Sweeney Todd: Emma Thompson Sings "Worst Pies in London"

Watch Emma Thompson sing "Worst Pies in London" in the New York Philharmonic's acclaimed production of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd," airing Sep. 26 on PBS.
Check your local listings: to.pbs.org/12CzT1B

[@hazellawrence2062]

The thing I love about Mrs Lovett is that you don't have to have a 'pretty' voice or whatever, because she's supposed to be funny so this roles is perfect for someone like Emma who hasn't really sang much but is a wonderful actress (tbh she actually sings pretty well considering she hasn't done it that much). I think she does it really well and adds a lot of comedic value into it. I wish I'd seen it actually.

[@Macumber773]

SHE PUT PEOPLE IN HER PIES!!!

[@jamesirwin8917]

Agree that Emma Thompson sings well. In the last few lines she sings in this song, she produces lovely contralto-soprano tones. Overall, she does a very good job with acting the song and singing the emotions in it.

[@darkangelw8472]

She's got an amazing head voice which she mixes with belting

[@jenylogan1]

@@jamesirwin8917 We are obviously not hearing the same voice , this is not good !

[@shawn.spencer]

She sings incredibly!

[@user-qx8cz9yx9v]

I personally think she portrayed Mrs. Lovette the best. Just the right amount of humour, sarcasm, excitement, sweetness and everything. She was vocally underwhelming for what I expect a Mrs. Lovette to sound like, but she did do well for someone who has very little singing experience.

[@johnboys4697]

Angela was the best this is so bad!

[@john.premose]

She wasn't better than Angela Lansbury but she was ok.

[@sirjedisentinel]

Emma's missing something though. Underneath the humor, there's this dark undercurrent that Emma kinda lacks. There's some readings that suggest Mrs. Lovett is the true villain of the show. She constantly fuels Sweeney's bloodlust and drives him to kill (remember, "A Little Priest" is her coming up with the idea). She even goes so far as to consider killing Toby. She's Sweeney's biggest enabler

[@christianearlsabijon3430]

Christine was the best

[@jonathanpartin9833]

Sweeney Todd has so many Harry Potter characters! Snape, Pettigrew, Bellatrix, Umbridge, and now Trelawney!

[@irenemarthageorge8417]

how about the two grindelwalds ? one adult and the other young..? (johnny depp and jamie bower)

[@Girl-rj3qe]

It has at least 4 actors from the 10th anniversary of Les Miserables as well at different productions. Michael Ball (Marius) at West End with Imelda Staunton, Philip Quast (Javert) in the very production this video is featured in as Judge Turpin, Lea Salonga (Eponine) in a Philippine production back in 2018 or 2019, plus I’ve heard Alun Armstrong (Thenardier) performed Sweeney in the past too. Additionally, maybe I’m the only one that have noticed that Kate Winslet has acted with many people that did Sweeney Todd including someone from the original cast (Victor Garber - costar in Titanic), people from the movie (Johnny Depp - costar in Finding Neverland and Alan Rickman - costar in Sense and Sensibility), someone from the West End 2012 revival (Imelda Staunton - costar in Sense and Sensibility), and someone from this video’s production (Emma Thompson - costar in Sense and Sensibility)

[@BNYClarke]

Not as strong a voice as is preferred for Mrs. Lovett, but it is quite lovely nonetheless... and Emma is funny as hell!

[@randomspiel]

Clark Edwards I think she's a competent singer but she's colored her voice for the role. She's quite an ugly character and doesn't get the sort of music that lends itself to soaring notes and throaty vibrato.

[@LittleLyonMan]

Emma's version brought a different kind of humour to the character of Mrs Lovett.. I've seen many versions and although Helena's is without a doubt my favourite, I like Emma's a lot.

[@anshumaansathe2225]

I have to say, Sweeney Todd is an awesome person. He killed Snape, tricked pettigrew and got Bellatrix, umbridge and trelawney to fall for him. Nice.

[@BeeKee404]

Took me a sec to realize what you meant XD

[@pia1124]

😂😂😂

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

It took me a sec as well...I'm wholly ashamed!

[@linggao2602]

Substitute "Sweeney Todd" with Grindlewald and everything fits.

[@nolanhewitt4570]

Anshumaan Sathe and englentine price ((Angela Lansbury

[@alexfoo1839]

What she lacks in the technical aspects of singing (where Lupone is a virtuoso), she more than makes up for in characterization and comedy.

