In this version of the classic melodrama, Todd has some grounds for his nefarious activities: his wife was abducted and raped by the Judge and his daughter abandoned, while he himself was deported on a false charge. He returns to avenge his family, accompanied by a sea captain, Anthony, whose life he has saved. Anthony falls in love with a young girl, the Judge’s ward, who turns out to be Todd’s daughter. Todd, meanwhile, sets up with Mrs. Lovett, the pie maker, and provides her with fillings for her pies. He proceeds with his vengeful plans, but the outcome is bitterly ironic.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was first presented by the Theatre Workshop at the Theatre Royal, Stratford, London on May 2, 1973. Directed by Maxwell Shaw, the production featured Brian Murphy as Sweeney Todd and Avis Bunnage as Mrs. Lovett.