Rowan Atkinson will bring Rowan Live, a new comedy sketch show featuring classic characters and fresh material, to London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre this February. The limited run marks Atkinson’s first West End sketch show in 40 years, featuring collaborations with Richard Curtis, Ben Elton and Howard Goodall.

Rowan Atkinson will perform Rowan Live at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from 8 February to 13 March, offering 30 performances including a press night on 16 February. The show revisits some of Atkinson’s most iconic sketches and characters, such as Mr Bean and Blackadder, alongside new material crafted with frequent collaborators Richard Curtis, Ben Elton and Howard Goodall.

Atkinson reflected on the significance of the production, noting it has been four decades since his last comedy sketch show in the West End. He said the show “reunites the sketches that began it all” for both himself and Curtis, introducing new content written especially for the occasion.

The production is directed by Raz Shaw with music composed by Howard Goodall. Rowan Live is presented by Playful Productions in association with PBJ Management.

Richard Curtis, who worked closely on the show, recalled seeing Atkinson’s first stage performance in 1976 and praised the comedian’s enduring talent. “All that magic, that unique accuracy and comic genius, is still there for all to see,” Curtis said.

The limited engagement offers long-time fans and new audiences a chance to experience the versatility of Atkinson’s characters and comic timing in an intimate West End setting. Priority booking opens 7 October at 9am, with tickets available to the public from noon that day.

Rowan Live joins a tradition of celebrated British comedy sketch shows on the West End stage, reflecting Atkinson’s ongoing relevance in theatre and comedy after decades of screen success.