Popular posts on London Theatre Breaks from Feb 2009

Rowan Atkinson has recently had to miss two performances of Oliver the musical in which he plays Fagin, due to a strained voice, but he has fully recovered and is now back at work.Rowan Atkinson has performed in the musical since mid-December alongside Jodie Prenger as Nancy and Gwion Jones, Harry Stott and Laurence Jeffcoate as alternate Olivers.Oliver the musical is set to run and run but Rowan Atkinson will continue in the role of Fagin until 18 July 2009 with one short holiday from 26th March to 5 April.

Moonshadow is a new musical by Yusuf Islam, once known as Cat Stevens. Most people will remember his song Father and Son which was covered by Boyzone in the 90sA semi-autobiographical musical, Moonshadow includes classic songs from his past, partuclary the 1970s heydey including ‘Morning Has Broken’ and ‘Wild World’. The show debuts in Northampton in July. Depending on reactions the show will then move to the West End of LondonPreviews from Moonshadow sung by original Mamma Mia!

Iranian comedian Omid Djalili will replace Rowan Atkinson in the role of Fagin in Oliver! from July 20thMackintosh 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.

[/caption]Oliver has several ’stars’ but Burn Gorman (Bill Sikes) is one who everyone seems to want to know more about.5 things you might not know about him: Burn Gorman was born in 1974 in Hollywood (USA) where his father was a visiting academic. He moved to the UK when he was 7. He doesn’t think much of his singing voice and is glad that his main song can be mostly acted out.