The aside ad spectatores

This kind of aside breaks through the internal communication system and hence has a certain epic and mediatory function. It is often found in comedy and is often used to inform the audience of the background of a certain dramatic situation, and the speaker's plans and creates a level of suspense. This ensures that the audience has an advantage over the victims of the intrigue.

There are no asides of this kind in Sweeney Todd. It is included here for the sake of completeness.