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Matt Lucas to star in Oliver! the musical in the West End
The actor and comedian joins the show for a limited six-week season to play Fagin
Matt Lucas is the latest celebrity to step onto the West End stage, as he prepares to join the cast of Oliver! this autumn. The comedian actor will step into the role of Fagin for just six weeks, performing at the Gielgud Theatre from 22 September until 1 November 2026.
The role of Fagin in the West End revival was reinvented for this production by Simon Lipkin, who will step away from 20 September to take paternity leave. He’ll return to the show on 3 November, after Lucas’ run.
Matt Lucas said: “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.”
This revival of Oliver! is devised by Cameron Mackintosh, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne and co-direction by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy. Adapted from Charles Dickens’ beloved novel Oliver Twist, the musical follows orphan Oliver from the workhouse to the criminal underworld of London as he searches for a place to call home.
Mackintosh said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the one and only Matt Lucas is going to bring his incomparable talent to the role of Fagin for six weeks from the end of September, while the dazzling Simon Lipkin takes a break from reviewing the situation as he becomes a father for the first time, to whom we send our best wishes. Matt has just triumphed as Thenardier in the LES MIS Arena Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall and will come to Oliver! hot foot from being part of the upcoming all-star season of LES MIS at New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall at the end of this month.”
The cast of the West End production also includes Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, Ava Brennan as Nancy, Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr Bumble, Katy Secombe as Widow Corney, Stephen Matthews as Mr Sowerberry/Dr Grimwig, Jamie Birkett as Mrs Sowerberry/ Mrs Bedwin and Philip Franks as Mr Brownlow. Mark Lockyer plays Mr. Brownlow from 21 July.
The role of Oliver Twist is played by Isaac Hackett, James Miller, Thomas Newman and Jacob Sanders-Jones.
The ensemble includes Adam Boardman, Julie Cloke, Lois Craig, Harry Cross, Stephen John Davis, Will Elliott, Tom Andrew Hargreaves, Victoria Hay, Bethany Huckle, Jehu Josephs, Bethan Keens, Danny Lane, Conor McFarlane, Mia Mullarkey, Erin Oliver, Jasmine Sakyiama, Wendy Somerville, Charlie Stripp, Jamie Tyler, Lochlan White, Sienna Widd and Dane Young.
Younger ensemble members include Titus Boniface, Nathaniel Morgan Bennett, Noelle Coker, Sebastian Castro, Liam England, Joshua Fowler, Jonah Mansell, Tristan Marwa, Tommy McGovern, Stanley Mould, Herb Muldoon, Jena Osman, Hugo Pechey, Josh Pegler, Charlie Ranganathan, Lawrence Sebastian, Eli Sesay, Sienna Sibley, Asher Swaray-Gray, Henry Thomas and Jake Weatherall.
Oliver! is currently booking at the Gielgud Theatre until 13 March 2027 – find your tickets here
