A CWMBRAN drama student has beaten off national competition to win a leading role in a London production of Sweeney Todd.

Becky Nash, 20, from Llanfrechfa will play the part of “Joanna” - Sweeney Todd’s tragic daughter - in the National Youth Musical Theatre production.

Ms Nash said: “The auditions so far have been really tiring but really fun.

“I never expected to be cast as a soprano, and didn’t even realise I could hit some of those high notes until the audition, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a big production.”

The former Croesyceiliog school pupil is currently in the second year of her English and Drama degree at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff.

The production will run near to Fleet Street where the famous story is set at a location yet to be announced.

The musical will feature a young cast of people aged 8-21, and former National Youth Musical Theatre actors include Connie Fisher, Tom Chambers, Matt Lucas and Jude Law.

Ms Nash has just completed her first round of auditions in Bristol, and will rehearse with the full cast again at the end of July before the London production from Monday, August 2 - Saturday, August 7.