RFH Hosts Anniversary Sweeney Todd Concert

Broadway stars will join West End celebrities in a landmark one-night concert version of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd in London next month.

On 13 February at the Royal Festival Hall, Tony Award-winning actor Len Cariou will sing the role he created on Broadway for the first time in 20 years, telling the infamous story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He will be joined by Judy Kaye, currently starring in Ragtime on Broadway, as Mrs Lovett for the gala performance to mark the 20th anniversary of the show and composer/lyricist Sondheim's 70th birthday.

Davis Gaines, renowned worldwide for his work in The Phantom of the Opera, will play the role of Anthony Hope, prior to taking part in the New York anniversary concert of Sweeney Todd in May, which is to star Patti Lupone.

The show is directed by Paul Kerryson, currently artistic director of Leicester Haymarket Theatre, who is now finalising casting for 20 ensemble roles and assembling a 50-voice choir of West End singers for the performance. They will be backed by a 40-piece orchestra for the show, which will raise money for Aids charity Crusaid.

Kerryson directed Sweeney Todd at Leicester Haymarket in 1996, winning critical acclaim for the production, which starred Dave Willetts as the Demon Barber and Jeanette Ranger as his pie-making accomplice. Kerryson is renowned in the UK as a director of Sondheim's work, with previous shows including Merrily We Roll Along, Pacific Overtures and Sunday In The Park With George.

Sweeney Todd has been presented with a host of awards worldwide, including Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score, Best Actor (Cariou), Best Actress (Angela Lansbury), Best Director, Best Scenic Design and Best Costume. It also won the New York Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Tickets range from £250 to £15 and the show is expected to sell out. For more information, contact the Royal Festival Hall box office on +44-207-960-4242.

Elizabeth Ferrie

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