Marc Almond calls his theatrical alliance with classical jazz saxophonist and composer John Harle a celebration of London and its dark history.

The Tyburn Tree, named after the gallows at Marble Arch where the executioner’s axe fell for more than 550 years, is “an epic song cycle that shines a lantern into the terrifying corners of London’s history”.

There are tales of Spring-Heeled Jack and the Highgate Vampire who moved through the city’s dark labyrinths and alleyways. As well as Almond, the record’s words come from William Blake (Fortress and Jerusalem) and John Dee (Dark Angel).

“The Tyburn Tree is more a collaboration than a reinterpretation,” says Almond. “Though some of the words are William Blake’s and other writers’, many of them are my own and the music is all new and original.”

Almond, born in Merseyside, moved to London 35 years ago. He tells The Guide, via email, that he still holds on to his sense of being an outsider in the city.

“Before I came here, I looked on London as a great city of wonder, where I could find everything I wanted out of life.

“Its stories fascinated me; its nightlife, its opportunities. Though at times it frustrates me and it’s an exhausting place, I never really get tired of it – it’s always exciting.

“I realise I’m lucky to live here and maybe that’s because I wasn’t born here. I don’t take it for granted.”

My Fair Lady is a sinister lyrical reworking of London Bridge Is Falling Down by Geordie poet Tom Pickard, who also penned the lyrics to Black Widow, including the grim reference to the deceased, “I am a poor man, here is my view, swing on the gallows, my sweet adieu.”

London writer and poet Iain Sinclair joins the cast for shows in London and Brighton.

In To The Crow The Spoils, with its cinematic schlock horror keys and strings, he talks of slaughterhouses and fly-curtained rooms, moons and towers and mutilation at Moorgate.

Almond’s Vampire Of Highgate is frantic, galloping cabaret. The Labyrinth Of Limehouse has wailing guitars and death-march drums.

Ivor Novello-winner John Harle – whose work to date includes his O Mistress Mine for Elvis Costello and the theme to BBC One’s Silent Witness – worked closely with Almond on the 12-track album.

“The words come first and then John works on the music and arrangements. I add vocals later when the music is ready. John has a very clear view of how the vocal should be. He sits near the recording mic and gives me clear directions,” says Almond.

“We have a good rapport in the studio and a lot of fun too. Sometimes I pleasantly surprise him when I come up with a variation on a melody he hadn’t thought of.”

As for Almond’s research, he dug up his vast collection of books on London’s grisly history.

“The Jack The Ripper murders are only a reference on the album, as are the Ratcliffe Highway murders. The record is more about the Tyburn Tree, the gallows at Tyburn, about London’s myths and legends.

“I always do a lot of research when working on projects. I collect books about London’s dark history so I’m very familiar with it.”