This terrifying tale is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular musicals.

In Devizes this week director Paul Butler eschews Grand Guignol bloodletting for a tense psychological thriller that is as convincing as it is compelling. This low-key production of Sweeney Todd, the demon Barber of Fleet Street, which runs until Saturday, relies on a piano for accompaniment, but means the cast can sing without microphones and without thier voices being overwhelmed by an orchestra.

Of course, Mr Butler has the advantage of Sondheim’s wonderful music and lyrics, which are also horrendously complex. His cast are up to the challenge and the voices are universally good.

Particularly noteworthy are those of Naomi McMurray as Johanna, Todd’s long-lost daughter, and Tom Corbishley as her illicit suitor, Anthony Hope. Jon O’Laughlin is brilliant as the pseudo-Italian hairdresser Adolpho Pirelli and there is a cameo of studied repulsion from Annabel Chater as the Beggar Woman. There is also good support from the large and talented cast with Paul Mehra as the hateful Judge Turpin and Paul Morgan as the monstrous Beadle.

But the show depends on the leads, playing Todd and his partner in crime, pie shop owner Mrs Lovett. Jacs Brady has the measure of the comedy and horror of Mrs L with a nice line in spine-tingling chuckles.

Playing the title role as well as directing the show is not to be recommended, but Paul Butler not only delivers an evening of excellent entertainment, but imbues Todd with a dark realism that compels sympathy as well as revulsion.

Not for the nervous but a treat for theatre lovers who like their meat rare.