Barrymore returns to the stage as Scrooge

Michael Barrymore has agreed to make a return to the stage in the title role of Scrooge the Musical.

The entertainer will travel to Wolverhampton, Aberdeen, Sunderland, Oxford, Liverpool and Edinburgh with the show, which is being staged by West End producer Bill Kenwright.

The musical is based on Charles Dickens' classic tale A Christmas Carol, which features bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge.

"I have tried for several Christmases to entice Michael back to the British theatre to perform Charles Dickens' favourite character and was absolutely overjoyed when this year he agreed," Kenwright explained. "Michael is a brave man, a brilliant entertainer; he will be the perfect Scrooge."

Barrymore added: "I'm delighted to be taking to the stage again to lead this magical musical. Scrooge is Dickens' greatest character and playing this role is a challenge that I relish."

Full tour details are as follows:

November 14 - November 18 2006, Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre
November 20 - December 2 2006, Abderdeen, His Majesty's Theatre
December 5 2006 - January 13 2007, Sunderland, Empire Theatre
January 15 - January 20 2007, Oxford, New Theatre
January 22 - January 27 2007, Liverpool, Empire Theatre
January 29 - February 10 2007, Edinburgh, Festival Theatre