This Sweeney Todd, about the demon barber of Fleet Street and his friendship with Nellie Lovett (a superb Imelda Staunton), is still in previews.

But it's clear this is a world-class production, featuring two world-class performances. Ball and Staunton find the darkness in their roles, and a little humour.

Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the musical, is suffering from a bad back and so can't see Sweeney for a week and a half.

His view, and that of the critics, will determine whether it transfers to the West End in the spring.

In my view, it would be a crime if it doesn't. My only quibble is that the sight lines are a pain. I was sitting in J54 - a good stalls seat - but I had to lean into the aisle to see what was going on at times.

Oh well, that probably means I'll get my throat cut by those ruthless folk at Chichester!