Sweeney Todd
BCOS
We have captured several shows for the Bicester Choral and Operatic Society, including "The Addams Family" and the hilarious "Avenue Q". In 2025 the show of choice was the acclaimed Stephen Sondheim musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street".
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Upstage Images joined the cast and crew during their final weeks of preparation. We began by capturing images of the cast putting the finishing touches to the performance in their rehearsal space.
The following week, the production moved to the performance space at The Cooper School, Bicester. Once the set was built and lighting and sound were rigged, the cast began tech and dress rehearsals.
Upstage Images was there on both days to capture rehearsals.
The tech run can be very useful from a photographic perspective as scenes are often run multiple times to alter blocking, or lighting cues, enabling us to often shoot the same scene from different angles, or with a different cast member as our focus.
Seeing the show in it's rehearsal state also allows us to build up notes and a mental picture of what happens where, important entrances, or quick moments that might otherwise be missed.
During the final dress run we are able to use our knowledge and notes to ensure we are in the right place at the right time to capture the key moments.
We have a wealth of experience in theatre, both from the technical and performance side, so are comfortable safely moving around these often dark, cramped spaces, shooting from the stage or wings to give unique perspectives.
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Why theatrical photography matters
Your cast put in a huge amount of work, often spanning months - learning lines, blocking, dance routines, and songs.
However, too often the cast never get to see the end result of all their hard work. Capturing images gives something back to your hard working cast that last beyond the final curtain - a chance to see their hard work in it's best light. To see what the audience enjoyed.​
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From a more practical standpoint, quality photography can add real value by driving engagement on social media, creating a buzz, and driving ticket sales. Getting rehearsal shots online fast can help to create interest in your upcoming show, and using quality photography (not just one of the cast with their phone!) will ensure your content stands out.
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Great images continue to drive interest and value long after the final curtain comes down, and can be used to generate interest in your group, or upcoming shows, as well as help to make your website or social media really stand out.
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If you have an upcoming show that you think deserves quality photography, we'd love to help out!