AFTER the hugely successful Annie, Studley Operatic Society is back with the musical thriller Sweeney Todd.

Unanimously acclaimed by the critics as one of Stephen Sondheim’s most powerful scores, this black comedy concerns the infamous homicidal career of Sweeney, the unjustly exiled barber who returns to London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who coveted his young wife and falsely imprisoned him.

Cheated of his revenge against the Judge, Sweeney’s thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate customers, and - with the aid of his razor - he exacts a far more terrible revenge, cheerfully helped by Mrs Lovett, who is delighted to give new life to her flavourless meat pies.

A spokesman from the society said: "Sophisticated, macabre, visceral and uncompromising - Sweeney Todd mixes intense drama with dark humour. Audiences will find themselves laughing one moment, and gasping in surprise at the next.

"We can’t promise Johnny Depp but we can promise some intriguing twists, turns and surprises, and some interestingly made pies."

The musical will be at Redditch's Palace Theatre from April 25 to 29.

For tickets and more information, email tickets@studley-operatic.co.uk or call the box office on 01527 65203 or go online at redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk.