You've Got to Pick a Contestant or Two Humphries

Barry Humphries, better known for his alter ego Dame Edna Everage will join Andrew Lloyd Webber as a judge for the televised search for the stars of new London show Oliver!

BBC's reality talent search I'd Do Anything, due to air next month, aims to find Sir Lloyd Webber the perfect Nancy and Oliver for his latest West End project - revival of the popular Dickensian story Oliver Twist. This latest search for "fresh talent" reunites the panel that chose Lee Mead to head the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A new face to the line up but no stranger to the stage or indeed Oliver!, Barry Humphries will lend his expertise to find Webber's Nancy and Oliver.

Humphries starred as Fagin in the 1967 revival of Oliver! and again in Cameron Mackintosh's production at the London Palladium. His insider knowledge of the show is bound to prove useful when helping to cast for the latest adaptation and his vibrant personality is sure to make the programme that much more enticing to watch.

John Barrowman, veteran to the stage and Denise Van Outen fresh faced from her recent run in the disappointing UK adaptation of Jonathan Larson's Rent will stand on the panel alongside Humphries and Lloyd Webber. It has yet to be confirmed whether prolific theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh will complete the panel or simply influence from the wings.

Keep an eye on our website for the latest news and reviews for what is sure to be the show of the year!

Published By: Sam Gilmartin