Tommy Steele will make his return to the London stage at that venue in A Christmas Carol. This version of the Charles Dickens classic is written by Leslie Bricusse. It will begin previews Oct. 20, open on Nov. 8 and close Jan. 14, 2006. Specially tailored illusions have been created for the production (which has played internationally) by Paul Kieve, the magician who worked on the “Harry Potter” films. Bob Tomson directs, with designs by Paul Farnsworth. The choreography is by Lisa Kent. Lighting design is by Nick Richings, sound design by Mick Potter. Bill Kenwright will produce.

Steele is a hugely popular entertainer whose career has spanned four decades. His career has spanned pop hits, films and stage shows, including a record-breaking run of Singing in the Rain, which ran for 894 performances at the Palladium. Elsewhere onstage, he has played in Twelfth Night alongside Ralph Richardson and Alec Guinness and in She Stoops to Conquer alongside Judi Dench. On Broadway he starred in Half a Sixpence, a turn that bagged him a Tony nomination. His movies include “The Happiest Millionaire,” “Finian’s Rainbow” and the film version of “Half a Sixpence.”