As if I needed an excuse to go back to London

I'd completely forgotten about this until a friend emailed me about it.

The new Fagin in the new production of Lionel Bart's Oliver!?

Rowan Atkinson.



Cameron Mackintosh is behind this new staging, the first in the West End since 1994. It's at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and has a cast of over 100. Jodie Prenger, winner of the TV series I'd Do Anything is playing Nancy and Burn Gorman, who played Owen Harper in Torchwood is Bill Sikes.

Fagin is one of my favourite musical characters - I think the best characters in theatre tend to be Jews - and I'm brilliantly fond of Ron Moody's portrayal of him in the film version. When he bounces out during I'd do anything always brings a smile to my face.



Still though, I'm looking forward to seeing what Rowan Atkinson could do with the role. I think he's a fantastically understated character actor, particularly given his film role choices and this could bring a whole new dimension to the character and the audience. he's due to star as Fagin until July 18.

I'd be tempted to go over just to see him perform this, my favourite Fagin song:



The official website, with times and prices, is here.