Djalili lands Oliver! role
First Iranian to play Fagin?
Omid Djalili is to replace Rowan Atkinson in the role of Fagin in Cameron the West End revival of Oliver!The comic has signed up for a six-month stint in the role at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starting on July 20.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh said: ‘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.. 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 Dickesn’s legendary Jewish creation, we all look forward to him becoming part of the family in July.’
Djalili told Chortle: 'I'm still available for corporates, where I intend to pick a pocket or two. An extra grand, and I'll appear in costiume.'
He will appear opposite Jodie Prenger, who plays Nancy, until December 12.
Published: 11 Feb 2009
