Returning to the stage in London’s West End for the first time in two decades, Rowan Atkinson (known as Mr Bean to many) stars as Fagin, a professional pickpocket, in the production of Oliver Twist at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Claiming that “Fagin is a villain and it’s always nice to play a villain as they are always more fun than straight guys,” this comedy actor makes the musical rather extraordinary.
In an early interview with Rowan Atkinson, he explained that he decided to take the part of Fagin when he performed the role at his son’s school. Unafraid to be sinister, he decided to take it further by getting in contact with Cameron Mackintosh to play the exact same role revived, but on a much bigger stage. He wowed the crowd as his star presence perfectly fit the role to “pick a pocket or two.”
The production’s leading lady is the winner of reality TV casting BBC’s “I’d Do Anything,” Jodie Prenger, who plays the star role, Nancy, by delivering the part brilliantly. Famously drawn to the bad man Bill Sikes, played by Burn Gorman, they got on together very well making a great combination, while a few alternates share the roles of both Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger, constantly outshining the crowd with their charm.
This much-loved sensational musical, based on the book by Charles Dickens, instantly touched my heart making me feel as if I were part of the centre stage. It brought back good memories with irresistible songs, Food Glorious Food, Where Is Love, Consider Yourself, As Long As He Needs Me, Oom-Pah-Pah, It’s a Fine Life and I’d Do Anything, from my high school play.
Judging by the performance the night I went to watch Oliver Twist the musical, if I had the chance to watch it all over again, I would.