student with the characters in Sweeney.

Suggested pre/post activity

Ask the students what they already know about the characters in Sweeney. Ask them what they think they look like or what clothes they wear. After the activity ask the students who their favourite character is and why. Ask them who they didn’t like and why.

Answers

Who Said That?

1. Yes, I am a bit clumsy. Sweeney2. So, it is you, Sweeney Clod, after all these years! Mrs Lovett3. Yes, you are a stupid old man and I wish I’d never married you! Johanna4. You know I’m a little deaf. Judge5. Oh dear! How can I get rid of the judge and marry Johanna? Tony6. If only he were young and handsome like you! Johanna7. You will see who the best barber in the world is… mio! Pirelli8. Mr. Clod, I nearly forgot! I have found your daughter, Johanna! TonyWould you like a disgusting pie? This one is dog. Mrs Lovett10. You don’t want Judge Turnip to know that you’re back in London do you? Pirelli11. Oh no! I’ve killed him. Sweeney12. I’m sorry, Johanna, my legs are old and I can’t walk as fast as you! Judge

4a–4b. The Characters and Who Said That?

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Complete the dialogue using adjectives from column A. Then read part of scene five/six to discover if you have guessed correctly.

Clod Hello, Mrs. Lovett. What are you doing?

Mrs. L I’m trying to cook, but it’s very (1) with only 3 fingers!

Clod Yes, sorry about that! Has Judge Turnip come to visit yet?

Mrs. L No, the judge hasn’t come.

Clod Has Pirelli come to give me my money?

Mrs. L Oh look, here he is now! (Enter Pirelli.)

Pirelli Good morning, Mr. Clod. Mrs. Lovett. This is a very (2) pie shop.

Mrs. L Would you like a (3) pie. This one is dog.

Pirelli No, thanks.

Clod Signor Pirelli. Come over to my barber shop. This way.

Pirelli I have come to pay you your money. Here you are. And as you are now the fastest barber in London, (Gives him money.)

you can shave me.

Clod Shave you? (Takes the coin he offers him. He is nervous.) Please, sit down.

Pirelli Yes, you are much faster than me.

5. Adjectives

A.

1. difficult

2. fair

3. awful

4. dark

5. disgusting

6. better

7. nice

8. fresh

9. rich

10. clumsy

B.

1. careful

2. poor

3. worse

4. wonderful

5. light

6. easy

7. rotten

8. lovely

9. unfair

10. nasty

Match the adjectives in column A with the opposite adjectives in column B. Example: (A1) difficult —(B3) easy.

6

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Clod Yes, I am a bit clumsy though. (As he nips him/cuts off his ear he gets out of the seat.)

Pirelli Ouch! Yes, you’re very (4) . I knew a clumsy barber, 15 years ago. He was clumsy just like you.

Clod Oh, dear?

Pirelli Yes, he killed a man while shaving him and went to prison for 15 years. (Clod starts to shake...) I know who you are!

Sweeney “Clumsy” Clod! It’s you, it’s you! You’re an escaped prisoner, a criminal, aren’t you?

Clod Yes, it’s me…sssh!

Pirelli You don’t want Judge Turnip to know that you are back in London, do you?

Clod No, please don’t tell him

Pirelli I won’t tell him if you give me all your money.

Clod Give you all my money? What do you mean?

Pirelli Yes, come on. Hand over all your money!

Clod Oh dear, that’s not (5) ! What shall I do? (As he turns round he accidentally kills him.)

Oh, no! I’ve killed him.

Mrs. L Mr. Clod, ah… there you are. Oh, my gawd! What have you done! You’ve killed him! Are you mad?

Clod Sorry, I didn’t mean to, I’m so clumsy!

Mrs. L Oh dear! What a mess! It’s a shame. He was quite nice. I’ve always liked Italians, especially (6)

ones. (Taking Pirelli’s wallet and pocketing the money.)

Clod He knew it was me who killed that man 15 years ago…

Mrs. L What! Really?! Oh well, (7) he’s dead then! What shall we do with him? We can’t leave him

here. (Tony comes in.)

Tony: Mr. Clod. I have found out where Johanna lives. Oh dear, what has happened?

Mrs. L Mr. Clod’s had another attack of the shakes! We must get rid of Pirelli soon or he’ll start to smell.

Tony When it’s (8) we can take him to the river Thames and throw him in.

Mrs. L Yeah, I suppose we could do that. Though, it’s an awful waste.

Tony Waste?

Mrs. L Yeah. There’s a lot of meat on him.

Tony Meat?

Mrs. L (9) meat, meat to eat, if you get it?

Tony I got it.

Mrs. L You got it.

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Teaching notes

Time

30–40 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Vocabulary

Aim

To extend the students’ vocabulary and consider the position of adjectives in the sentences.

Extension activity

Ask the students to work in pairs to choose another ten adjectives from anywhere in the script. The students then put the adjectives into column A. Now the students find out the opposite adjectives and put them into column B, in a random order. The students then exchange papers and try to match each adjective to its opposite adjective.

Answers

Who Said That?

A Bdifficult 6) easy fair 9) unfair awful 4) wonderfuldark 5) lightdisgusting 8) lovelybetter 3) worsenice 10) nastyfresh 7) rotten rich 2) poorclumsy 1) careful

5. Adjectives

Text gap-fill

1) difficult 2) nice3) disgusting4) clumsy5) fair6) rich7) better8) dark9) awful10) fresh

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Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Joshua Sondheim (born March 22, (1) )

is an American composer and lyricist for stage and screen,

winner of an (3) , multiple Tony

Awards (seven, more than any other composer) and the Special

Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple

Grammy Awards, and a (5) Prize.

He has been described as “the greatest and perhaps best-known

artist in the American musical theatre.” His most famous scores

include (as composer/lyricist) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins, as well as the lyrics for (7)

and Gypsy. He

was president of the Dramatists Guild from (9)

to 1981.

1. When ?

3. What ?

5. What ?

7. What ?

9. What ?

Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Joshua Sondheim (born March 22, 1930) is an (2)

composer and lyricist for stage and

screen, winner of an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards

(seven, more than any other composer) and the Special Tony

Award for (4) in

the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize.

He has been described as (6) .

His most famous scores include (as composer / lyricist ) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins, as well as the lyrics

for West Side Story and (8) .

He was president of the Dramatists Guild from 1973 to

(10) .

2. What ?

4. What ?

6. What ?

8. What ?

10. What ?

6. Pair Work – Stephen Sondheim

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Teaching notes

Time

30–40 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Writing, speaking

Aim

To allow students to use a variety of question forms.

Notes

Separate the text into two parts. Give students part A or part B equally. Give the students ten minutes to work on the questions either individually or in groups. Then put students into pairs (one part A, one part B) and let them ask and answer the questions to complete the information.

Variation

To make the activity more difficult take away the question words given in the answer. To make the activity easier, add extra words.

e.g. When Stephen Sondheim born?

