Stand up comedian Omid Djalili been announced as Rowan Atkinson’s replacement in the West End revival of smash hit musical, Oliver! The Iranian comedian, who has starred in Hollywood films The Mummy, Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean, will take over from the role in the Cameron MacKintosh production on 20 July.
Commenting on Djalili’s casting in the role, Mackintosh hailed the comedian’s ability “to inhabit his characters with such comic energy and wily cunning”. Djalili will star until 12 December 2009, while the show is currently booking until February 2010.
Theatre goers have clearly been asking for more as the revival of musical Oliver! secured the West End’s largest ever advance sales. The Cameron MacKintosh production which is due to open at Drury Lane’s Theatre Royal on 17 January 2009 has made over £15m in advance sales, thanks in no small part to great advance reviews and the casting of comedian Mr Bean star Rowan Atkinson playing the role of the villainous Fagin.
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