Comedian Jason Manford to Join UK SWEENEY TODD As Pirelli for One Month

British comedian Jason Manford is to play Signor Pirelli in Jonathan Kent's West-End production of SWEENEY TODD.  Actor Michael Ball, who stars as Todd in the show, revealed on the Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday evening that Jason Manford will be taking the role while Robert Burt, who is currently playing the part, is on leave.

Jason Manford is know for his stand-up comedy and appearances on comedy panel shows such as 8 Out of Ten Cats and The One Show.

The last time Jason Manford sang in public was also on the Jonathan Ross show in 2009, where he gave an improptu performance of "Suddenly Seymour" from LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and said he was interested in musical theatre roles.

Ball commented that many celebrities say they would like to be in musicals, but that very few go through with it. He said that Manford went through a "proper audition".

Widely acknowledged as Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece, Sweeney Todd stars distinguished musical performer Michael Ball as the eponymous demon barber of Fleet Street and Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton as the devoted Mrs Lovett.

Combining a brutal sensibility with elements of English music hall, the production offers a fascinating portrait of a man driven to madness by injustice.

Sweeney Todd is directed by Jonathan Kent, designed by Anthony Ward and choreographed by Denni Sayers with lighting design by Mark Henderson. The Musical Director is Nicholas Skilbeck, with orchestration by Jonathan Tunick and sound design by Paul Groothuis.

The cast includes: John Bowe, Peter Polycarpou, Robert Burt, Gillian Kirkpatrick, Lucy May Barker, Luke Brady, James McConville, and Simeon Truby. The ensemble includes: Valda Aviks, Will Barratt, Josie Benson, Emily Bull, John Coates, Daniel Graham, Robine Landi, Tim Morgan, Aoife Nally, Adam Pearce, Wendy Somerville, Kerry Washington andAnnabelle Williams.

Presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

www.sweeneytoddwestend.com. Box Office: 0844 811 0053

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