EVEN the most cultivated theatre-goer must in equal measure have been delighted and confused that Disney should be the producer of the film version of Stephen Sondheim’s glorious but complex musical.

Meryl Streep makes a magnificent Witch and James Cordon and Emily Blunt are inspiringly cast as the Baker and his wife. Other key roles are played by Johnny Depp, Tracey Ullman and the ever charismatic Frances De La Tour.

However, Sondheim’s score is dark and devoid of an obvious hit single. The Baker’s Wife and Children Will Listen may be known to hard-core fans of Elaine Paige’s radio show, but there are no real lollipops in this score.

One suspects the movie will bomb at the cinema, but fare far better on CD and DVD, allowing students of musical theatre and Sondheim enthusiasts to enjoy it at their leisure.

Indeed, this is to date the most complete and beautifully orchestrated version of the musical, but Disney may find it difficult to find an audience among its Frozen-loving core demographic.