Griff Rhys Jones is the latest comedian to take on the role of Fagin in the beloved theatre classic Oliver based on the Charles Dickens novel.
Jones took the role on last night at the West End production on Drury Lane at the Theatre Royal and was almost hard to recognize given his beard, grey hair, and horrendous clothes.
He is took the role over from Omid Djalili who is known for his work in The Mummy, Gladiator, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Previous to Djalili, the play opened with Rowan Atkinson playing Fagin back in December of 2008. After the play Rhys Jones received a standing ovation from his cast members and from the audience.
Producer of the show Cameron Mackintosh stated that he has been trying to work with Griff for the last several years, so it was delightful to finally be able to tempt him onto the stage with the role of Fagin.
Mackintosh continued to say that Griff is a great actor that has many talents which are most likely to be seen in his interpretation of Fagin throughout the holiday season.
Outside of Griff’s debut, actor Stephen Harley also took on the role of Bill Sykes for the first time last night which he has played before in the 1996 production of Oliver at the London Palladium.
Also part of the cast is ten year old Edward Cooke as Oliver and Jodie Prenger playing Nancy who won it on the BBC show I’d Do Anything.
