EMMA THOMPSON AND BRYN TERFEL IN NEW SWEENEY TODD

Much-respected actress Emma Thompson is set to appear in the West End for her first London stage appearance in 25 YEARS, playing the diabolical pie maker Mrs Lovett in a special concert version of Sweeney Todd next year at the Coliseum, accompanied by Bryn Terfel in the lead role, and the ENO orchestra. The pair will be reprising their roles following the four sellout concerts at New York's Avery Fisher Hall last year. A rare treat for film and opera fans alike!

WHAT IS SWEENEY TODD ABOUT?

This dark and devilishly gory tale sees a man wrongly accused by a corrupt judge, who is determined to seize his wife Lucy and gain custody of their young daughter. He is transported to Australia following the rigged trial, presumably never to be seen again.

Twenty long years pass, and Barker's daughter Joanna has grown up to be a beautiful young woman; her mother, bereft at the loss of her husband is held prisoner by the now-retired judge, who is determined to marry her by force. At the same time, a boat has arrived in London, carrying a mysterious passenger who brimming with anger and thoughts of bloody revenge. His name was lost long ago; he calls himself Sweeney Todd.

In order to wreak revenge on those who wronged him, he opens up a barber's shop on Fleet Street, where he lures his victims in. Once in the chair, he slits their throats and disposes of them, with the help of the bloodthirsty Mrs. Lovett,who bakes the dead men's flesh into her pies for sale to an unwitting public. But will Todd/Barker ever get his chance to avenge his cruel fate against the judge and reclaim his family? Or has he now passed the point of no return into lunacy and murderous desire?

THE BARBER RETURNS TO LONDON

Sweeney Todd originally opened on Broadway in 1979, and despite mixed reviews went on to complete 557 performances and won the Best Musical Tony Award . Since then there have been many revivals across the world, as well as made into film in 2007 starring Jonny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. This exciting production transfers from a very popular run at the Lincoln Center in New York, and will mark the start of a new season of theatrical productions at the ENO. It will be part of a new partnership by theatre titans Michael Grade and Michael Linnit.