A YOUNG singer from Pontypool was among more than 30 hopefuls to try out for a role alongside opera superstar Bryn Terfel at this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The great bass-baritone from Caernarfon will head an all-star Welsh cast in a performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway smash-hit Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Daniel Lee, 10, from Pontypool, took part in auditions held in Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre, singing Not While I’m Around, from the Sondheim show.

Now a shortlist will be drawn up from over 80 young singers performing at the auditions, in Cardiff and at the Royal International Pavilion, in Llangollen, on March 8, so that Mr Terfel can choose the three young unknowns who will take the stage alongside him.

Daniel, who goes to Ysgol Cymraeg Cwmbran, began singing in the school eisteddfod and was inspired to audition by his sister who is in the Cwmbran Nidus Choir.

He said: “My sister is in a choir which is going to sing with Bryn Terfel so I’d love to get through to singgn with him as well.”

His mum, Jen, added: “He loves singing and ballet as well. He just likes performing.”

The show will see Mr Terfel play the title role of the murderous barber with a cast that also includes Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans, Gio Compario of the Go Compare television ads.

The roles to be filled are star-crossed young lovers Anthony and Johanna and street urchin Tobias Ragg.

The Anthony and Johanna roles are for tenors and sopranos over 18 while Tobias will be played by a ten to 14-year-old.

At audition each singer performed a song from the show before Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths.

He said: “Just the chance to actually audition for a role like this is an experience in itself and one which will stand them in good stead in the future.”

Sweeney Todd will be the curtain raiser to six tremendous days at Llangollen which kick off on July 8.

For information visit international-eisteddfod.co.uk