Mr. Bean Star Rowan Atkinson to Headlines the West End Revival of Olivers

Rowan Atkinson will star as Fagin in the West End Revival of Oliver! this winter. Lionel Bart’s musical masterpiece, presented by Cameron Mackintosh and directed by Rupert Goold, will begin performances at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on December 12, 2008. Opening night is set for January 14, 2009.

Atkinson is famous for his title roles in the British television comedies Blackadder and Mr. Bean. He later appeared in two feature films based on the show, Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie and Mr. Bean’s Holiday. His other film credits include The Tall Guy, The Witches, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Lion King, Scooby Doo, Love Actually and Johnny English. He also appeared on television in the Ben Elton sitcom The Thin Blue Line and was a founding member of the BBC’s Not the Nine O’Clock News.

This production of Oliver! will be based on Sam Mendes’ 1994 staging. Included in the score are Bart’s famous songs “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “I’d Do Anything” and “As Long As He Needs Me.”

The roles of Nancy and Oliver will be cast on the BBC’s reality program I’d Do Anything. Additional casting and creative team members are to be announced.



Source : http://london.broadway.com/story/id/3009808