A YOUNG singing star from north Pembrokeshire was among more than 30 hopefuls to try out for a prestigious role alongside Bryn Terfel at this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The opera star will head an all Welsh cast in a performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

The show, first performed in 1979, will see Bryn play the title role of the murderous barber with a cast that also includes Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans.

12-year-old James Hope from Nevern took part in auditions held in Cardiff, and is hoping to make the shortlist who will perform and be chosen by Bryn himself.

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

James, who goes to Ysgol y Preseli, auditioned for the role of Tobias.

He said: “We found out about the auditions on the internet and it would be a thrill to sing alongside Bryn Terfel.

“I’m in Only Kids Aloud and I’ve sung some opera and also been in musicals like Oliver, Grease and Les Miserables.

“I’ve been singing since I was four in Eisteddfodau and I often sing at home with my two sisters and my brother.”

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