Dreyfuss in London stage return

Richard Dreyfuss had been due to appear in The Producers in 2004

Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss is to return to the London stage four years after he was fired from the hit musical The Producers.

The 61-year-old, who is currently playing Dick Cheney in Oliver Stone's film W, is to star in a play directed by fellow Hollywood star Kevin Spacey.

Dreyfuss will star in Complicit, by Joe Sutton, at the Old Vic.

The star said: "I'm very excited to have a chance of not being fired before the opening."

The US actor had been due to take on the role of Max Bialystock in the hit Mel Brooks musical The Producers at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2004.

At the time, a statement said he had withdrawn from the production because he was unable "to fulfil the rigours of the role" because of a shoulder injury.

'Brilliant actor'

Dreyfuss is best known for his roles in Steven Spielberg films Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

It's great that he's coming to London and I think audiences are in for a real treat Kevin Spacey

Spacey, who is also the Old Vic's artistic director, said his new leading man was "a brilliant actor".

He added: "I'm thrilled that we are being given this opportunity to work together.

"It's great that he's coming to London and I think audiences are in for a real treat."

Complicit tells the story of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, played by Dreyfuss, who is hauled before the US Supreme Court.

He is torn between defending his belief in the freedom of the press and protecting his family.

Complicit runs from 7 January to 21 February.

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