Darius Campbell to Play Escamillo in CARMEN at London's O2 Arena, 5/23

Whatsonstage.com is reporting that on May 23, Darius Campbell will play the role of Escamillo in Bizet's CARMEN at London's O2 Arena. The production, directed by David Freeman, will run from May 21-23.

Darius Campbell (born Darius Campbell-Danesh) is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and West End stage actor who was previously known professionally as Darius Danesh or Darius. He rose to fame in 2002 after finishing in third place on the British TV talent show "Pop Idol." His first, self-penned single "Colourblind" entered the UK singles chart at number one, and his debut album went platinum under the guidance of producer Steve Lillywhite. He has had five UK Top Ten singles.

Campbell had two West End runs in CHICAGO during 2005-2006, and at 25, officially became the youngest actor to fill the role of Billy Flynn since the show first opened on Broadway in 1975.

In 2007 he starred as Sky Masterson in Michael Grandage's Olivier Award winning production of Guys and Dolls. Later that year he reprised his role of Billy Flynn for the 10th Anniversary charity performance of CHICAGO in London, to benefit the charities Breast Cancer Haven and Breast Health Institute.

In 2008 he returned to London's West End to originate the role of Rhett Butler in Sir Trevor Nunn's musical adaptation of GONE WITH THE WIDND. It officially opened at the New London Theatre on 22 April 2008, the production closing on 14 June, 2008, after 79 performances (including previews).

In 2009 he guest-starred in episode six of the fourth series of the BBC show "Hotel Babylon," starring as Gennaro Fazio, an Italian magazine editor.

In January and February 2010 Campbell competed in and won the UK's ITV1 show "Popstar to Operastar," in which eight pop stars were trained to perform world-famous opera arias; the pop stars being mentored by tenor Rolando Villazon and Katherine Jenkins. He won the final show against BErnie Nolan after the other six pop stars were voted out by the public.

For more information, visit www.whatsonstage.com.

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