[@kevinsundelin8639]

She barely did anything, what comedy?

[@camdensimon1935]

Horribly miscast. She is a great actress, but she failed miserably in this role

[@shpei88]

@@camdensimon1935 Emma is actually my second all timefavorite Lovett after Angela

[@leif1075]

Isn't she supposed to sing ,ot so technically perfect for the role..to be more authentic..and that she xan sing like a Virtuoso if she tried as needed?

[@laurenthompson1977]

I got taken to see this in London as a birthday present and it was incredible, a complete reminder of why Emma has been my favourite actress since I was five years old. Her talent is so underappreciated

[@lucas.daniel]

So... Harry Potter and Sweeney Todd. Imelda Staunton who played Dolores Umbridge has played Mrs. Lovett. Emma Thompson who played Professor Trelawney has played Mrs. Lovett. Helena Bonham Carter who played Bellatrix Lestrange has played Mrs. Lovett. Timothy Spall who played Peter Pettigrew has played Beadle Bamford. Johnny Depp who played Sweeney Todd has played Grindelwald. Alan Rickman who played Snape has played Judge Turpin. Am I forgetting anyone?

[@biblbroks3829]

You forgot the young Grindelwald

[@irenemarthageorge8417]

@@biblbroks3829 ya ..jamie

[@notabot835]

Emma Thompson is awesome! Love her

[@PupRiku]

Each time I see another person sing this, they perform so differently. I love how it changes but always manages to play the absolute batshit crazy character nonetheless.

[@brinhauptmann8133]

She is a great actor who creates a character with her voice. Absolutely perfect in this role.

[@marlowemarlowe4893]

You mean actress. The last time I looked she was a woman.

[@alinach723]

0:29 "Whaaaaa???" Omg, I died.

[@kellydepaz525]

Soviet Cat ikr

[@OrochiShiki]

Thanks for the time stamp lmao

[@giovannafarigu1666]

She's just so AMAZING. I wish I was there to see it!

[@jonathanfloyd9078]

People seem to be neglecting the fact that Sondheim writes for actors who can sing... (this is whay Judi Dench, who is not a great singer really, can move a packed theatre to tears. The jury's still out on the musical theatre/opera crossover but you can't deny these two have something special.///

[@camara1194]

Why does everybody say that? Actors who can sing? I would argue he writes for singers.

[@jonathanfloyd9078]

​@@camara1194It's a discussion though - great singers haven't been able to nail Mrs. Lovetts or Todd's accent for example... That can become a talking point. then

[@marnistone6153]

Emma Thompson is fabulous!!! :D

[@Thommy2n]

Noticing a lot of people saying her performance was weak. While it is very true that she is an actor first and a singer second, The only thing I really notice about this song in particular was that she doesn’t have the strongest head voice. The rest of Ms Lovett’s songs don’t go nearly as high and she absolutely killed them for the remainder of the show.

[@mikeykm1993]

Brilliant character song performance. Very enjoyable.

[@CaterinaDomenech1]

Wooooooooowwww I'd never seen her signing before!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@FalseDisposition]

Aww I love her, definitely my favorite actress..

[@mkd1837]

I highly dislike her voice but her acting is spectacular and completely makes up for it!

[@JosephM6961]

Emma Thompson‘s performance of Mrs. Lovett is the best I've ever seen!

[@johnboys4697]

🤮

[@danelleon7743]

Emma Thompson Is the Best!!!!

[@KOLN555]

Different, by no means bad, but I'll always think of Angela Lansbury as the perfect Mrs Lovett.

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Boy oh boy, did Emma capture it! She navigates thru the vocal range with ease . Brings alive each second. I would wait in line to eat one her pies. Brava new diva!!

[@johnboys4697]

It was the worst song in London Angela owns it

[@alejandromorales9516]

Incredible. Perfect tempo and intonation and the use of her head voice is perfect. The voice is not beautiful but the musicality and accuracy are there.

[@khoshekh7419]

Someone please get the full version back on KZbin, for the love of any holy thing.

[@blacklemonade43]

I get why people like Helena but this performance was the very first time I saw Sweeney Todd in any way shape or form and she's probably always going to be my go-to Mrs Lovett.

