First look at Matt Lucas as Fagin in Oliver!

Actor, comedian, and writer Matt Lucas made his debut as Fagin in Oliver! today (22 September), taking over the role from Simon Lipkin, who has played Fagin since the show opened in the West End.

Get a first look at Matt Lucas as Fagin in Oliver! as he takes over the role for a limited six-week run from Simon Lipkin, who has played the role since it opened in London in 2025.

Lipkin, who will return to the production following Lucas’s run, was nominated for an Olivier Award for his reinvention the role. He is taking a break from the production as he welcomes his first child.

Lucas joins the show at London’s Gielgud Theatre until 1 November 2026, at which time Lipkin will return.

Lionel Bart’s beloved musical OIiver! is set in Victorian London and centres on a young orphan called Oliver journeying from the workhouse to the bustling city streets. He encounters unforgettable characters at every turn, including Fagin, who leads Oliver and a group of children, teaching them to steal and pickpocket in exchange for shelter and a share of the loot.

Book tickets for Oliver! here

First look: Matt Lucas as Fagin

Man in a colorful pirate/merchant costume smiles, standing in a textured fabric backdrop with outstretched hands. — Matt Lucas as Fagin in Oliver! Photo by Johan Persson

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 award-winning musical also stars Ava Brennan (Hamilton) as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell (Wicked) as Bill Sikes and Oscar Conlon-Morrey (Only Fools and Horses) as Mr Bumble, and brings the story vividly to life with iconic songs like ‘Food Glorious Food,’ ‘Consider Yourself,’ ‘I’d Do Anything’ and more.

Matt Lucas on screen and stage

BAFTA and Emmy Award winning actor Lucas 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.