Newly-widowed Mrs Lovett needs to find a way to survive. Using skills learned from a whaler father, a courtesan mother and a butcher husband, Eleanor “recalibrates” her life – and her relationship with God.

An origin story set before her infamous partnership with Sweeney Todd, we discover what would later lead her to turn pie-maker.

You may think you already know Mrs. Lovett, but this new play explores what made her: the brutal choices and disappointments of a life in poverty. When the difference is life or death, morality becomes a moveable feast – and Eleanor is getting hungry…

‘A masterclass in dark theatre… This is theatre that makes you think, that challenges your assumptions, and that stays with you long after you leave’. – Plymouth Herald

‘A powerful, unapologetic look at a villain, and it’s a show that will stick with you long after you’ve left the theatre…. If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers, Lovett is a must see’ – Edinburgh Reviews

‘This brilliant script, paired with even more powerful acting, had me mesmerised…. As exciting and captivating as the biggest of productions’ – Radio Exe

About the Company

BoonDog Theatre is a multi award-winning collaborative theatre company based in the Midlands, creating exciting new stories for the stage.

A core team of Creative Director Lucy Roslyn and Productions Director Jamie Firth focus on making intimate, character driven pieces working with a team of collaborators from various disciplines to bring them to the stage, telling stories that start conversations that last long beyond the audience leaving the theatre.

Their work is almost always darkly comic, always aims for the heart, and what they describe as ‘covertly political’. Their work is led with a passion for detailed research when it comes to historical or psychological elements.

BoonDog Theatre are proud to be Associate Artists of the Royal and Derngate, Northampton.

Additional information

Duration: 70 mins

Age guidance: 14+

Content warning: Some swearing, haze is used during the performance, contains mature content and unpleasant themes that some people may find difficult; descriptions of poverty and prejudice toward the poor, references to bereavement of both a parent and a spouse, the script also contains descriptions of some violent acts, including the butchery of animals and the human body. There are references to sexual abuse, coercion and mental illness and a knife is on stage.

Venue: Auditorium, Exeter Phoenix

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>