Sweeney Todd, the gruesome tale of a murderous barber and his pastry chef accomplice, is unquestionably strange subject matter for the musical theatre – but eight Tony awards and enormous successes on Broadway and the West End testify to its enduring popularity with audiences. Written by Hugh Wheeler, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the musical premiered in 1979 and has seen numerous revivals, including Tim Burton’s 2007 film version.

Aaron C. Thomas addresses this darkly funny piece with fitting humour, taking on Sweeney Todd’s chequered history and genre, its treatment of violence and cannibalism, and its sexual politics.

Other books in The Fourth Wall series include:

Daniel Sack, Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape

Kyle Gillette, Harold Pinter’s Party Time

David Ian Rabey, Alistair McDowell’s Pomona