Actor and comedian Matt Lucas is set to take on the role of Fagin in Lionel Bart’s much beloved musical OIiver! for a limited six-week run. The actor most recently starred as Thénardier in the all-star production of Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular.
It’s been announced that Matt Lucas will star as Fagin in Oliver! for a limited run later this year. He will take over for Simon Lipkin, who has played the role since it opened in the West End. Lipkin, who will return to the production following Lucas’s run, was nominated for an Olivier Award for his brilliant reinvention the role.
Lipkin is taking a break from the production as he welcomes his first child.
Matt Lucas commented on the announcement, saying: “I’ve always wanted to appear in Oliver! It was the first West End musical I ever saw, aged 6, and I adored it. Apparently, despite my considerable range, I am considered slightly too old now to play the title role, so instead I shall be appearing as Fagin.
It’s always a treat to reunite with Cameron, and, of course, to get the opportunity to work with Matthew Bourne. I love this incredible new production and am thrilled and honoured to now be a part of it.”
Lucas will join the production from 22 September until 1 November.
Matt Lucas on screen and stage
The BAFTA and Emmy Award winning actor is perhaps best known for his film and television career. He is perhaps best known for co-creating the three-time BAFTA-winning BBC comedy Little Britain, alongside David Walliams.
He also starred in numerous films including Alice in Wonderland, Paddington, and Bridesmaids.
On the stage, Lucas has starred as Thénardier in Les Misérables on several occasions including The 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2 as well as in the West End, and most recently, the international tour of Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular.
Oliver! in the West End
Matt Lucas will join a cast that includes Ava Brennan as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger, and Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr. Bumble.
Now in its third year, Oliver! has been smash hit since it returned to the West End. Lionel Bart’s musical interpretation of the classic Dickens novel has been beloved for decades and this new production has given it a whole new life on the stage.
The musical tells the story of orphan Oliver Twist, who escapes the harsh Victorian workhouse he grew up in, taking refuge in London’s murky underworld. There he meets the wily gang leader Fagin and his team of resourceful pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger. When he’s wrongly arrested for stealing, Oliver meets an unexpected saviour; but is happiness truly within his grasp?
The award-winning musical brings the story vividly to life with iconic songs like ‘Food Glorious Food,’ ‘Consider Yourself,’ ‘I’d Do Anything’ and more.
Gielgud Theatre, London
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