Oliver! The New Fagin to be Omid Djali
Iranian comedian Omid Djalili will replace Rowan Atkinson in the role of Fagin in Oliver! from July 20th
Mackintosh said in the Stage today
“Oliver! has been a success beyond my wildest dreams and I’m thrilled that Rowan Atkinson has had such a tremendous triumph in a role I always thought he was born to play. The only way to follow such a unique performance is with a talent just as unique, yet entirely different. No one could fulfil this criteria better than Omid Djalili.
“Omid started his career as an actor but was soon to become a major television star and one of the funniest comic actors and writers in Britain, who regularly plays unforgettable cameos in movies. It is his ability to inhabit his characters with such comic energy and wily cunning that will make his Fagin his own. Undoubtedly the first Iranian ever to portray Dicken’s legendary Jewish creation, we all look forward to him becoming part of the family in July.”
This should be interesting! I think he’s a good comic actor but I didn’t know he could sing.
I saw Omid Djalili in The Hackney Empire’s “New Act Of The Year” show years ago and as far as I remember there was definitely a musical parody element in his show, he may even have played the guitar. Seeing him on TV I was amazed that he still does the Indian bingo caller sketch after all these years!
Yes, I think it’s a great recasting.
We saw Oliver ! a few weeks ago and thought Rowan Atkinson was a brilliant Fagin , his comic timing is superb and he seems to have the audience right on the spot! Gwiillam (?) was Oliver and he was very good as well and the Artful Dodger was excellent .Afterwards I said I was so glad we booked early and got to see Rowan as it would not be the same without him .However , after seeing Omid Djalili on TV a few times and especially in the birthday show for Prince Charles I will definately be booking to go ahead to see him .I am sure he will be brilliant .