Rowan Atkinson to revive classic characters Mr Bean and Blackadder in new project

With a career spanning nearly five decades, Rowan Atkinson has been involved in several huge projects on both the big and small screen. But he will soon be returning to London's West End for a new stage show.

Rowan Live will see the beloved actor showcase his "unique blend of physical comedy and impeccable timing" as he takes a trip down memory lane, with some of his most famous sketches and characters being brought to life once again.

This will include the titular characters from Mr Bean and Blackadder, while favourites from Not the Nine O'Clock News will also be included. As part of the project, the comedian is working with past collaborators Richard Curtis and Ben Elton.

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Atkinson, who is also known for his roles in the Johnny English franchise and Four Weddings and a Funeral, said in a statement: "It is 40 years since I last did a comedy sketch show in the West End."

"I thought it would be fun to perform again the sketches that began it all for myself and Richard Curtis and in which my most well-known characters originated, alongside some surprise new material written especially for this show," he added.

Curtis, who met the actor while studying at the University of Oxford, added: "I first saw Rowan perform on stage in 1976, 50 years ago - and it was instantly clear to all of us that we were watching a unique, once in a lifetime talent."

"50 years later, this summer, we started putting this show together in front of a small audience, and all that magic, that unique accuracy and comic genius is still there for all to see," he continued.

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"It's such a joy and honour for me to be part of a show that will include the very best of Rowan on stage - all his voices, shapes, faces and characters. I hope it will make people very happy."

Rowan Live will consist of 30 performances at London's Gillian Lynne Theatre, with the show premiering on 8 February 2027. It will run for just over a month until 13 March 2027, with tickets going on sale here on Wednesday (7 October).

Rowan Live runs at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from 8 February to 13 March 2027.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.