Answers

When was Stephen Sondheim born?What type of composer is he?What did he win?Where did he win a special Tony award for?What prize did he win?What has he been described as?What did he write the lyrics for?What was the first story that Sweeney Holmes appeared in?What is an example of his most famous scores?When did he stop being President of the Dramatist’s Guild?

6. Pair Work – Stephen Sondheim

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7. CluewordFind the name of the character down the left-hand side by filling in the answers in the clue word puzzle below.

All the answers can be found in the vocabulary list.

(3) The type of food that Mrs Lovett makes

(8) The opposite of guilty.

(5) An instrument used to shave with.

(6) To run away from imprisonment

(6) The capital city of England.

(6) A synonym of ‘hear’.

(7) The other barber’s (not Sweeney) nationality

The Character is

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7. Clueword

Teaching notes

Time

20–30 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Writing, vocabulary.

Aim

To reinforce the vocabulary of the play and its meaning.

Notes

Give the students the list of vocabulary from the play to look at whilst doing the clueword. All the vocabulary needed can be found within the list. It is a good idea to do the crossword in pairs giving students a chance to discuss their ideas. Alternatively the clue word could be used as a homework activity.

Extension Activity

In pairs, the students choose another word, phrase or important sentence from the play and make up clues which contain the letters in the same style as the clue word below.

Answers

PieInnocentRazorEscapeLondonListenItalian

The character is PIRELLI

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Read and listen to scene four of Sweeney (below) then look at the words and find the corresponding word in the text which is a synonym (word with the same meaning – S) or an antonym (word with the opposite meaning–A). Write the word in the first gap and the sentence where you found it in the second gap.

1. murder (S)

2. jail (A)

3. careful (A)

4. lose (A)

5. slowest (A)

6. full (A)

7. ancient (S)

8. crazy (S)

9. divorce (A)

10. hear (S)

Scene Four : The Square

Mrs. L This is the market place. Listen. There’s an Italian barber called Pirelli.

Clod What do I want with an Italian barber? I want to kill Judge Turnip.

Mrs. L Ssssssh! You can’t just kill Judge Turnip. You’ll go to prison again!

Clod Prison! No!

Mrs. L We need a plan. Now, this Pirelli is a very good barber.

Clod I am very good, too.

Mrs. L. Yes, but you are very clumsy. And no one wants to go to a clumsy barber and get their fingers cut off.

Clod Yes, I see what you mean.

Mrs. L Now, Pirelli always shaves Judge Turnip because he is very good, but he is not very fast.

8. Synonym and Antonym Words

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Clod I am very fast!

Mrs. L Exactly. Clumsy but fast. Well, Pirelli is coming here today. My idea is that you challenge him to a shaving competition.

Clod Challenge him?

Mrs. L Yeah, challenge him to a shaving competition. You know, who can shave the fastest. If you win…

Clod Yes, if I win then I will be the fastest barber and Judge Turnip will come to me. He will come to me for a shave and then I

will chop all his fingers off!!

Mrs. L Ssssssh!

Clod A very good idea, Mrs. Lovett. (Enter Tony.)

Tony Mr. Clod!

Clod Tony, let me introduce you to Mrs. Lovett. She makes the horrible pies on Fleet Street.

Tony Yes, I’ve tasted them, they’re disgusting! How do you do madam?

Mrs. L. Pleased to meet you I’m sure. Look! Here he comes. Here comes Pirelli. (Pirelli enters.)

Clod Signor Pirelli, I presume.

Pirelli (Strong Italian accent) Si, Maestro Alfredo Pirelli, the fastest barber in the world, at your service, sir. Do you need a shave?

You are looking a little stubbly around the chinny chin, chin here!

Clod A shave? No, maestro, thank you but I am a barber myself. In fact, I am the fastest barber in the world and I challenge you

to shaving competition! (Shows razor.)

Pirelli A shaving competition?

Clod Yes, a shaving competition! The winner will be the one who can give the fastest shave.

Pirelli The fastest shave? I accept, sir. And you will see who the best barber in the world is…mio! But who will we shave? The

market place is empty at this hour of the morning.

Clod (Enter two customers.) Look. That gentleman might agree to it…and this one. Sir, would you like a shave? Free of charge

to you this morning! (They sit them down on a stool each, put towels around them and start to prepare.) Sit here, sir, and you

there. I will shave this gentleman and you, that one. Then we will see who gives the fastest shave. Understood?

Pirelli Understood.

Clod Would you be the judge, sir?

Tony Of course, it will be my honour.

Clod Ah! And what about a bet?

Pirelli A bet? Oh, yes, I like bets. I love bets.

Clod Good. Five pounds to the man who gives the fastest, shave.

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Pirelli Five pounds! Very well, five pounds. Prepare to lose your money, sir!

Clod We shall see, Signor Pirelli, we shall see. Let the challenge begin! (They shave the customers.)

Clod Finished!

Pirelli What, it’s not possible!

Clod Well, sir, who is the winner.

Tony Let me see. Well, the fastest, is this gentleman. Mr. Clod is the winner. Thank you, gentlemen. (Exit customers.)

Clod I am the winner. 5 pounds please.

Pirelli Hmm! This is a scandal! Very well, here is…oh, I only have 2 pounds. Take it; I will give you the rest tomorrow. I will

come to your shop. Where is your barber shop?

Clod On Fleet Street, next to Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop.

Pirelli Well, I will come later with the rest of the money. Congratulations Mr…?

Clod Clod, Sweeney Clod, at your service.

Pirelli Mr. Sweeney Clod. Good day.

Mrs. L Perhaps I can interest you in a hot, juicy pie, Signor Pirelli, fresh out of the oven?

Pirelli Mmm…perhaps. I am quite hungry after so much shaving. Let me escort you, dear lady, to your pie shop, and we can have

a little bite. How you say…nibble?

Mrs. L Oooh. Mr. Pirelli, you are awful! (They exit.)

Clod Thank you Tony.

Tony Mr. Clod, I nearly forgot! I have found your daughter, Johanna!

Clod My daughter, Johanna! Where?

Tony I met her in the street. But she is in a terrible situation. Her husband is a judge.

Clod I know!

Tony His name is Judge Turnip.

Clod I know!

Tony He is old, and deaf

Clod I know… What?

Tony (Shouting) I said he’s deaf!

Clod Did you speak to her?

Tony Yes, and she is so unhappy. But she loves me!

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Clod She loves you? Are you mad?

Tony Yes, but I love her, too. If we can get rid of the judge I can marry her and we can live happily ever after! What can we do

Mr. Clod? How can we help her?

Clod Listen. Find out where she lives, go to her house. Tell her I’m here and that we will dispose of her husband. You will

rescue her we will get rid of Judge Turnip and we will all live happily ever after!

Tony Yes, I will find out where she lives. Thank you, Mr. Clod.

