SQUEAMISH actor Eddie-Joe Robinson is facing a bit of a conundrum...
For the deputy head boy’s next top role – the lead and murderous role in gruesome musical Sweeney Todd – conflicts with his deep fear of blood.
But Sheffield High Storrs School pupil Eddie, a member of the National Youth Theatre, has vowed to rid himself of his hemophobia before the curtains open at The Crucible theatre this July. The self-nicknamed Squeamy Todd, a talented actor, singer and dancer at just 18, said: “I don’t know what I’m going to do about my fear of blood and gore.
“I’m thinking I’ll probably need to see someone about it, to try and get over it.
“If ever there was a reason to overcome my phobia then the chance to be back on The Crucible stage again is definitely it.”
Luckily, deputy head girl Esme Moxley, who is playing pie shop owner Mrs Lovett and is also well known for top school performances, has no such qualms.
She said: “I quite like blood... not in a weird way, but I do love gore!”
High Storrs’ alumni include actors Tom Ellis and Jessica Ransom and the school has a well-established reputation for producing high quality shows.
And the whole school is geared up to take part in Sweeney Todd School Edition after it was invited back to The Crucible.
Art students will work on the set, business studies on marketing, and science with the copious amounts of fake blood required.
Joe Clarkson in year 13 is also the assistant choreographer. Teacher Carl Jeffrey, leader in learning for drama, said the school’s last musical was Billy Elliot in 2011. He said: “It’s a real privilege to be working with such a mature cast and production team.
“Their skills and enthusiasm has meant that everything is coming together very quickly, which is evident even in these early stages.
“We already have some scenes that are off script after just a handful of rehearsals.
“We have such a wide spread of immense talent we have been completely spoilt for choice!”
Tickets for Sweeney Todd on July 5 and 6 will go on sale nearer the time.
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