Rowan Atkinson to revive Mr Bean and Blackadder after decades-long hiatus in new show Rowan Live

Mr Atkinson will perform both past sketches and new material in the show, which will have a limited run of 30 performances.

In a statement, he said: “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.”

The performer will also again collaborate with Blackadder writer Ben Elton and its composer Howard Goodall.

Mr Curtis created comedy stage shows with Mr Atkinson and Mr Goodall at Oxford University before all three of their careers took off with satirical series Not the Nine O’Clock News.

Mr Atkinson’s mostly nonverbal character of Mr Bean brought him further success in both TV and film in the 90s, leading to an animated iteration.

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The Four Weddings and a Funeral writer said of the new show: “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.

“Fifty 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.

“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.”

A new Blackadder sketch was performed in 2012 at the Royal Albert Hall in a Prince’s Trust gala event, this time focused on the global financial crisis.

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Blackadder appeared as the chief executive of a bank, while co-star Tony Robinson appeared as his gardener.

Mr Atkinson last appeared on the West End in 2013 in a production of the Quartermaine’s Terms in the titular role.

He also received an Olivier nomination for his role as Fagin in Oliver! in 2009.

Promotional material from the show features the Johnny English performer pulling out a priest vestment, his iconic Mr Bean suit, a gorilla mask, and Blackadder’s Elizabethan garbs from a chest.

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The gorilla mask nods to the sketch from Not the Nine O’Clock News, where Mr Atkinson played Gerald the gorilla.

A professor, played by Mel Smith, says the animal was “completely wild” when they captured it. “Wild?” retorts Gerald. “I was absolutely livid!”

The vestments reference his routine as a priest, who recounts how Jesus’s miracles led him into a career as a magician.

Rowan Live will be directed by Raz Shaw and runs at the Gillian Lynne Theatre from February 8 to March 13.