Original Oliver! Villain Ron Moody is returning to his signature role - pickpocket Fagin.
The 80-year-old star was nominated for an Oscar for his star part in the 1968 classic film.
But it is 20 years since London-born Moody last starred as the Dickens character, donning fingerless gloves and threadbare coat in a West End musical production of the book Oliver Twist.
Kevin Wood, whose production will be shown at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this Easter, said: “It’s a real casting coup.
“We never thought we’d get such a big star as Ron Moody to agree to play Fagin for our own stage version of Oliver!
“When we approached him we couldn’t believe it when he agreed.
“When you think of Fagin you think of Ron Moody, he has made the role his own.”
Moody, who recently appeared on television screens in EastEnders, will join local amateur actors in the community production, which takes place in April.