THE star from Studley Operatic Society's forthcoming production of Sweeney Todd was recently put through his paces by a real master barber.

The group's Sweeney, Paul Mitchell, was taught a few moves by Britain’s best wet shaving barber finalist Haider Alsohaini, of Bella Barba on Evesham Road.

Paul got a masterclass in how to give a perfect wet shave and even had a go on one willing customer.

A spokesman from the group said: "We had a fabulous session with Haider from Bella Barba, who spared some time to put our Sweeney through his paces.

"He learnt a lot from this masterclass."

The group will be performing the musical thriller at the Palace Theatre from April 25 to 29.

Acclaimed by the critics as one of Stephen Sondheim’s most powerful scores, the black comedy concerns the infamous homicidal career of Sweeney, the unjustly exiled barber who returns to London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who coveted his young wife and falsely imprisoned him.

Cheated of his revenge against the Judge, Sweeney’s thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate customers, and - with the aid of his razor - he exacts a far more terrible revenge, cheerfully helped by Mrs. Lovett, who is delighted to give new life to her flavourless meat pies.

For more information and tickets, email tickets@studley-operatic.co.uk or call 01527 404696.

Tickets are also available via the Palace box office on 01527 65203 or redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk.