A major new UK revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street has officially secured its leading man, and it is a casting choice already generating huge excitement in the theatre world. West End and Broadway favourite Ramin Karimloo will take on the role of Sweeney Todd when Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s iconic musical returns in a new production at the Birmingham Rep, running 4 July to 9 August 2026.
Karimloo, known internationally for his powerhouse performances in The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Love Never Dies, and A Face in the Crowd, has long been considered one of musical theatre’s most compelling leading men. His casting marks a significant moment for the Rep, which has secured one of the most in‑demand performers of his generation for what many consider Sondheim’s greatest male role.
The production will be directed by the Rep’s Artistic Director Joe Murphy, with design by award‑winning designer Elin Steele, promising a fresh and atmospheric take on Sondheim’s razor‑sharp musical thriller.
Karimloo shared his enthusiasm for stepping into the world of Benjamin Barker, the wronged barber who returns to London seeking vengeance. He described the timing and creative team as the perfect fit, saying that after meeting Murphy and the Birmingham Rep team, “it was immediately clear this was the right moment and the right company to take that journey with.”
The revival forms part of the Rep’s ambitious 2026 season and is already being watched closely by industry insiders. With Karimloo leading the cast, speculation has begun about whether the production could transfer to the West End after its Birmingham run.
Further casting is still to be announced, but anticipation is already high. With its blend of dark humour, soaring music, and psychological depth, Sweeney Todd remains one of Sondheim’s most celebrated works—and this revival looks set to be one of the major theatrical events of 2026.