Clod You’re welcome Tony. So, soon I will kill Judge Turnip, Tony will marry Johanna and we can all live happily ever after.

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8. Synonym and Antonym Words

Teaching notes

Time

20–30 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Listening, reading (possibly speaking)

Aim

To increase vocabulary by not only learning the words used within the play but also to encourage students to think about new words related to them.

Suggested Post Activity

Ask the students to work with a partner and find five new words from the scene. They should then write the synonym/antonym of the word. Get students to swap words with another pair or present them on the board to the other students. This could be done as a game with students scoring points for correct answers.

Answers

1. murder (S) – kill Clod: I want to kill Judge Turnip2. jail (S) – prison Mrs L: You’ll go to prison again.. 3. careful (A) – clumsy Mrs L: No-one wants to go to a clumsy barber.4. lose (A) – win Mrs L: If you win....5. slowest (A) –fastest Clod: I will be the fastest barber.6. full (A) – empty Pirelli: The market place is empty at this time in the morning.7. ancient (S) – old Tony: He is old and deaf8. crazy (S) – mad Clod: Are you mad?9. divorce (A) –marry Tony: I can marry her and live happily ever after.10. hear (S) –Listen Clod: Listen.

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9. Text Comprehension – Listening 1

Read and listen to Scene Two. Then answer these questions about the scene.

1. Does Mrs. Lovett recognise Sweeney when he comes to see her?

2. What does Mrs Lovett think of Sweeney?

3. Why did Johanna marry Judge Turnip?

4. Why did Mrs Lovett keep Sweeney’s razors while he was in prison?

5. Why does Sweeney want to open a barber shop?

6. What do Mrs Lovett’s pies taste like?

7. Why was Sweeney sent to prison?

8. What is Sweeney’s biggest problem as a barber?

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9. Text Comprehension – Listening 1

Teaching notes

Time

20–30 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Listening, reading (possibly speaking)

Aim

To test the students understanding of the scene and the complexities of what is happening within it.

Notes

This activity could be done individually as a simple written comprehension activity or in pairs with students discussing the answer. Encourage students to give as much information as possible to support their answer.

Answers

1. Yes, she recognises him very quickly.2. Mrs Lovett thinks he is handsome.3. She married Judge Turnip for his money.4. She keeps his razors because she hopes he will come back.5. He wants to open a barber shop to kill Judge Turnip.6. Her pies are disgusting.7. Sweeney was sent to prison for cutting a man’s throat.8. Sweeney’s biggest problem is that he is clumsy.

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Read and listen to Scene One. Now answer these questions about the scene.

1. It rains a lot in London. T F

2. Tony is a shortened form of Anthony. T F

3. Sweeney has been living in London for 15 years. T F

4. Sweeney went to prison for robbery. T F

5. Sweeney killed a customer accidentally. T F

6. Sweeney is very careful. T F

7. Judge Turnip sent Sweeney to prison for revenge. T F

8. Sweeney doesn’t want to see his daughter, Johanna. T F

10. True or False - Listening 2

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10. True or False - Listening 2

Teaching notes

Time

20–30 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Reading, writing, (possibly speaking)

Aim

To test the student’s comprehension of a scene of the play.

Notes

This could be used as an opportunity for the students to work in pairs to discuss the correct answers. The answers could then be presented on the board and the answers discussed and corrected as a group.

Suggested post activity

Ask the students to look at a different scene in the play and in pairs or small groups to come up with five true or false questions. Then each group should pass their sentences to another group to answer. Answers could be marked as a whole class board activity.

Answers

1. True. 2. True. 3. False. Sweeney has been away from London for 15 years. 4. False. Sweeney went to prison for murder. 5. True. 6. False. Sweeney is very clumsy.7. False. Judge Turnip sent him to prison because he was deaf and

didn’t hear Sweeney explain that it was an accident.8. False. He wants to find his daughter.

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Look at the words below. Now, read and listen to scene two of the play to find the word in the text which has the same sound.

E.g. Ate – Eight

1. Weak

2. Wood

3. No

4. Wear

5. Write

6. Four

7. Hear

8. Sea

Now complete these sentences with the correct homophones from the previous activity.

a. you like a cup of tea?

b. Did Shakespeare Hamlet?

c. I can the birds singing.

d. I love to swim in the .

e. Do you the name of this street?

11. Homophones

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11. Homophones

Teaching notes

Time

20–25 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Reading, listening and spelling

Aim

To familiarise the students with the sound of words and to encourage them to use the context of the text to work out the meaning of the word.

Notes

This activity could be done individually as a simple vocabulary exercise or in pairs with students discussing the answer.


Ask the students (individually or in pairs) to choose five more words from the list of homophones and write their own sentences. Then let them take turns to present them on the board for their class-mates to solve. This could be made into a game with points!

Answers

1. weak – week2. wood – would3. no – know4. wear – where5. write – right6. four – for7. hear – here8. sea – see

a. Would you like a cup of tea?b. Did Shakespeare write Hamlet?c. I can hear the birds singing.d. I love to swim in the sea.e. Do you know the name of this street?

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Find the words or characters from Sweeney hidden in the wordsearch. All the words appear in the vocabulary list.

12. Wordsearch

barber blade chin chop clumsy customer deaf ears innocent judge pie poison prison razor recognise shave

C E S I N G O C E R

U L J O P L E H V S

S L U G E E D O O B

T N D M R E A P A P

O O G T S T L R I R

M S E E K Y B E F I

E I O E S E V A H S

R O Z A R S E R N O

Z P P S A D C H I N

E N T N E C O N N I

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12. Wordsearch

Teaching notes

Time

15 minutes

Level

Easy

Skills Focus

Vocabulary

Aim

To reinforce vocabulary from the play.

Notes

Present the vocabulary on the board before the students do the word search and discuss the meaning of the words. The wordsearch is a fun way to start or end a lesson.

Answers

C E S I N G O C E R

U L J O P L E H V S

S L U G E E D O O B

T N D M R E A P A P

O O G T S T L R I R

M S E E K Y B E F I

E I O E S E V A H S

R O Z A R S E R N O

Z P P S A D C H I N

E N T N E C O N N I

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Listen to the song and try to fill in the missing words.

JohannaJohanna, I love you, you’re my (1) ,

the one for me – oohhh!

I’m in love and I won’t (2)

She’s my girl and the judge has to die

If Clod shaves the (3) and cuts off his nose

I can marry her and buy her new clothes

I’m going to do the best that I can

Kill her (4) and be her new man

If we chop him up and throw him away

I can be with my girl (5) and a day

Johanna, I love you, you’re my (6) ,

the one for me (x2)

Cut off his (7)

Slice up his throat

His (8) will go

Do it nice and slow

His ears will be next

His arms and his (9)

Clear up the blood

Everything goes

Joanna, I love you, you are the one, the one for me

Let’s kill the (10) and we’ll live happily ever

after! (x2)

Now find the correct words from the song.