[@johnboys4697]

🤮

[@marbleblue5127]

My first time actually enjoying Sweeney Todd is this production. People keep complaining that she can't sing, but it makes sense for a frumpy mad woman would have a frumpy, mad voice. She was my favorite character, the person who actually displayed the most character.

[@skategirl555]

Dunno, I think she did a wonderful performance, even if it not completely perfect vocally. Who cares if she sings it a bit differently if she makes me laugh and still gives a VERY believable performance? :)

[@YourFavouriteColor]

IMO Emma Thompson wins cutest interpretation of Mrs. Lovett.

[@greenlittlebird]

i really don't get how can anyone do not like Emma's Lovett, she's was perfect

[@johnboys4697]

🤮

[@highbaritone]

This was a great and surprising performance. One I got use to her “gear changes” I loved it and everyone else as well.

[@wornGuardian1]

I think i see inspiration from Lansbury's take on Mrs. Lovette lol i love this

[@stephanieterry2552]

She's good, but Imelda Staunton will always be my favourite Mrs. Lovett

[@johndavis6535]

RIP Angela Lansbury the first and best Mrs. Lovett.

[@emilytolman46]

I love her!

[@jamesburns7863]

She is just too pretty of a blond to B believable in this roll! I do Love her and this show thogh!

[@yogibear9142]

Anyone else notice Sweeney Todd in this video looks like meat loaf?

[@smichelle65]

Bryn Terfel gets that all the time, lol. There was a South Bank Show episode on him several years ago, and he even sang a few lines from "Bat Out Of Hell"

[@mckenzievirga]

Yes

[@AndrewRudin]

Meat Loaf should only be able to sing DON GIOVANNI, WOTAN, AND JOKANNAN. I think it's Meat Loaf who looks like Bryn Terfel!

[@rebeccashea8793]

I’m deaddd

[@selenacunje9660]

😂😂😂😂 hahhahaha

[@arnavkamath9642]

Interesting production concept

[@khayesantos16]

Nothing beats Patti Lupone as Mrs. lovett.

[@deanmarino7045]

Angela Lansbury*

[@danielsaputro877]

Karla Mae Santos Helena bonham carter is the best actually.

[@lieselackley]

Daniel Saputro I hope you're trolling.

[@randomspiel]

***** I had the pleasure of seeing Imelda Staunton in London a few years back and that was absolutely stunning. She's right up there with Lansbury for me!

[@HoursofMovies]

+Daniel Saputro She maybe the best Lovett, but Michael Cerveris (I think) will always be the best Sweeney

[@da96103]

I think Sweeney Todd deserves a remake. Rob Marshall? Are you up for the challenge?

[@imsleepingbeauty]

I lover her 💚

[@BooBop1987]

That is very darn funny!

[@spenceruhoh7977]

I just wish I could find this specific production somewhere. I watched it when it happened in the first place and I loved it, and I found it on KZbin but it's been deleted since then unfortunately.

[@ozianpunkat]

i feel you! I'd kill for this on dvd!

[@ifnyou]

www.reddit.com/r/musicals/comments/4zcj3u/video_sweeney_todd_live_from_the_lincoln_center/

[@spenceruhoh7977]

ifnyou no fuckin way

[@spenceruhoh7977]

ifnyou NO FUCKIN WAY OH MY GOD THANK YOU

[@ifnyou]

You're very welcome. :)

[@JessicaRox100]

Imelda Staunton will always be my fave Mrs Lovett though!

[@marianmilla1338]

0:28 our reaction when we don't know the plot of sweeny todd.

[@GavLikesOpera]

Nobody’s commenting on the fact that she’s kneading DOUGH on a TIMPANO

[@xcrimsonstarx]

Saw this last week, I Liked Emma's Lovett but HBC's is my fave. There are so many good Mrs Lovetts all for different reasons. However I foudn that Bryn at times just 'sang' rather than acted, George Hearn will always be my fave Sweeney I think.

[@giulia2503]

can someone reupload the full show?

[@Lillian2167]

Is this version available on DVD at all? it used to be on youtube in full but has since been deleted. I adore this version.

[@JM-ot8ux]

I think Sondheim stuck a diss at _Annie_ in this song. "Worst pies in London" is almost identical to Tomorrow, tomorrow!

[@marielaure7183]

¡ Guau! (o ¡wow! en inglés) ¡ no sabía que Emma Thompson cantara tan bien!

