The tale of a razor-wielding barber launches the new season as Twickenham Theatre aims to make the grade.

An intimate in-house adaption of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd will be the first production at the new 100-seat theatre, launching in September.

The theatre's executive director Tony Green says: "Twickenham has not had a decent arts and entertainment venue available to professional production companies and community groups for far too long now.

"By offering a new dedicated venue for quality theatre and other entertainment we can give local audiences the opportunity to experience some of the West End on their doorstep."

As well as being a producing theatre, Twickenham Theatre will provide a rehearsal, performance and event space for visiting productions, entertainment artists, community groups and corporate events.

Casting for Sweeney Todd is set to be announced later this month.

Sweeney Todd; Twickenham Theatre, London Road, Twickenham; September 10 to October 4 (Tuesday-Saturday at 7.45pm and matinees on Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 3.00pm); tickets £12; visit twickenhamtheatre.com for more details.