WithSweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim createdamulti-layered work full of blackhumorand biting social criticism, whosesoundscaperanges from musical miniaturestooperatic power. Sinceitspremiere on Broadway in 1979,ithas been considered a milestone in modern musical theater. Describedby thecomposer himself asa"blackoperetta," the piece provides deepinsightsinto Todd's transformation from victimtoperpetrator.
Benjamin Barker returns to London after years of exile—with a new name and sinister intentions. As Sweeney Todd, he opens a barber shop on Fleet Street above Mrs. Lovett's bakery. He wants to take revenge on Judge Turpin, who once unjustly deported him to Australia in order to take his wife and daughter for himself. Todd's razor is to send Turpin to the afterlife.
The macabre business model he develops together with Mrs. Lovett comes in handy: freshly shaved is half served. Customers who take a seat in Todd's barber chair end up one floor below – in Mrs. Lovett's meat pies, which soon enjoy great popularity. While beggars roam the alleys outside and sailors sing of their love, madness takes hold of the barber – and sweeps everything along with it.
Premiere February 20
Further performances: February 22, March 1, 10, 15, 20, and 22, April 2, 15, and 22, May 1, 2026
