St Albans operatic Society are on their Todd

DON T eat a pie if it is offered to you by St Albans Operatic Society – it may come from Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The award-winning society is returning to the Alban Arena next week with another piece of musical theatre in the shape

DON'T eat a pie if it is offered to you by St Albans Operatic Society - it may come from Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

The award-winning society is returning to the Alban Arena next week with another piece of musical theatre in the shape of the grisly tale set in Victorian London which tells the story of a vengeful barber who kills his clients and disposes of their remains in pies.

To get into the mood for the production, the operatic group threw a Pie Party for cast and members. Needless to say, the catering for the event was monitored very closely.

The tale surrounding the character of Sweeney Todd became a staple of Victorian melodrama and there are several versions of the story. The operatic society has chosen an adaptation by American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and writer Hugh Wheeler.

There is plenty of humour in the story and however criminal the behaviour of the leading characters, it is remarkable how much compassion starts to emerge towards them as the story unravels - particularly Todd as his reasons for seeking vengeance against the evil Judge Turpin become clear.

The show runs from next Tuesday, October 13, until October 17 at the Alban Arena. Tickets, ranging from �10 to �16, are available from the Arena box office on 01727 844488.

More information can be obtained at www.saos.org.uk