1. Find five parts of the body.

2. Find the verb which means to not tell the truth.

3. Find the synonym for murder.

4. Find the homophone for knew.

5. Find the antonym for worst.

13. Song 1 - Johanna

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13. Song 1 - Johanna

Teaching notes

Time

30–40 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Listening, vocabulary

Aim

To increase vocabulary by becoming familiar with the words to the songs in the play. Also, to heighten the enjoyment of the students when they listen to the songs during the play.

Notes

Give the students a chance to go through the song and predict what they think the missing words will be before they listen to the music. They can do this either individually or in pairs. Then let them listen to the song at least twice to fill in the gaps. Check the answers together and when everyone has the correct answer the second part of the activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole group activity.

Answers

Johanna

1. girl2. lie 3. judge4. husband5. forever6. girl7. nose 8. fingers 9. toes 10. judge

Question Answers

1. nose, throat, fingers, ears, arms2. lie3. kill4. new5. best

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Listen to the song and try to fill in the missing words.

The Chop-Chop SongThere’s an old tradition A (1) we all can play You start by getting out your knife and sharpening your blade You take your knife all (2) You take your knife and pray You spread out all your fingers and this is (3) you say!

Oh, I have all my fingers The knife goes Chop Chop Chop And if I miss the (4) between My fingers will come off And if I hit my fingers, the (5) will soon come out But all the same I play this game, that’s what it’s all about!

No you can’t use a (6) . You cannot use a pen, The only way is with a knife when (7) is your friend And some may call it stupid, and some may call it dumb But all the same we play this game, (8) it’s so much fun!

Oh! I have all my fingers The knife goes Chop, chop, chop And if I miss the (9) between My fingers will come off And if I hit my fingers the (10) will soon come outBut all the same I play this game, that’s what’s it’s all about! (x2)

Now find the correct words from the song.

1. Find a synonym for beautiful.

2. Find an antonym for finish.

3. Find two things you can write with.

4. Find a homophone for weigh.

5. Think of 3 words, like knife, that begin with kn.

14. Song 2 - The Chop-chop Song

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Teaching notes

Time

30–40 minutes

Level

Medium

Skills Focus

Listening, vocabulary

Aim

To increase vocabulary by becoming familiar with the words to the songs in the play. Also, to heighten the enjoyment of the students when they listen to the songs during the play.

Notes

Give the students a chance to go through the song and predict what they think the missing words will be before they listen to the music. They can do this either individually or in pairs. Then let them listen to the song at least twice to fill in the gaps. Check the answers together and when everyone has the correct answer the second part of the activity can be done individually, in pairs or as a whole group activity.

Answers

The Chop-chop Song

1. game2. pretty3. what 4. space5. blood6. pencil7. danger 8. because9. space10. blood

Question Answers

1. pretty2. start3. pen, pencil4. way5. Possible answers: knee, knock, kneel, knickers, know, knew, knowledge, knight, knit, knot

14. Song 2 - The Chop-chop Song

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Scene Four: The Square

Mrs. Lovett tells Clod about Pirelli. Clod challenges him to a competition. Pirelli says he will come to see him at the barber shop to pay him.

Characters

Sweeney Pirelli Tony Mrs Lovett 2 Customers




Clod Prison! (He shakes nervously at the thought of going back to prison.) No!



Mrs. L. Yes, but you are very clumsy. And no one wants to go to a clumsy barber and get their fingers cut off. (She shows her fingers)





Clod Challenge him?

Mrs. L Yeah, challenge him to a shaving competition. You know, who can shave the fastest. If you win…

Clod Yes, if I win then I will be the fastest barber and Judge Turnip will come to me. He will come to me for a shave, and then I


Mrs. L Shhh!


15. Perform the Play

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Tony Mr. Clod!



Mrs. L Pleased to meet you I’m sure. Look! Here he comes. Here comes Pirelli. (Pirelli enters.)


Pirelli (Strong Italian accent.) Si, Maestro Alfredo Pirelli, the fastest barber in the world, at your service, sir. Do you need a

shave? You are looking a little stubbly around the chinny chin, chin here!

Clod A shave? No, maestro, thank you but I am a barber myself. In fact, I am the fastest barber in the world and I challenge

you to shaving competition! (Shows razor.)





Clod (Enter two customers.) Look. That gentleman might agree to it…and this one. Sir, would you like a shave? Free of charge

to you this morning! (They sit them down on a stool each, put towels around them and start to prepare.) Sit here, sir, and

you there. I will shave this gentleman and you, that one. Then we will see who gives the fastest shave. Understood?

Pirelli Understood.

Clod (To Tony pretending he doesn’t know him.) Would you be the judge, sir?

Tony Of course, it will be my honour.



Clod Good. 5 pounds to the man who gives the fastest, shave.

Pirelli 5 pounds! Very well, 5 pounds. Prepare to lose your money, sir!

Clod We shall see, Signor Pirelli, we shall see. Let the challenge begin! (They shave the boys. Clod finishes up quickly, while Pirelli is preparing.)

Clod Finished!



Tony Let me see. Well, the fastest, is this gentleman. Mr. Clod is the winner. Thank you, gentlemen. (Exit customers.)


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Pirelli Well, I will come later with the rest of the money. Congratulations Mr.…?






Mrs. L Oooh. Mr. Pirelli, you are awful! (They exit stage left.)





Clod I know!


Clod I know!


Clod I know… What?








rescue her we will get rid of Judge Turnip and we will all live happily ever after!


Clod You’re welcome Tony. So, soon I will kill Judge Turnip, Tony will marry Johanna and we can all live happily ever after.

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15. Perform the Play

Teaching notes

Time

40–60 minutes (or more with extension activity)

Level

Medium/difficult

Skills Focus

Speaking

Aim

To let the students involve themselves in the play by thinking about, discussing and performing a scene from Sweeney.

Extension activity

If the students are interested in the idea of acting out the scene, why not let them learn the words as homework and then make a performance day in the next class. Also if enthusiastic, different groups of students could study different scenes to recreate the whole play!

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See if you know the answers to this fun quiz.

1. What is the name of the large Ferris wheel overlooking London?A. The London WheelB. The Eye in the SkyC. The London Eye.

2. What is the name of the place where the Queen of England lives?A. Buckingham PalaceB. Birmingham PalaceC. Beckingham Palace

3. What is the name of the large clock tower in London?A. Big BobB. Big BenC. Big Bertha

4. When was the Great Fire of London?A. 1666B. 1866C. 1966

5. What is the river in London called?A. The River TimmsB. The River TamesisC. The River Thames.

6. Which band made the album “London Calling”A. The Sex PistolsB. The RamonesC. The Clash

7. In the past what other name has London been known as?A. Londonium B. Ludenwic C. Ludenburg

8. London was the first city to reach a population of more than one million, in 1811. It remained the largest city in the world until it was overtaken by which city in 1957?A. TokyoB. BeijingC. New York

16. London Quiz

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16. London Quiz

Teaching notes

Time

15–20 minutes

Level

Easy

Skills Focus

Speaking

Aim

A fun activity to open or close the class.

