Sweeney Todd, A Tale of Adaptation

Most of us have heard of Sweeney Todd the British demon barber of Fleet Street - but where did it all begin? What was the origins of a murderous barber who killed his clients and a baker whom hid the evidence concealed within their pastries? How did the story introduce and manage the characters of Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett?

Sit back and enjoy this 1 hour observation of some of the most prominent sources which created the Sweeney Todd that we understand today. This narrative takes us from Rue de la Harpe through to Sondheim's iteration of the character. I add my own opinions to these sources, but I would love to hear your thoughts so leave a comment below if you feel you have something to add.

All images and video's are used in conjunction with the "Fair Use Act".

00:00 Introduction
01:24 1801/1816 Rue de la Harpe
05:13 1756-1818 Cases of potential influence/trend
08:31 1823/1825 The Tell Tale: A Terrific Story of Rue de la Harpe
13:44 1846/1852 The String of Pearls Saga
26:53 1847 The String of Pearls: The Fiend of Fleet Street
33:45 1850 The String of Pearls; or, The Barber of Fleet Street. A domestic romance.
36:48 1936 The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
39:45 1973 Christopher Bond's Sweeney Todd
48:46 1979 Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
54:46 2007 Burton's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street plus revivals
57:00 Conclusion