Atkinson to play Fagin in production of 'Oliver!'

Rowan Atkinson has signed up to star as Fagin in the forthcoming West End stage production of 'Oliver!'.

The BBC and Andrew Lloyd Webber are searching for a new Nancy and three boys to play Oliver in the show.

Cameron Mackintosh has announced however that 'Mr Bean' star Atkinsonis confirmed to play Charles Dickens’ fictional criminal.

The 53-year-old actor said playing Fagin was a long-held wish.

“I had been thinking for some time about returning to the stage and the idea of the role of Fagin, which has long intrigued me – some time ago I even played the role in a school production – seemed like too good an opportunity to miss,” said Atkinson.