Extension activity

If the students are interested in the idea of writing a quiz, get them to choose their own topic and write 5-10 questions to present to the class.

Answers

The Chop-chop Song

1. C – The London Eye2. A – Buckingham Palace3. B – Big Ben4. A – 16665. C – The River Thames6. C – The Clash7. A, B, C – Londonium, Ludenwic, and Ludenburg!8. A – Tokyo

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17. Writing a Review

Evaluation questions

Did I like it in general? Why? When does the action take place? Did I agree

with the main purpose/theme?Why /why not? What specifically did I like or dislike? Why? How could it be improved?

“What” questions

What is the play about?What genre or classification does it fit? What is the tone?

“Who” questions

Who wrote it?Who are the main characters?

“When” and “Where” questions

When does the action take place? Where does the action take place?

These questions are designed to help you write a review of Sweeney. You don’t need to answer all of these questions, but the answers will help you to write your review.

In writing your review remember that you are trying to be persuasive. Plan your review and organize it in this way:

Introduction

Give the title and author and summarize the plot. Offer your general impression of the play.

Paragraph 2

How did the actors portray the main characters? Did they fulfil your expectations? Which performance was the most memorable?

Paragraph 3

Describe a memorable scene and say how it made you feel.

Conclusion

Give your concluding comments and tell the reader why (or why not) to see the play.

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17. Writing a Review

Teaching notes

Time

40–60 minutes

Level

Difficult

Skills Focus

Writing

Aim

To write a review of the play.

Notes

The activity should be presented on the board for an open class discussion or discussed in pairs or small groups. The student can then individually write the review. The review could be written as homework.


Ask the students to read their reviews to the class. Are they mostly positive or negative? Ask them to write another review using the guide below. Tell the students to write a review of a film/play/book they loved or one they hated.

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18. The Question Game


In groups, take turns to choose an answer and then create a question.

In groups, take turns to choose an answer and then create a question.

Points Characters Times and Places General

10 Sweeney London Pies

20 Johanna 15 years A razor

30 Mrs Lovett In the barber shop Poison

50 Pirelli The seaside For money

Points Characters Times and Places General

10 Sweeney London Pies

20 Johanna 15 years A razor

30 Mrs Lovett In the barber shop Poison

50 Pirelli The seaside For money

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Teaching notes

Time

50–60 minutes

Level

Difficult

Skills Focus

Speaking

Aim

To allow students to practise a variety of question forms.

Notes

This is a fun activity based on the game Jeopardy. At the beginning of the class draw the grid with answers on the white/blackboard. Separate the class into groups of five or six and tell them to look at the answers. Give the groups 10–15 minutes to prepare questions for the answers. Each team then takes turns to choose an answer. The question they give must be factually and grammatically correct to win the points. There may be a variety of correct answers, for example, the answer Sweeney could produce:

Who is the clumsy barber? orWho has a barber shop on Fleet Street? orWho is Johanna’s father?

Possible Answers

Sweeney: (see above)Johanna: Who is married to Judge Turnip?Mrs Lovett: Who runs the pie shop on Fleet Street?Pirelli: Who is an Italian barber?London: Where does the play take place?Fifteen years: How long was Sweeney in prison?The barber shop: Where does Sweeney kill Pirelli??The seaside: Where does Mrs Lovett want to go with Sweeney?Pies: What does Mrs Lovett make?A razor: What instrument is used to shave customers?Poison: What does Mrs Lovett put in the pies to kill Judge Turnip?For money: Why does Johanna marry Judge Turnip?

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Look at this list of vocabulary that is used in the play. Try to learn the words as they will help you to understand the play more easily.

Vocabulary

admit

alive

barber

bat

blade

bleed

blood

challenge

chin

chop

clumsy

comfort

customer

cut off

daughter

dead

deaf

ears

escape

explain

eyebrows

fault

fingers

guilty

handkerchief

headache

hit

hungry

innocent

judge

jump

kill

knife

marry

money

nose

pay

pie

poison

pray

prison

razor

recognise

rent

revenge

seaside

sharp

shave

slice

stormy

stubble

suitcase

taste

throat

toes

turnip

upset

wig

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SCRiPTbegins on the next page

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SweeneyThe Clumsy Barber of Fleet Street

CharactersSweeney Clod

Tony

Mrs. Lovett

Johanna

Judge Turnip

Pirelli

Scene 1

Sweeney Clod, the clumsy barber, arrives back in London after spending 15 years in prison for accidentally killing someone while shaving him. He is befriended by Tony. Clod accidentally stabs Tony with his umbrella while

demonstrating what happened 15 years ago. They arrange to meet the next day.

Song 1

London in the rainDripi drip dripi dripi dripi drip dripiDripi drip dripi dripi dripi drip dripi

London in the rain

Oh, London in the rainWhat a horrible feelingSo miserable again

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I’m looking up at cloudsSo dark up in the skyThe rain is on my headAnd I’m ready to cry

The stormy clouds chaseEveryone from the placeIt’s because of the rainI’ve a frown on my face

London in the rainLondon in the rain

Dripi dripi/I splash down the laneBut it causes me painI’ve a frown on my faceBecause of the rain

London in the rainLondon in the rain

Tony London!

Clod London.

Tony I have visited many countries. I have been to Africa, to India, to America and Australia, but there is no place like London.

Clod No, there’s no place like London. It rains all the time.

Tony Yes, it does rain quite a lot. Aren’t you happy to be back in London, Mr. Clod?

Clod Well, yes…and no. I have been away for a long time, Anthony.

Tony Please Mr. Clod, call me Tony.

Clod Tony.

Tony How long have you been away from London?

Clod 15 years.

Tony 15 years! Why so long?

Clod Tony, this is a secret-don’t tell anyone. I was in prison.

Tony In prison! What did you do?

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Clod I killed someone.

Tony You killed someone?!

Clod It was an accident!

Tony An accident? How did it happen?

Clod Will you stop jumping about like that?! You’re making me nervous.

Tony Sorry.

Clod I was a barber.

Tony A barber?

Clod Yes, a very good barber, but I have a problem.

Tony A problem?

Clod Yes, I am a bit clumsy.

Tony Clumsy?

Clod Yes, sometimes my hands shake. I was shaving a customer and I accidentally cut his throat.

Tony You accidentally cut his throat! How?

Clod Like this. (He demonstrates and actually stabs Tony with umbrella.) Oh sorry! It was an accident!

Tony Ow! Don’t worry! I’m all right.

Clod Oh dear, I’m so clumsy!

Tony Never mind. What happened to the customer?

