STEPHEN Sondheim’s musical chronicles the evilshenanigans above and below a pie shop, in old Fleet Street.

Directors Amy Whitington and Richard Patient’s production boasted a good set, nice effects (blood on the wall and a chair Graham Norton would appreciate) and on-cue lighting.

The excellent orchestra led by Thomas Joy, inventively-choreographed ensemble scenes (Emily Gray), and the crystal-clear chorus (Abby Pardoe) are also worthy of note.

Jonathan North took the honours as the broodingly malevolent Todd, coupled with the bright-as-a-button Cerys Beesley as partnerin- crime Mrs Lovett.

Vikie Miller’s beautiful voice (Johanna), Rhiannon Creffield (Beggar Woman), Jeremy Hunt (good support as love-sick Anthony) and Joseph Hand (as Mrs Lovett’s disabled son, Toby) all added quality and newcomer Josh Cox (Beadle) looks set for some prominent roles in future.

One criticism; setting much of the action next to the orchestra made it a battle that the orchestra too-often won. A cutabove!