“The closest shave you'll ever know” Rod Gilfry (left) as Sweeney Todd and John Graham-Hall as Beadle Bamford at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, 2011, during the dress rehearsal for the musical Sweeney Todd by American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. (more) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street musical by Sondheim Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sweeney-Todd-The-Demon-Barber-of-Fleet-Street-musical-by-Sondheim Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Oct. 14, 2025 •History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, award-winning stage musical that premiered on Broadway on March 1, 1979. It is widely regarded as the masterwork of American musical theater legend Stephen Sondheim, who crafted its music and lyrics. The book (or script) for the show was written by Hugh Wheeler. Set in 19th century London, it follows the story of a barber whose quest for vengeance on a judge who unjustly imprisoned him and...

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