Demonic musical on the Loft stage

Combining horror with social commentary and a poignant love story, it is widely regarded as one of the great theatrical creations.

Benjamin Barker - alias Sweeney Todd - returns to the teeming slums of 19th century London after 15 years’ exile in Australia for a crime he didn’t commit.

Finding that his wife had killed herself after being raped by brutal Judge Turpin, the man who had sentenced him to transportation all those years ago, he pledges to be revenged.

Sweeney sets up his barber shop above Mrs Lovett’s pie shop and, tormented by unbearable grief, begins to murder his unsuspecting customers. Between them, he and Mrs Lovett then devise a diabolical scheme – combining body disposal and quality meat pies.

Director Tim Willis and musical director Matt Flint have brought together a talented group of actors and musicians to do justice to this classic of musical theatre.

Chris Gilbey-Smith takes on the role of Sweeney, aided and abetted in his murderous business by Rayner Wilson as Mrs Lovett. His arch enemy Judge Turpin is played by Keith Norfolk, with Tom Corsi and Shoshana Pavett as the young lovers Anthony and Johanna.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street runs at the Loft Theatre from Wednesday July 13 to Saturday July 23, with a performance each evening at 7.30pm (except Sunday). Tickets can be booked online at any time via www.loft-theatre.co.uk or by calling 0844 493 4938 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. The box office will be open from 7pm to 8.30pm on Monday and Tuesday July 11 and 12, and on each performance evening.