The production, which is scheduled to appear on the National’s Lyttelton stage in October, will be directed by George C. Wolfe, who helmed the musical’s world premiere at Off-Broadway’s Public Theatre in November 2003.

Some of the characters in the show are not human, with Rowe taking on the roles of the Bus and the Dryer.

The award-winning performer received an Olivier for his portrayal of Nicely Nicely Johnson in the National’s 1996 production of Guys and Dolls. Other stage credits include Simply Heavenly, Chicago and Company.

Also confirmed in the London cast are Angela M. Caesar who will play the Moon, Malinda Parris as the Washing Machine and Nataylia Roni as the Radio.

With book and lyrics by the Tony and Pulitzer-winning Kushner (Angels in America, Homebody Kabul) and music by Tony Award winner Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Milly), the story is set in Louisiana 1963 and follows the friendship between a black maid and the white, Jewish son of her employers. The musical, which divided critics, went on to recieve six 2004 Tony nominations, winning the Best Featured Actress in a Musical category for Anika Noni Rose.