What is the historical context of sweeney todd?

Question

What is the historical context of sweeney todd?

Answer 1

Sweeney Todd is based on The String of Pears from 1846. In the common version of the story Sweeney Todd is a barber who  pushes a trap door on the chair and sends his customers to their death.  There are urban legends saying that this is based on a true character from London.  Stephen Sondheim, who himself is known for strange stories, took the book and made it into a musical in 1979. As you know Tim Burton, who himself makes strange movies, took the musical to the big screen. If you haven't seen clips of the original musical you might want to check them out on youtube.  Angelia Lansbury plays the barber's assistant and there is this one song where she is talking about making the dead bodies into meat pies that is just really funny!!

Answer 2

It takes place in the 19 century I believe.

Answer 3

I've got a great idea. Read the book! ;-)