We'd been hearing about Michael's ambitions to play Sweeney Todd for such a long time it felt like it would never happen - but the wait was absolutely worth it.

When we arrived for the first preview we were nervous - not because we thought Michael wouldn't be brilliant - but because we knew how much this role meant to Michael.  We needn't have worried at all.  From the very beginning it was obvious that Michael had made the role of Sweeney Todd his own.

There couldn't be a greater contrast than that of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray to Sweeney Todd but Michael has such great talent that there's not a trace of any of his former characters in this role.  He simply is Sweeney Todd, even to those of us who know him so well.

If you haven't got a ticket to see it yet, you really should do so straightaway at www.cft.org.uk before the run ends on November 5.

Fingers crossed for a West End transfer - we need to see more of this show!