[@ikbelleib8136]

Emma Thompson is amazing waw love her

[@Shenorai]

Oh gods. Now I'm imagining what would happen if they gave the timpani to the Korean Mrs. Lovett.

[@juanantonionoguezruano7720]

Incredable woman.

[@Shuichisaihara5499]

Professor Trelawny has gone off the deep end

[@hotdogthursday]

what does sweeney todd do to attract so many harry potter characters

[@barbarahourigan8462]

❤️❤️

[@gabeham4636]

Isnt the person who played Todd, from Harry Potter? he just looked like he was, and im not really a harry potter fan tbh, i litterally cant go a day without the sound of Sweeney Todd

[@catrionacrozier8513]

No it's Johnny Depp

[@gabeham4636]

i dont think thats johnny depp in this version

[@QuestoPiccoloKaiju]

He kind of looks like Timothy Spall, who played Wormtail. But it's not.

[@RowanIvy]

+QuestoPiccoloKaiju It's Bryn Terfel, an Opera Singer

[@pohl2634]

I had no idea she could sing!

[@johnboys4697]

She cant

[@expoundamus]

Please. Angela Lansbury is the Queen!

[@johnboys4697]

❣👍👍👍❣

[@WillScarlet16]

Damn it, why didn't she play Mrs. Lovett in the movie? It would have been miles better than Carter's humorless, robotic take.

[@theoutlawprince1304]

Everyone in the movie were almost emotionless. It was a more serious version of the story and not comedy

[@WillScarlet16]

@@theoutlawprince1304 The mix of horror and comedy is what makes the stage such a masterpiece. If you think horror and suspense movies can't have any comedy you've never seen Hitchcock.

[@EvilDragon1134]

half of the bloody Herwi Potah cast is in Sweeney Todd: Snape, Peter Pettegrew, Umbridge, two fucking Grindelwalds, Trelawney and Bellatrix Lestrange

[@AndreyKiselev1994]

I beg your pardon, could you clarify who the other fucking Grindelwald is. Thank you very much.

[@ogorodami]

Why, the Depp himself.

[@dukie54]

She would of been a great choice to be cast in the movie version! to bad Tim Burton has to cast his wife in almost everything. Helen's acting was good but singing is kind of torture to listen to.

[@AndrewRudin]

You said it. That whole film is unwatchable and unlistenable, and misses almost completely that the tale is both Ghastly and hilariious. Phooey on what Burton did to it.

[@potocatepetl]

I fully agree with you. I was so disappointed by her performance and by the fact that no one realised she is wrong for the role. It was physically painful at times listening to her and kept skipping which is of course not the point when wanting to watch and understand a movie.

[@jacksullivan2658]

If you're trying to tell me that Emma Thompson's singing was better than Helena's, I'm going to have to kindly ask you to never cast a musical at any degree.

[@Clairski3]

Does anyone know if there is a DVD recording of this? I really want to see it but most of the clips can't be accessed from Europe!

[@eduardo_corrochio]

Would like to see the entire song; feels like we're late here.

[@milhouse14]

I didn't even know that she sings. Patti Lupone is still the best.

[@johnboys4697]

Angela

[@thruthfog]

I want the full video?

[@QueenHelenaBC]

This is good but I love Helena's version of it in the film so much more

[@lorenaaraujo4694]

QueenHelenaBC haha. me too.

[@axelx4770]

No HBC was a terrible performance. You haven't got a clue.

[@elise6970]

It was film which is quite different but a real mess to it while all other lovetts are funny and over the top she was real.

[@uncouthexclusive9321]

Why is this looking like the uk’s future.

[@shawnchristopherwhite3271]

She's a contralto!

[@Snarethedrummer]

What did that poor tympanum do to anyone!?

[@ПолинаВасильева-в8и]

is there anything this woman can't do??

[@makepeacenotdeath]

Emma Thompson is better for Beggar woman's role

[@POPERYLEE]

fucking awesome

[@johnboys4697]

🤮

[@alyssaparrish502]

...that poor tempany

[@theodoreb1977]

She would’ve done better if she didn’t sing in such a high octave.

[@theodoreb1977]

Wait wait.. PETER?

[@hyacinthfaith3121]

This is nice but Lea Salonga as Mrs Lovett is god tier. 👑

[@user-jl7ym4en5b]

I'd gladly see Emma Thompson any day over P.L., (who always strives to suck tbe air out of the room?... & also, why Bernadette Peters' RELAXED pitch perfect approach also wins in any role that she and P.L. hv both done). Emma Thompson can really act. Comedy, which is called for in "Sweeney" to heartbreaking drama, ("The Children Act"). No contest. Emma, hands down.

