Rowan to have hernia surgery

He will be replaced by Russ Abbot in the role of Fagin until his expected return on April 27.

Atkinson had been performing with the injury for some weeks, but aggravated it while on holiday with his family.

A spokesperson for the show said: ‘Rowan has been nursing the problem for a few weeks but it flared up badly whilst on a break with his family this week. He has cut short his holiday to fly back to have surgery immediately to speed the recovery process.

‘The condition, while neither serious nor dangerous, is extremely painful and prevents normal movement, making performing impossible.’

Tim Laurenti, who played Fagin during Atkinson’s break, will continue in the role at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until 11 April, when Abbot takes over.

Abbot played the role at the London Palladium in 1997, and on tour around the UK the following year.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh added: ‘Our sympathy goes out to Rowan and all our best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to the production.

‘I regret the disappointment this will cause to many but I am delighted that Russ has so ably stepped into the breach. He is a consummate all-round performer and had a personal triumph in this role when I last produced the show in London and on tour.’

Atkinson is due to play Fagin until July 18, when Omid Djalili takes over the role.

Published: 4 Apr 2009