Jacko has West End night with a Twist

Michael Jackson is to cause mayhem in the capital for the second time this week - for we can reveal he is to head into central London to see the West End production of Oliver.

Peekaboo: the Jackson family waves to the throng of fans outside the Lanesborough hotel

The singer, 50, who spectacularly relaunched his ailing musical career by announcing a 10-date tour at The 02 later this year, is to be accompanied by his children and close pal Mark Lester - who played Oliver in the 1968 film.

The current stage version features the nation's sweetheart Jodie Prenger as Nancy, while Rowan Atkinson has taken the role as Fagin.

Special guest: Mark Lester played Oliver in the 1968 film

We're told: "Michael was left on such a high after he announced his tour to hoards of fans. He has always been a massive fan of the film, so was really keen to see it on the stage.

"He has obviously been given the best seats in the house and is making it a real family outing, he considers Mark one of his best friends.

"Since he arrived he hasn't been demanding or throwing any diva strops with anyone - but it's unlikely he'll want to pop out for interval drinks."

Michael, who has attracted world-wide attention for his bizarre lifestyle, has only been in London for a short while and is staying at the Lanesborogh hotel in a £5,000-a-night suite.

Since news broke of his arrival, devoted fans rushed to the hotel and have been keeping a 24-hour vigil. Even the slightest twitch of the curtains at the star's hotelroom window draws adoring screams from the waiting pack.

Speculation over the singer's ill-health was finally scotched last night as he laughed and joked with assistants backstage at The 02 arena.

Michael has been training solidly for more than a month ahead of his "all singing and all dancing" two-hour show.

Yesterday, he took to the stage 90 minutes later than planned and told the crowd: "These will be my final show performances in London."

His last appearance in the UK was at the World Music Awards in 2006 where he mumbled his way through We Are The World before leaving the stage.

But this time, those close are saying that he is definitely back to his best.