Blood and Revenge Fuel ‘Sweeney Todd: Slice & Dice’

Victorian vengeance is set to return this summer as Sweeney Todd: Slice & Dice prepares to take a swing at the UK’s horror scene. Released on 2 June via Kaleidoscope Film Distribution, the latest retelling of the infamous demon barber stars actor-producer Terry Bird in the title role, bringing a personal and contemporary edge to the classic tale.

Written and directed by Steven M. Smith, the film blends period horror with modern resonance, using its 1846 London setting to explore themes that remain deeply relevant today. From class oppression to corruption, Smith’s vision for Slice & Dice leans into the injustices of the past to reflect on those still present. Bird leads the charge not just on screen but behind the scenes as producer, marking the project as a labour of both artistry and compassion.

Best known for his work in In Fabric, Community, and Jeepers Creepers: Reborn, Bird steps into the bloodstained boots of Sweeney Todd with both fury and nuance. His version of Todd is driven by the trauma of losing his parents to a crooked judicial system, a pain that festers into retribution. When he rescues Tobias, a young man with Down’s syndrome, from a brutal beating, the act of kindness leads to an unlikely alliance with local baker Mrs Lovett. But far from a passive accomplice, this Mrs Lovett, played with fervour, becomes a key architect in their campaign of revenge.

Steven Brandon, acclaimed for his lead role in My Feral Heart, brings quiet strength to the role of Tobias. Also featuring Alexander Simkin (Gladiator II) as the pursuing Sergeant Babwitch, the film brings together a blend of fresh and familiar faces from British independent cinema. With the passing of actor Darren Kent, to whom the film is dedicated, Slice & Dice carries a heartfelt emotional weight alongside its gallons of gore.

The production was shaped by the uncertainty of the UK film landscape in recent years. Bird explains that it emerged from a need to create opportunities during a time of industry quiet. “We were very keen to shoot something new and brought our individual skills together to collaborate on this film,” he said. “Darren inspired me to produce it.”

Sweeney Todd: Slice & Dice will be available on digital and DVD from 2 June. Pre-orders for the DVD are live now, with physical copies also set to hit major retail stores across the UK.

Sweeney Todd: Slice & Dice trailer