Griff Rhys Jones returns as Fagin in Oliver! on 6 December

Griff Rhys Jones returns to the role of 'Fagin' in Oliver!, from 6 Dec 2010 to 8 January 2011, when the show ends its run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Russ Abbot, who is currently playing the role of 'Fagin', will leave at the end of his contract on Saturday 4 December 2010.

Kerry Ellis will continue as 'Nancy' with Steven Hartley continuing to play 'Bill Sikes'. Both will remain in the show until the end of the run.

Griff Rhys Jones had previously played 'Fagin' from 12 Dec 2009 to 12 June 2010. He became well known in the 1980s when he starred with Mel Smith in a number of comedy TV sketch programmes including "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Alas Smith and Jones". His other West End credits include "The Front Page" at the Donmar Warehouse in 1997/98 and "Plunder" at the Savoy in 1996/97.

Oliver!, opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 14 Jan 2009, following previews from 12 Dec 2008 to reasonably good notices from the popular press: THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "A cracking night of tuneful entertainment." MICHAEL COVENEY for THE INDEPENDENT says, "A masterpiece is restored, but not in its fullest glory." THE TIMES says, "Oliver! remains as good and revivable as anything he [Bart] wrote." THE EVENING STANDARD says, "I felt director Rupert Goold, came up with a traditional, unadventurous Oliver."

It is directed by Rupert Goold & Matthew Bourne, designed by Anthony Ward, lighting by Paule Constable , choreography by Matthew Bourne, sound by Paul Groothuis, Orchestrations by William D Brohn and musical supervision by Martin Koch. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh in association with the Southbrook Group Limited.

Songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I'd Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more.