The 41-year-old former Wales captain is to tread the boards at London's Royal Albert Hall in two special performances of "Into The Woods".

"A musical role is a new venture for me and I am truly excited to be part of these special performances which will raise funds for The Children's Society. I am delighted to be taking part," Jones said.

The former midfielder made his name as part of Wimbledon's "Crazy Gang", whose no-prisoners antics on the pitch and chaos off it earned them a fearsome reputation in the 1980s and culminated in the tiny southwest London club winning the 1988 FA Cup, shocking giants Liverpool in the final.

He quit football for a film career which has included roles in "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", "Gone In 60 Seconds" and "Swordfish".

The former midfielder also played for Chelsea, Leeds and Sheffield United during a chequered career in which he was sent off 12 times.

Perhaps the most enduring image of Jones, which sums up the "Crazy Gang" spirit, is that of him with a fierce look on his face as he gripped the testicles of stunned opponent Paul Gascoigne during a match.

Jones will appear on stage on October 22.