Sweeney Todd is a dark and sinister musical adaptation of the infamous Victorian penny dreadful story of the same name. The adaptation was created by the legendary composer Stephen Sondheim and opened on Broadway in 1979.
The story is set in 18th century London, where the titular character, Sweeney Todd (played by Johnny Depp in the 2007 film adaptation), is a barber who seeks revenge against those who wronged him and his family. Throughout the musical, Todd discovers a dark passion for murder and love, while working alongside his accomplice Mrs. Lovett (played by Helena Bonham Carter in the film), who turns the victims' bodies into meat pies and serves them to unsuspecting customers.
The music and lyrics by Sondheim are haunting and darkly comedic, reflecting the twisted events of the story. The score contains many iconic songs including "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd," "A Little Priest," and "Johanna."
The BBC adaptation, released in 2006 and directed by David Moore, stays true to the source material and features a talented cast including Ray Winstone as Sweeney Todd and Essie Davis as Mrs. Lovett. The production received acclaim for its mix of horror, humor, and drama, and was considered a faithful and successful adaptation of the beloved musical.