Clod The customer died, it was an accident, but Judge Turnip sent me to prison.

Tony Judge Turnip?

Clod Yes, Judge Turnip a deaf old man, he didn’t here me say I was innocent and he sent me to prison. And now I have escaped

from prison and I am hiding from the police.

Tony Hiding? What will you do now?

Clod I will look for my daughter, Johanna. I haven’t seen her for fifteen years.

Tony Well, good luck Mr. Clod. I hope you find your daughter. Just be careful with that knife. Let’s meet tomorrow and you can

tell me if you have found her.

Clod Yes, Tony, let’s meet tomorrow in the market place, and sorry about the neck.

Tony Yes, Goodbye. (Tony leaves.)

Clod My barber shop used to be here next to Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop. The pie shop is still here. Mrs. Lovett will know what has

happened to Johanna, my daughter. I will go in and ask her. Let’s see if she recognizes me.

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Song 2

Pies, horrible pies!With hot sausage and mustard!They might make you cry If eaten with custard!Ham, bacon and saveloy!What next is the question?All gentlemen hate them, boy In-di-gestion!

Pies, horrible pies!You’re anxious to try themThree fat pies a day Best if you just fry themDon’t picture a great big steak Fries, burgers or stewsJust pies, Yucky ol’ pies,Horrible pies, disgusting pies.

Pies, horrible pies!

Scene 2

Pie Shop. Mrs. Lovett gives Sweeney a pie. She tells him that his daughter Johanna married Old Judge Turnip. She gives him his razors. Clod accidentally chops her fingers off. He swears revenge on the Judge.

Mrs. L A customer! I haven’t seen a customer for weeks! Would you like a pie, sir? On second thoughts, I wouldn’t if I were you.

These are probably the worst pies in London! (She looks at him.) Oi, don’t I know you?

Clod (Trying to hide his face.) No, you don’t know me. Do you have a room to rent upstairs?

Mrs. L A room! Yes, I do have a room to rent.

Clod Who lived there before?

Mrs. L Who lived there? A barber!

Clod A barber!

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Mrs. L A very clumsy barber lived upstairs with his daughter, Johanna!

Clod Johanna!

Mrs. L He was very handsome.

Clod Where are they now?

Mrs. L The barber is in prison.

Clod Prison!

Mrs. L And Johanna lives with Judge Turnip.

Clod Judge Turnip!

Mrs. L Are you all right?

Clod Yes, yes.

Mrs. L Yes, Judge Turnip sent the barber to prison for cutting a customer’s throat.

Clod It was an accident! I didn’t mean to do it!

Mrs. L So, it is you, Sweeney Clod, after all these years. Welcome home, Mr. Clod.

Clod Tell me, why is my daughter Johanna living with Judge Turnip?

Mrs. L She married him. She married him for his money.

Clod My Johanna married to Judge Turnip, no! No! I will kill Judge Turnip! Impossible! If only I had my sharp razors.

Mrs. L (She produces them.) Da-daa! Your razors!

Clod My razors!

Mrs. L Your razors, I kept them. I always hoped you’d come back. And here you are.

Clod Thank you. Ow! Mrs. Lovett put your hand on the table, please; let’s see if these razors are still sharp.

Song 3

There’s an old tradition A game we all can play You start by getting out your knife and sharpening your blade You take your knife all pretty You take your knife and pray You spread out all your fingers and this is what you say!

(continues on next page)

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Oh, I have all my fingers The knife goes Chop, Chop, Chop And if I miss the space between My fingers will come off And if I hit my fingers, the blood will soon come out But all the same I play this game, that’s what it’s all about!

No you can’t use a pencil. You cannot use a pen, The only way is with a knife when danger is your friend And some may call it stupid, and some may call it dumb But all the same we play this game because it’s so much fun!

Oh! I have all my fingers The knife goes Chop, Chop, Chop If I miss the space between My finger will come off And if I hit my fingers the blood will soon come outBut all the same I play this game, that’s what’s it’s all about!

Oh! I have all my fingers The knife goes Chop, Chop, Chop And if I miss the space between My finger will come off And if I hit my fingers the blood will soon come outBut all the same I play this game, that’s what it’s all about!

Clod Mrs. Lovett, I’m very sorry about your fingers. Is that room still for rent?

Mrs. L Yes, it’s still for rent, Mr. Clod.

Clod I will rent that room, Mrs. Lovett and I will open a barber shop.

Mrs. L Are you sure, Mr. Clod, is it a good idea? You’re very clumsy! Watch out! I’m going to get some plasters for my fingers. A

barber shop? You? Huh!

Clod Yes, I will open a barber shop, the best barber shop in London. Judge Turnip will come for a shave and I will kill him!

How dare he marry my daughter! I will enjoy cutting off his ears, his nose, his eyebrows, his toes! But first I must

practice. I need a volunteer from the audience. (Goes into the audience and practices chopping game with audience.)

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Scene 3

Street. Johanna is out walking with her husband Judge Turnip who is very, very old. She meets Tony. He promises to help her get rid of her husband.

Johanna Come on, keep up. Can’t you walk any faster! Dear husband!

Judge I’m sorry, Johanna, my legs are old and I can’t walk as fast as you!

Johanna Yes, you are a stupid, old man and I wish I’d never married you!

Judge What’s that, dear, I can’t hear, you know I’m a little deaf!

Johanna I said you are a lovely man and I’m so glad I married you. Give me some money!

Judge Funny, yes, very funny.

Johanna Money, money! To buy some flowers.

Judge Shower? Didn’t you have a bath this morning, dear?

Johanna Flowers not shower! Look just go into that shop and buy me some flowers! (He leaves.) Oh, he’s so old, and so deaf. If

only I had a young, handsome husband, who could hear me, instead of that old, deaf, very rich husband! I was so stupid

to marry him. But with my mother dead and my father in prison, what was I to do! (She cries. Tony enters.)

Tony Dear lady! What’s the matter? Why are you crying?

Johanna Oh, hello!

Tony What’s the matter?

Johanna My husband is horrible!

Tony Horrible! Why? Does he hit you?

Johanna Hit me? No, he couldn’t hurt a fly. He is very old, weak and deaf.

Tony Then why did you marry him?

Johanna Money! I married him because he is rich. Well, and because my mother is dead and my father is in prison and I had no

one to look after me. But it’s terrible! Oh, what can I do?

Tony Don’t cry. I will help you. What is your name?

Johanna Johanna.

Tony Johanna? Where have I heard that name before? What a pretty name. Don’t cry, Johanna. Here take this handkerchief.

Johanna Thank you, sir. You are very kind. What is your name?

Tony Tony. But my friends call me, Tony.

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Johanna Tony, a very nice name, a nice name for a nice person. Thank you for helping me, Tony.

Tony What is your husband’s name?

Johanna Judge Turnip. He is a very important person. He is a judge.

Tony Judge Turnip! (Aside) That is the judge Mr. Clod was talking about.

