Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton on Sweeney Todd

Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton have wowed the West End with their murderous performances in Stephen Sondheim's bloodthirsty musical Sweeney Todd.

The pair won a standing ovation when the show opened at the Adelphi Theatre on Tuesday night.

Ball plays demonic barber Sweeney Todd with Imelda Staunton as pie-making Mrs Lovett.

Speaking at the show's after party, Ball said that Sweeney Todd "was made for the stage".

Staunton praised Stephen Sondheim's writing as "the magic element" of the production.

Video produced by Rachel Curtis.