Rowan Atkinson returns to the West End for the first time in 40 years with Rowan Live

Rowan Atkinson is returning to the West End stage for the first time in 40 years, bringing his new show Rowan Live to the Gillian Lynne Theatre for a strictly limited season of just 30 performances from 8 February until 13 March 2027.

Actor, comedian and writer Rowan Atkinson is returning to the West End stage for the first time in 40 years with Rowan Live – a new comedy sketch show coming to the Gillian Lynne Theatre between 8 February until 13 March 2027.

Rowan Live will reunite longtime collaborators Atkinson with screenwriter, director and producer Richard Curtis, who have worked together since the start of Atkinson’s career.

Atkinson said: “It is 40 years since I last did a comedy sketch show in the West End, and 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.”

Curtis added: “I first saw Rowan perform on stage in 1976, 50 years ago… that unique accuracy and comic genius is still there for all to see. 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.”

A once-in-a-generation reunion

Black-and-white backstage photo of Rowan Atkinson glancing over his shoulder beside a costume rack, next to a gorilla mask and theatrical outfits — Rowan Atkinson backstage ahead of his new West End show, *Rowan Live*

Atkinson hasn’t performed a comedy sketch show in the West End in four decades, and this one reunites him on stage with the writing partner who helped shape his most iconic characters from the very beginning. And with only 30 performances scheduled, demand for tickets is expected to be high.

Creative team highlights

Produced by Playful Productions in association with PBJ Management, Rowan Live brings some of Atkinson’s most famous comedy sketches and iconic characters back to the stage. These include the chaotic Mr Bean, the irreverent Blackadder, and favourites from Not the Nine O’Clock News and brand new material created with long-term collaborators Richard Curtis, Ben Elton and Howard Goodall.

The show is directed by Raz Shaw, with music by Howard Goodall.