[@johnboys4697]

Angela

[@giulia2503]

I liked her performance, but she was a little too comical for me. She is funny and worked in general, but I miss the dark more deep aspect of Mrs Lovett. Patti can balance the comical with dark really good, that's way she's my favorite. And her singing is not so good, it gets a little irritating after a while

[@trex1563]

Patti LuPone! Calling Patti LuPone! SOS Patti LuPone....

[@johnboys4697]

🤮

[@JohnWesleyDowney]

Emma Thompson is a fine actress, but I think she was terribly miscast here. Probably cast for name value. I just don't buy her as Mr. Lovett. Can't explain why exactly. I think maybe she's just a tad too attractive to play the part of someone so desperate. Just my opinion. I can somehow buy Angela and Helena, but not Emma. Still, she's been great in lots of other things.

[@1rewd133]

Erm, some people shouldn't sing ...

[@MichaelLee-tt7gm]

I'm sure he's a lovely person, but is Bryn Terfel intentionally trying to look and dress like Steve Bannon?

[@MM-qn1bj]

Nothing beats helena bonham carter as mrs lovett

[@johnboys4697]

🤮

[@marlenaluna2792]

Wait! What's your rush? What's your hurry? You gave me such a -- Fright, I thought you was a ghost! Half a minute, can'tcher sit! Sit you down, sit! All I meant is that I haven't seen a customer for weeks! Did you come here for a pie, sir? Do forgive me if me head's a little vague -- Ugh! What is that? But you think we had the plague! From the way that people Keep avoiding -- No you don't! Heaven knows I try, sir! Ick! But there's no one comes in even to inhale! Right you are, sir, would you like a drop of ale? Mind you, I can't hardly blame them! These are probably the worst pies in London! I know why nobody cares to take them, I should know, I make them, But good? No! The worst pies in London, Even that's polite! The worst pies in London, If you doubt it, take a bite! Is that just disgusting? You have to concede it! It's nothing but crusting! Here, drink this, you'll need it! The worst pies in London... And no wonder with the price of meat What it is When you get it Never Thought I'd live to see the day Men'd think it was a treat Findin' poor Animals Wot are dyin' in the street! Mrs. Mooney has a pie shop! Does a business but I notice something weird. Lately all her neighbors' cats have disappeared! Have to hand it to her -- Wot I calls Enterprise Poppin' pussies into pies! Wouldn't do in my shop! Just the thought of it's enough to make you sick! And I'm tellin' you, them pussycats is quick! No denying times is hard, sir Even harder than the worst pies in London! Only lard and nothing more -- Is that just revolting, All greasy and gritty? It looks like it's molting, And tastes like, Well, pity A woman alone, With limited wind, And the worst pies in London! Ah, sir, times is hard, Times is hard!

[@johnboys4697]

Oh you are the writer of the song 🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonycalabrese9526]

Get. Off. That. Timpano. That's not a table.

[@sir-ln4qf]

I'm not sure who's worse, Emma Thompson, Patti Lupone, or Helena Bonham Carter.

[@wrlord]

oh, she's surprisingly terrible.

[@divyagoil9094]

Doesn't beat Helena's version no it doesn't

[@DanDaSimmer]

and Helena's version doesn't beat Dame Angela Lansbury's.

[@divyagoil9094]

Haven't heard that, but sounds like I should!

[@CareBear2480]

Divya Goil TRUUUEEEEE

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

HA!!! This blows Miss Valium's performance out of the water!

[@rudolphg76]

That was painful to watch. I googled "Worst Pies". Thought I'd get a descent musical production. This singing is horrid.

[@johnboys4697]

So true!

[@larissabrewington9065]

lol... This sounds so forced and uncomfortable!

[@danielsaputro877]

OMG. This Woman has ruined this beautifull song.

[@JAMClub-ow2dd]

Daniel Saputro No! Emma Thompson is amazing! She kills this song (in a good way)

[@johnboys4697]

@@JAMClub-ow2dd 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@NutTwins]

Ah yes... Trelawney and Bellatrix as Mrs Lovett

[@TheAmarok87]

And don't forget Dolores Umbridge in the 2012 west end cast.