Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street: Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Stephen Sondheims magnificently dark musical, based on a mass murdering barber thirsty for revenge, is set to be presented by Friends of Tyne Theatre & Opera House as a fundraiser for the Tyne Theatre & Opera House Preservation Trust. Proceeds from the production will contribute towards the restoration of the unique Grade 1 listed Victorian opera house on Westgate Road, Newcastle. The production has attracted talented cast members from across the region and even internationally; one of the stars of the show, Mia Bazzoui who plays Todds partner in crime Mrs Lovett, lives in Dubai but is currently studying International Relations at Durham University. Mia, who intends to train as an actress following her degree, said: Im extremely excited for Sweeney Todd especially playing Mrs Lovett having seen Imelda Staunton playing the role six times in London. The title role of Sweeney Todd is played by 22-year-old Thomas Potts from Sunderland. Thomas loves the show, has been involved with theatre since he was young and is currently completing a Masters Degree in Theatre Performance at Northumbria University. Will Lockey from Tyne Valley is playing the role of Tobias. Will is keen to train as an actor and sees this role as a challenge both musically and dramatically, putting him in great stead for a future in the industry. The roles of Johanna and Anthony are played by 17-year-old Emily Miller from Durham, who is currently auditioning for drama courses, and 23-year-old Michael Grant a trained actor and singer who has performed in Russia and the USA. The show is directed by Lynne Wilmot, a professional actress from Newcastle whose career credits include two national tours of Les Miserables, the Les Miserables movie, original cast of Jerry Springer the Opera, Beauty and the Beast (Disney), The Huntsman (Universal) and National Theatre. Lynne also appeared as a girl in the amateur premier of Sweeney Todd at the Tyne Theatre in 1983. The productions principals are supported by a large young and talented ensemble and a large amateur orchestra playing the original full orchestration. The tile sponsor for the show is Parkdean, the Newcastle-based holiday park operator that recently merged with Park Resorts to create Parkdean Resorts, who also sponsored The Friends first and very successful production The Pirates of Penzance, in September 2015. The director of finance for Parkdean Resorts, Mike Wilmot is also a Trustee for the Tyne Theatre & Opera House Preservation Trust