The Tale of Sweeney Todd character of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, originated in an 1846–47 penny dreadful entitled "The String of Pearls". In 1847, George Dibdin Pitt adapted the story for a stage melodrama. A directed by George King was the first screen version. Christopher Bond's 1973 stage adaptation was musicalized by Stephen Sondheim in 1979. Schlesinger's film is a dramatic departure from the previous narratives. It dispenses with all the characters except Todd and Lovett, adds the plotline involving the missing diamonds, and offers a completely different reason for Todd's murder spree. The Victorian era locales were filmed in Dublin,
Todd London (professor) above and beyond the call of duty to advance the theatre field as a whole, nationally and/or internationally.” His writing has earned him the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism and a Milestone Award. Under his leadership, New Dramatists, an organization of playwrights in New York City, received Tony Honor and the Ross Wetzsteon Award for Excellences. In 2014, he was awarded the Miss Lilly Award from The Lillys. Todd London (professor) Todd London is the Executive Director at the University of Washington School of Drama. London currently holds the Floyd U. Jones Family Endowed Chair in Drama. London