Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street follows the Todd as he returns to London as a convict from Australia seeking revenge against those who separated him from his wife and child.

In London he meets Mrs Lovett, who owns a failing pie shop and recognises Todd as his real name Benjamin Barker. She tells him his wife died at the hands of Judge Turpin, who keeps his daughter Joanna locked up, intending to marry her. As she reveals his shaving razor his arm ‘feels complete again’ and he sets up his barber business above Mrs Lovett’s shop.

Seeking revenge leads to murder, and prompted by Mrs Lovett his victims become fresh ingredients for her pies which boost sales and lead to the tragic conclusion.

Featuring one of Sondheim’s darkest and most intricate scores, from the opening chords of the organ prelude to the chilling sound of the factory whistle, the mood remains atmospheric through the choral sounds of The Ballad of Sweeney Todd to the more intense Epiphany.

The lyrics are witty and exciting, with comic songs such as By the Sea and A Little Priest lodged firmly into the musical theatre repertoire.