5 Reasons Joe Locke's Sweeney Todd Singing Was A Shocking Broadway Triumph

The buzz around Joe Locke's Broadway debut was deafening, but the biggest question lingering on the minds of *Heartstopper* fans and seasoned theatre critics alike was simple: could Charlie Spring actually sing Stephen Sondheim? As of this current date in December 2025, the answer is a resounding, critically-acclaimed yes. Locke's tenure as the vulnerable, doomed young Tobias Ragg in the *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* revival at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre proved to be an unexpected vocal masterclass, silencing skeptics and establishing him as a serious musical theatre talent.

The Manx actor’s performance, particularly his rendition of the haunting ballad "Not While I'm Around," was consistently cited as a highlight of the production. He successfully navigated the complex vocal demands of the role, offering a fresh, emotionally resonant take on a character often overshadowed by the show's dark leads, Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett. His success demonstrated a seamless transition from screen star to stage powerhouse.

Joe Locke: Complete Actor Biography and Career Profile

Joe Locke, born Joseph William Locke, has rapidly become one of the most recognizable young actors of his generation, primarily due to his breakthrough television role. His move to the demanding world of Broadway musical theatre marked a significant, and successful, shift in his career trajectory.

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• Full Name: Joseph William Locke
• Date of Birth: September 24, 2003
• Place of Birth: Douglas, Isle of Man
• Nationality: Manx (British)
• Breakthrough Role: Charlie Spring in the Netflix series *Heartstopper* (2022–present)
• Professional Stage Debut: The Donmar Warehouse production of Dawn King's play *The Trials* (2022)
• Broadway Debut: Tobias Ragg in the *Sweeney Todd* revival (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 2024)
• Notable Co-Stars (Sweeney Todd): Aaron Tveit (Sweeney Todd) and Sutton Foster (Mrs. Lovett)
• Upcoming Projects: He is set to appear in the Marvel Studios series *Agatha All Along* on Disney+, further cementing his status as a versatile, in-demand young star.

1. The Shocking Vocal Prowess of Tobias Ragg

The primary concern for any actor stepping into a Stephen Sondheim role is the sheer difficulty of the music. Sondheim's scores are known for their intricate melodies, challenging key changes, and complex emotional storytelling, which demand not just a beautiful voice, but technical precision and dramatic depth. Joe Locke, a newcomer to Broadway, had to prove he was up to the task.

Critics and audience members universally praised Locke's vocal performance as Tobias Ragg. His voice was described as possessing a clear, pure tone that perfectly captured the character's innocence and underlying trauma. The role of Tobias is often vocally demanding, requiring a blend of a high-tenor sound for certain lines and a grounded, emotional delivery for the ballads. Locke’s performance immediately put him in the conversation with accomplished musical theatre veterans.

His ability to hold his own alongside powerhouse performers like two-time Tony Award winner Sutton Foster (Mrs. Lovett) and Tony winner Aaron Tveit (Sweeney Todd) was a testament to his preparation and natural talent. He was not merely a celebrity stunt casting; he was a legitimate musical theatre discovery.

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2. "Not While I'm Around": A Broadway Highlight

The emotional centerpiece of Tobias Ragg's journey is the song "Not While I'm Around." It is a tender, yet chilling, promise of protection to Mrs. Lovett, which tragically foreshadows his eventual descent into madness. This performance was the moment that truly solidified Joe Locke's reputation as a singer.

Reviews highlighted that his true vocal prowess "shines through" in this specific number. Locke managed to convey the song’s delicate balance of childlike devotion and desperate sincerity. His delivery was lauded for its emotional clarity and the surprising width of his vocal range, demonstrating an impressive control over the ballad's dynamics and emotional arc.

For many theatregoers, his rendition was not just good—it was transformative. One review even suggested that his performance of "Not While I'm Around" was "worth the entire price of admission," a colossal compliment for any actor in a supporting role in a show with such legendary leads.

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3. Navigating the Pressure of a High-Profile Revival

Locke stepped into the Broadway revival during a particularly high-profile cast change. He replaced the original Tobias, Gaten Matarazzo (*Stranger Things*), and joined a new headline duo, Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster, who themselves were taking over from the critically acclaimed pairing of Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford. The pressure to deliver a fresh, yet respectful, take on the material was immense.

Locke's successful transition was not limited to his singing; his acting was equally praised. He masterfully handled Tobias's arc, from the street-smart vendor for Adolfo Pirelli's Miracle Elixir to the terrified, protective boy working in the pie shop. The subtle nuances in his performance, combined with his strong vocals, ensured his portrayal was both memorable and distinct from his predecessors, Felix Mosland and Gaten Matarazzo.

4. The Versatility Beyond "Heartstopper"

Before *Sweeney Todd*, Joe Locke's stage experience was limited to his professional stage debut in *The Trials* at the Donmar Warehouse. His global fame was entirely built on the sensitive, non-singing role of Charlie Spring in *Heartstopper*. His Broadway success immediately shattered the perception of him as a one-dimensional screen actor.

This move into a challenging musical solidified his status as a versatile dramatic actor capable of tackling complex, mature roles in different mediums. It showed a commitment to the craft of theatre, which is a significant distinction from a typical celebrity cameo. His willingness to embrace the dark, macabre world of *The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* after the sweet, light-hearted tone of *Heartstopper* demonstrated remarkable range and ambition.

5. The Future of Joe Locke in Musical Theatre

The positive reception to Joe Locke's singing in *Sweeney Todd* has opened a new, exciting chapter in his career. His successful Broadway debut suggests that he is a viable leading man for future musical theatre productions.

For fans of the actor, the question is no longer "Can Joe Locke sing?" but "What will he sing next?" His proven vocal talent and stage presence make him an ideal candidate for a variety of roles across the musical theatre canon, from classic revivals to new, contemporary works. His performance as Tobias Ragg was not just a Broadway run; it was a powerful statement that Joe Locke is a triple threat—actor, star, and now, a certified vocal talent.