Atkinson to star in musical 'Oliver!'

LONDON, March 27 (UPI) -- British comedic actor Rowan Atkinson is set to play Fagin in a new West End production of the musical "Oliver!" the BBC said Thursday.

Atkinson, 53, has starred in the TV shows "Blackadder" and "Mr. Bean," as well as in the films "Bean," "Mr. Bean's Holiday," "Johnny English," "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Love, Actually."

He will soon star in Cameron Mackintosh's new stage production of "Oliver!" which is set to open in December.

Appearing alongside him will be the winners from the BBC competition show "I'd Do Anything" -- one actress who will play Nancy and three boys who will rotate in the title role.

"In the 1980s I enjoyed doing a lot of West End theater and since then have been distracted very much by Mr. Bean and filmmaking," Atkinson told the BBC.

"I had been thinking for some time about returning to the stage and the idea of the role of Fagin, which has long intrigued me," he said. "Some time ago I even played the role in a school production (so it) seemed like too good an opportunity to miss."