Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 9894

Young performers set to take to the stage in Sweeney Todd at Curve

0
0
Two young hopefuls are set to take to the stage at Curve in the lead roles in Stephen Sondheim's brooding musical thriller, Sweeney Todd. More than 400 young performers from across Leicestershire tried out in 14 different audition sessions to be part the latest community production running from July 30 to August 11. The production is directed by Paul Kerryson who directed the two previous hit community productions of Oliver and West Side Story. The show is filled with humour, wit and gruesome delights. Starring in the leading roles of Sweeney Todd the demon barber and Mrs Lovett the pie maker are Jak Skelly and Mary-Jean Caldwell. They lead the 60 strong company that began rehearsals this week. Jak, is from Anstey and is studying musical theatre at Leicester College. He said: "To be chosen in a lead role when there are older men in the cast is just tremendous. "It is such a great piece and the cast is great." Jak has his eyes set on a career on the stage and has appeared in a number of local productions. He is planning to continue his studies in London. Mary-Jean, 16, is from Knighton and is currently studying for her GCSEs at St Paul's Roman Catholic and Performing Arts School in Evington. Mary-Jean, who played Nancy in the community production Oliver, said: "I could not believe it when Paul said I was playing Mrs Lovett. It is such a great role." Mary-Jean has been singing since she was nine and has already appeared in productions in London. She is going to study A-level dance, drama and English literature at the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire. Sondheim's brooding musical thriller is filled with humour, wit and gruesome delights. From its first UK performance in London in 1980 to the stunning 2007 screen adaptation by Tim Burton, this tale of obsession and vengeance has enraptured audiences. Director Paul Kerryson said: "We've been overwhelmed once again by the local interest for our next community musical, Sweeney Todd. "The audition process has been rigorous with the production team seeing everyone who applied since registration opened in January – over 400 people in total." He added: "Sweeney Todd is a spectacular and musically demanding production. But we're in no doubt from previous productions that our talented company will rise to the challenge and bring the thrilling story of the demon barber of Fleet Street back to life to haunt Curve's auditorium this summer." He said there will be doubling up of actors on roles and that some characters are yet to be cast. He said: "The performers are driven and many are looking for careers in the theatre and performing arts. "We had a run through of the opening number on Wednesday and it was a powerful sound." As well as on stage, Curve's backstage team will be giving young technicians the opportunity to work on alongside the Curve professional expertise to support its stage, lighting and sound components. Tickets cost from £8.50 to £18.50, with discounted tickets available. Call the ticket office on 0116 242 3595, or visit the website: www.curveonline.co.uk

Young performers set to take to the stage in Sweeney Todd at Curve


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 9894

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images