Sponsored by: Hayman's Gin

"A masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime"

The date is April 1888, the place is London - and Jack the Ripper is making headlines.... And meanwhile Sweeney Todd, the unjustly exiled barber has returned to infamous and seedy Fleet Street, seeking revenge against the corrupt and lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife.... Todd's thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate customers, with Mrs Lovett, the resourceful proprietress of the pie shop downstairs, making the most of a steady supply of fresh meat, which soon has the people of London lining up in droves for her mysterious new pie recipe!

A musical thriller, Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime. Sweeney Todd mixes intense drama with howlingly funny moments of dark humour. Lust, revenge, madness and murder - all play their part in this masterful melodrama.

Staged by Showbiz Christchurch in this year of Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday, Sweeney Todd will be directed by Sara Brodie, with musical director Luke di Somma.

Starring our very own - South Island manager, Michael Bayly, who spent a decade touring as an actor / singer prior to entering the liquor industry and joining Hancocks.

Set in the sometimes grim streets of Victorian London around the time of Jack the Ripper, the headline sponsor for this gin soaked musical is most appropriately the Hayman's family of gins. The Hayman's family have been producing gin in London since 1820, and their portfolio includes the original Victorian styled gin, Old Tom.

Hayman's Gin and Sweeney Todd can be found on stage at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch from: October 14th to 23rd.

Bookings at 0800 Ticketek.