Allen prepares for Long John role

Allen plays the Sheriff of Nottingham in the BBC's Robin Hood series

Robin Hood actor Keith Allen will play pirate Long John Silver in a new production of Treasure Island, to run over Christmas in London's West End.

Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic, it will run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 17 November until February 2008.

The play will mark the West End debut for the Shallow Grave star, father of actor Alfie and pop star Lily.

Allen, 55, published his autobiography, entitled Grow Up, last year.

He recently appeared on the small screen as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the BBC's production of Robin Hood.

Live band

Allen's work on the London stage includes revivals of Harold Pinter's The Celebration, at the Almeida and The Homecoming, at the National Theatre.

He is also known for Fat Les, the novelty act he created with artist Damien Hirst and Blur bassist Alex James in the late 1990s.

Adapted by Ken Ludwig and directed by Sean Holmes, Treasure Island will feature a live band on stage.

Prior to its opening, the Theatre Royal Haymarket will host an adaptation of Tracy Chevalier's novel Girl with the Pearl Earring.