Johanna. If only he were young and handsome like you.

Tony Thank you. Yes, I am young and handsome, but I am poor.

Johanna Money isn’t important to me. Please, will you marry me?

Tony Marry you, but I don’t know you…oh alright, yes, I will marry you! (They go to kiss…)

Judge (Coming back with a packet of flour in his hand.) Johanna, here is the flour. Do you want to make a cake? Hello, young man.

How do you do? Are you a friend of my wife?

Johanna Yes, he’s a friend. Come on old, deaf husband, let’s go. (To Tony aside) Please find a way to get rid of my husband, so I can

marry you! Goodbye.

Tony Oh dear! How can I get rid of the judge and marry Johanna. Johanna! She must be Mr. Clod’s daughter and Judge Turnip

is the judge that sent Mr. Clod to prison! When Mr. Clod finds out he’s going to be very nervous! And he is very clumsy

when he’s nervous! Now, that gives me an idea. If I can get Mr. Clod to shave the Judge he might accidentally cut his

throat and then I can marry Johanna and we can all live happily ever after!

Song 4

Joanna, I love you, you’re my girl, the one for me-oohhh!

I’m in love and I won’t lieShe’s my girl, the judge has to die

If Clod shaves the judge and cuts off his noseI can marry her and buy her new clothes I’m gonna do the best that I canKill her husband and be her new man

If we chop him up and throw him awayI can be with my girl forever and a day

Joanna, I love you, you are my girl, the one for meJoanna, I love you, you are my girl, the one for me

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Cut off his noseSlice up his throatHis fingers will goDo it nice and slow

His ears will be nextHis arms and his toesClear up the bloodEverything goes

Joanna, I love you, you are the one, the one for me Let’s kill the judge and we’ll live happily ever after!I love you, you are the one, the one for me Let’s kill the judge and we’ll live happily!Joanna

Scene 4

The Square. Mrs. Lovett tells Clod about Pirelli. Clod challenges him to a competition. Pirelli says he will come to see him at the barber shop to pay him.




Clod Prison! No!



Mrs. L. Yes, but you are very clumsy. And no one wants to go to a clumsy barber and get their fingers cut off.




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Clod Challenge him?

Mrs. L Yeah, challenge him to a shaving competition. You know, who can shave the fastest…If you win—

Clod Yes, if I win then I will be the fastest barber and Judge Turnip will come to me. He will come to me for a shave and then I


Mrs. L Ssssssh!


Tony Mr. Clod!



Mrs. L. Pleased to meet you I’m sure. Look! Here he comes. Here comes Pirelli.

Song 5

Oh, I am a little barber And I go my merry way With my razor and my basin I can always earn my pay Though your chin be smooth as satin You will need me soon I know For the Lord protects His barbers And He makes the stubble grow If I slip when I am shaving you And cut you to the quick You can use me as a doctor ‘Cause I also heal the sick


Pirelli (Strong Italian accent.) Si, Maestro Alfredo Pirelli, the fastest barber in the world, at your service, sir. Do you need a shave?

You are looking a little stubbly around the chinny chin, chin here!

Clod A shave? No, maestro, thank you but I am a barber myself. In fact, I am the fastest barber in the world and I challenge you

to shaving competition!

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Song 6

Barber, barber shave a pig How many hairs to make a wig? Four and twenty, that’s enough To give the barber a pinch of snuffBarber you think you’re doin’ fine But you’d better think twice before you touch that swine ‘Cause if you were the pig and the pig were you She might just wanna make barber stew!

Clod (Clod and Pirelli go into the audience and choose two customers.) Look. That gentleman might agree to it…and this one. Sir,

would you like a shave? Free of charge to you this morning! Sit here, sir, and you there. I will shave this gentleman and

you, that one. Then we will see who gives the fastest shave. Understood?

Pirelli Understood.



Clod Good. Five pounds to the man who gives the fastest, shave.

Pirelli Five pounds! Very well, five pounds. Prepare to lose your money, sir!

Clod We shall see, Signor Pirelli, we shall see. Let the challenge begin! (They shave the customers.)

Clod Finished!



Tony Let me see. Well, the fastest, this gentleman. Mr. Clod is the winner. Thank you, gentlemen.





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Pirelli Well, I will come later with the rest of the money. Congratulations, Mr.…?






Mrs. L Oooh. Mr. Pirelli, you are awful! (They exit.)





Clod I know!


Clod I know!


Clod I know… what?








rescue her. We will get rid of Judge Turnip and we will all live happily ever after!


Clod You’re welcome Tony. So, soon I will kill Judge Turnip, Tony will marry Johanna and we can all live happily ever after!

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Scene 5

Pie shop/barber shop. Pirelli comes to the barber shop and tries to bribe Clod. He tells Clod that he knows who he is. Clod accidentally kills him. Mrs. Lovett is in the pie shop baking.

Clod Hello, Mrs. Lovett. What are you doing?

Mrs. L I’m trying to cook, but it’s very difficult with only 3 fingers!

Clod Yes, sorry about that! Has Judge Turnip come to visit yet?

Mrs. L No, the judge hasn’t come.

Clod Has Pirelli come to give me my money?

Mrs. L Oh look, here he is now! (Enter Pirelli.)

Pirelli Good morning, Mr. Clod. Mrs. Lovett. This is a very nice pie shop.

Mrs. L Would you like a disgusting pie. This one is dog.

Pirelli No, thanks.

Clod Signor Pirelli. Come over to my barber shop. This way.

Pirelli I have come to pay you your money. Here you are. And as you are now the fastest barber in London, (Gives him money.)

you can shave me.

Clod Shave you? Please, sit down.

Pirelli Yes, you are much faster than me.

Clod Yes, I am a bit clumsy though.

Pirelli Ouch! Yes, you’re very clumsy. I knew a clumsy barber, 15 years ago. He was clumsy just like you.

Clod Oh, dear?

Pirelli Yes, he killed a man while shaving him and went to prison for 15 years. I know who you are! Sweeney “Clumsy” Clod! It’s

you, it’s you! You’re an escaped prisoner, a criminal, aren’t you?

Clod Yes, it’s me…sssh!

Pirelli You don’t want Judge Turnip to know that you are back in London, do you?

Clod No, please don’t tell him

Pirelli I won’t tell him if you give me all your money.

Clod Give you all my money? What do you mean?

Pirelli Yes, come on. Hand over all your money!

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Clod Oh dear, that’s not fair! What shall I do? (As he turns round he accidentally kills him.) Oh, no! I’ve killed him.

Scene 6

Barber shop. Mrs. Lovett finds Pirelli dead. Tony runs in to tell Clod about Johanna. Mrs. Lovett suggests the pie business to Clod as an escape clause. Tony and Mrs. Lovett take Pirelli to chop him up for the pies.

