‘Dark’ new twist on demon barber’s horror story

A much “darker” story featuring the wrongly imprisoned barber Benjamin Barker will be played out on stage this November, with cast and crew from Ghostlight Theatre presenting their own twisted rendition of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

The play will be performed at Burpengary's KSP Theatre, with nine shows from November 10-25.

Reinvented by director Gary Farmer-Trickett, this new and risky take on the Sondheim classic aim to leave audiences feeling both intrigued and curious.

“I have tried to create a whole new vision with this show and built a world that is seen through the eyes of one of the main characters,” Gary says.

“This story will be a lot darker than the original. It is totally reimagined, and audience members should expect the unexpected.”

Sweeney Todd is a tale about a wronged barber hell-bent on revenge after being sent to Australia for a crime he did not commit.

Upon returning to London, he moves in with a local piemaker named Mrs Lovett, and his thirst for blood increases with his body count.

Meanwhile, Mrs Lovett's pies are meatier than ever... despite not being made with beef, lamb, pork or chicken.

Gary says he's pleased with how rehearsals are going, and everyone is excited for opening night.

“We have been rehearsing for around two months. People underestimate how technically challenging a Sondheim musical is and while we have faced some challenges, I feel we are in a good place now and I can sleep at night,” Gary says.

“Working in conjunction with KSP and being so welcomed and supported has been wonderful.

“I am enjoying seeing friendships grow and all the characters come to life. I’m blown away at how everyone has accepted and embraced my vision.”

Gary and the cast are hoping for a big turnout for the show, which will be the theatre group’s final production for the year.

“I would say that you need to throw caution to the wind and come see this contemporary and unique take on a classic,” he says.

“Forget what you know about Sweeney Todd and come and be blown away by the amazing cast and production crew as they do their craft.”

The show is recommended for audiences 16 years and over.

Booking details

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be performed on November 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25.

Performances will be held from 7.30-10pm every Friday and Saturday during the show’s run, as well as three matinees held each Saturday from 2-4.30pm.

Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased here.

All shows will be performed at KSP Theatre, 1-17 Maitland Rd, Burpengary.

For more information about Ghostlight Theatre Co, visit the website or follow the group on Facebook and Instagram.