Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2E 7NA
Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton star as the morose demon barber and pie shop owner Mrs Lovett respectively in this witty horror set in the backstreets of 18th-century London. Macabre comedy prevails as the murderous pair create vile meat pastry fillings while exacting revenge on their clients.
Highly lauded at the Chichester Festival Theatre, it’s deliciously dark, much seedier and closer to the original musical than Tim Burton’s film. Ball, barely recognisable under the make-up, is excellent, but Staunton steals the show with a perfect mix of humour and villainy.