Mrs. L Mr. Clod, ah… there you are. Oh, my god! What have you done! You’ve killed him! Are you mad?

Clod Sorry, I didn’t mean to, I’m so clumsy!

Mrs. L Oh dear! What a mess! It’s a shame. He was quite nice. I’ve always liked Italians, especially rich ones. (Finds Pirelli’s wallet and takes the money.)

Clod He knew it was me who killed that man 15 years ago…

Mrs. L What! Really?! Oh well, better he’s dead then! What shall we do with him? We can’t leave him here. (Tony enters.)

Tony Mr. Clod. I have found out where Johanna lives. Oh dear, what has happened?

Mrs. L Mr. Clod’s had another attack of the shakes! We must get rid of Pirelli soon or he’ll start to smell.

Tony When it’s dark we can take him to the river Thames and throw him in.

Mrs. L Yeah, I suppose we could do that. Though, it’s an awful waste.

Tony Waste?

Mrs. L Yeah. There’s a lot of meat on him.

Tony Meat?

Mrs. L Fresh meat, meat to eat, if you get it?

Tony I got it.

Mrs. L You got it. The pie business will do a lot better with fresh meat.

Tony Yes and your pies will taste much better.

Mrs. L Come on, Tony let’s get him in to the pie shop and chop him up! You stay there Mr. Clod and practice shaving! (They exit with Pirelli.)

Clod You can’t do that! Oh dear, what a disaster!

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Scene 7

Mrs. Lovett and Tony are chopping pies in the pie shop. Mrs. Lovett talks about her dreams for the future.

Clod Yuck! Haven’t you finished? I’ve got a headache.

Mrs. L Right, that’s the last one. Business is very good. We’ve got so many customers. We’ll be rich soon. You know, Mr. Clod,

with all the money we’re going to make we can buy a house and move to the seaside, you and me. What do you think?

Clod Judge Turnip is taking a long time to come for a shave?

Mrs. L By the sea, Mr. Clod. Brighton is very nice or Bournemouth. Which do you prefer?

Clod Where is Judge Turnip?

Mrs. L Brighton’s best, I think, more shops.

Clod Where is the Judge?

Mrs. L I could make a few pies and you could bring your razors…on second thoughts, better not. By the sea, Mr. Clod, oh, I

know you’d love it.

Song 7

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside I do like to be beside the sea! I do like to walk along the nice white sand With a handsome man Walking hand in hand So just let me be beside the seaside I’ll be beside myself with glee And there’s lots of boys beside, I should like to be beside Beside the seaside! Beside the sea! (Repeat)

Mrs. L So, what do you say?

Clod Of course, as soon as I kill the judge.

Mrs. L (She sees the Judge coming.) Talking of the judge, here he comes!

Clod At last! Oh I’m a bit nervous now! (He goes over to barber shop.)

Mrs. L Good, chop away! (She exits. Judge is in street with business card in hand.)

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Judge My dear wife has sent me here for a shave. She says he’s the fastest barber in London!

Clod Good morning, sir. Are you here for a shave?

Judge Dave? No my name’s Turnip. Judge Turnip. You’ll have to speak up, I’m a bit deaf!

Clod Sweeney Clod at your service, sir.

Judge You’re Sweeney Clod, aren’t you? I hear you are the fastest barber in London.

Clod You are very kind, your honour. I do my best.

Judge A rest? Yes, thank you I’ll sit down. (He starts to shave him.) Where are you from?

Clod I am from London, but I have been away many years.

Judge Hairy ears? Yes, shave them too.

Clod (Aside.) Now he’s here I can’t do it. I’m not nervous and my hands aren’t shaking! (The judge keeps moving in the chair and Sweeney is not able to cut him. He leaves as Mrs. L. and Tony enter.)

Scene 8

The Judge leaves very happy with his shave. Tony and Mrs. L. come in and see he hasn’t done it. Tony runs after the Judge and gets him back. Mrs. L. prepares a pie…

Judge Goodbye, thank you for a very fast shave. My wife will like that and maybe she’ll give me a kiss!

Mrs. L Oh, good bye. Are you going?

Judge Snowing? Oh dear, I didn’t bring my scarf.

Tony (Aside.) Why is he still alive?

Judge Five? No it’s only two o’clock, my boy, you should get a watch. (Exits.)

Mrs. L Why didn’t you kill him?

Clod I couldn’t. He kept moving in the chair.

Tony Now what will we do? We have to get Johanna away from the Judge

Mrs. L I’ve got an idea. Go and get the judge back! Bring him here.

Tony What are you going to do?

Mrs. L Poison him!

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Clod Wait! You can’t poison him!

Mrs. L Shut up. Everyone likes a pie. We’ll invite him into the pie shop and poison him with a pie.

Clod Oh dear!

Mrs. L Mr. Clod, you and I will make some very special pies. Now, hurry up and get the judge Tony.

Tony I’m off! (He exits.)

Clod If you poison the judge and get caught we’ll go to prison.

Mrs. L We won’t get caught. The judge will eat a pie and die. Tony will marry Johanna and be happy you and me will drink tea

and live by the sea. And we’ll all live Happily Ever After

Clod Oh dear, I hope you’re right

Mrs. L Now come on, we’ve got some pies to make.

Scene 9

Pie shop. They go across to the pie shop and begin to bake. They use a selection of nasty ingredients and body parts.

Song 8

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.Double, double toil and trouble;Something wicked this way comes Eye of newt and toe of frog,Wool of bat and tongue of dog,Adder’s fork and blind-worm’s sting,Lizard’s leg and howlet’s wing, Double, double toil and trouble;Fire burn and caldron bubble.Double, double toil and trouble;Something wicked this way comes

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Mrs. L Finished! Now whatever you do, don’t eat that pie. I’m going to pack a suitcase and then get myself ready for a trip to the

seaside. Remember, don’t eat the pie

Clod Oh dear, this is all a disaster. I should never have escaped from prison. It’s all my fault. (Enter Tony and Turnip.)

Tony This way, Judge.

Judge Oh, yes, I like fudge.

Tony Do you like pies?

Judge No, I don’t eat flies, you moron! (They come into the pie shop.)

Tony This is Judge Turnip, Mr. Clod. He’s come for one of Mrs. Lovett’s special pies.

Clod Oh, yes, hello again. Do you remember me? I gave you a very fast shave.

Judge You live in a vast cave? How nice for you!

Tony (To Clod.) Where’s Mrs. Lovett?

Clod Gone to get ready for the seaside. And Johanna? Where is she?

Tony She’s packing a suitcase, too. We’re moving to Barcelona.

Judge So, where are these special pies, then?

Tony Oh, yes, here you are. Try one.

Clod No, don’t…

The end

or is it??

Documents

1. The Story of Sweeneyipaproductions.com/activities/sweeney/ipa-activities... · 2015. 11. 23. · IPA P A This activity is esigne to e use in conjunction with a erforance of A roductions’