O'Grady to star in Sondheim musical

Paul O'Grady is to star in a new version of Stephen Sondheim's musical, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.

The Lily Savage creator has been offered the part of lead slave in the new West End production, with plans to transfer to New York.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "I'm not especially keen on musicals, but you can't refuse an offer from Stephen Sondheim.

" Stephen was very persuasive and is going to fly over to do two weeks one-on-one with me.

"The idea is that there will be a six-month run in England, and then a six-month run on Broadway."

Published: 19 Aug 2003