Dreyfuss to stage West End comeback at Spacey's Old Vic

Richard Dreyfuss is preparing to return to the West End stage four years after he was sensationally fired from musical 'The Producers'.

The 'Jaws' star has been coaxed back into theatre work by Kevin Spacey, artistic director at London's Old Vic Theatre, to star in the venue's new play 'Complicit'.

Dreyfuss' last experience in stage work ended in embarrassment following his dismissal from Mel Brooks' 'The Producers' in 2004.

Theatre bosses at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane stated Dreyfuss was unable to "to fulfil the rigours of the role" due to a shoulder injury.

The actor, currently garnering praise for his turn as Dick Cheney in Oliver Stone's 'W', said he can't wait to prove his worth to theatregoers.

"I'm very excited to have a chance of not being fired before the opening," he joked.

Oscar winner Spacey is glad to have a fellow Academy Award honoree on board for the project.

"I'm thrilled that we are being given this opportunity to work together," Spacey said. " It's great that he's coming to London and I think audiences are in for a real treat."

The play, in which Dreyfuss will play an award-winning reporter who battles the US Supreme Court over freedom of the press, is set to open in January 2009.