BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, and author Matt Lucas is set to star as Fagin in Lionel Bart’s iconic musical masterpiece, Oliver!. Lucas will take over the legendary role for a strictly limited six-week engagement at London’s Gielgud Theatre, performing from Tuesday 22 September to Sunday 1 November 2026.
Lucas steps into the production to temporarily replace Simon Lipkin, who is taking a short paternity leave before returning to the show in November. The casting marks an exciting West End return for Lucas, who recently garnered widespread acclaim playing Thénardier in Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular globally. A household name in British television, Lucas is widely celebrated for co-creating the landmark comedy series Little Britain, as well as his roles in major films like Wonka, Bridesmaids, and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II.
The actor shared his lifelong passion for the musical, noting that Oliver! was the very first West End show he ever saw as a child. He expressed his immense pride and excitement at joining the prestigious cast and collaborating with co-creators Cameron Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne on this fresh revival.
Producer Cameron Mackintosh shared his enthusiasm for the casting, highlighting Lucas's incomparable comic talent. Lucas will join the Gielgud Theatre company fresh from performing in an all-star season of Les Misérables at New York's historic Radio City Music Hall.
The acclaimed, revised production of Oliver! is currently booking into its third highly successful year. Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne alongside co-director Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, the show masterfully breathes new life into Dickens’ classic tale of the orphan boy who asked for more.
Lucas will share the stage with a celebrated principal cast, including Ava Brennan as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, and Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger, performing beloved standards such as "Food Glorious Food," "Consider Yourself," and "You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two."
