Photo Flash: SWEENEY TODD Begins Previews; Michael Ball & Imelda Staunton Visit The Jonathan Ross Show!

Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton stopped by The Jonathan Ross Show in honor of Sweeney Todd which begins previews tonight! They were joined by Rihanna and Lionel Richie. Check out the photos below!

Following sell-out success at Chichester Festival Theatre, Jonathan Kent's acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd transfers to London's West End for a limited season beginning tonight. 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.

Set amongst London's seedy side streets and laced with Sondheim's characteristically brilliant wit and dark humour, the musical depicts Sweeney Todd's savage quest for justice and retribution after years of false imprisonment. Aided and abetted by the pie-shop owner, Mrs Lovett, he sets out to avenge the wrongs done to him and his family.

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 and Annabelle Williams.

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

For tickets and more information visit www.sweeneytoddwestend.com or call Box Office: 0844 811 0053.

Photo Credit: Brian J. Ritchie Photography Ltd/Rex/Rex USA