I'VE never had a more stressful evening in the theatre in my life.

More than three hours rushed by as the audience held its breath, jumped out of its seats and audibly gasped its way through this mesmerising performance of Sweeney Todd.

Stephen Sondheim's musical thriller didn't pull any punches and you could cut the atmosphere in Southampton's Mayflower Theatre with a knife - or a cut-throat razor.

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street lived up to his billing as he chillingly cut the throats of his innocent customers before passing them on to his lover, Mrs Lovett, who made them into meat pies and sold them in her shop.

It's a story of madness and depravity borne out of a lust for revenge and it's definitely not for the faint-hearted.

It's recommended for over 8s only but I'd think twice before taking anyone of primary school age to this truly terrifying show.

If your idea of a musical is a cheerful, singalong show then this won't be for you but if you admire pure talent and an incredible, if a little uncomfortable, storyline then don't miss it.

Sweeney Todd runs until Saturday night (October 17).