Omid Djalili To Replace Rowan Atkinson In OLIVER!

Omid Djalili will replace Rowan Atkinson as Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh's OLIVER!

The Iranian comedian will take over starting July 20, 2009, joining the rest of the original cast. He is scheduled to continue in the part until December 12, 2009.

Cameron Mackintosh presents his triumphant new staging of Lionel Bart's masterpiece "OLIVER!" at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which was last seen at the Palladium in 1994. Oliver! is one of the most beloved British musicals, vividly bringing to life Dickens' timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more.

The production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is also starring Jodie Prenger, winner of the BBC talent show I'd Do Anything as Nancy, Harry, Laurence or Gwion as Oliver and a cast and orchestra of over one hundred.

The sensational score is full of Lionel Bart's irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I'd Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more.

Rupert Goold (Best Director, 2008 Olivier Awards), will be restaging Sam Mendes acclaimed production, and along with Tony award winning director and choreographer Matthew Bourne will be using every inch of London's greatest musical stage with even more sensational sets by Anthony Ward.

http://www.theatreroyaldrurylane.co.uk/current-show.htm