Teenagers' necks cut after real cut-throat razors used in 'Sweeney Todd' play

It is a strange tale of what can go wrong when you use real blades in a theatre production.

During a New Zealand high school production of Sweeney Todd, two teenage students had their necks sliced with real cut-throat razors. 

The incident occurred at Saint Kentigern College Auckland during the opening night of the horror opera on Wednesday evening, according to TVNZ. 

The 16-year-old boys were taken to hospital with neck wounds, one with moderate injuries and the other with serious. Both teens have since been discharged.

Steve Cole, Head of College at Saint Kentigern, told TVNZ the blade was modified in an attempt to make it safe for use, including being blunted. He said the blade had been used in rehearsals since January. 

"It was from a prop that was covered in all sorts of duct tape, foam and silver paper," he said. "It was an unfortunate, isolated incident which we are very disturbed about."

In art imitating life, the scenario that unfolded has bizarre but loose links to the plot of Sweeney Todd.

Sweeney Todd is about a serial killer barber who murders his customers by slicing their throats with razors before processing their remains into mince pies. The original 1979 musical was turned into a Tim Burton film starring Johnny Depp in 2007. 

Cole said in a statement the school was "distressed" about the incident and a full investigation will take place, according to TVNZ.

"We are very concerned about the accident at our school last night and we are investigating the causes of this," Cole said. "We are pleased that both boys are in a stable condition and have been talking with both their families. Our priority is to support the boys and their families, along with the rest of the cast and crew."

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