Matt Lucas Joins Oliver! as Fagin for Six-Week West End Run
Published on 15 July 2026
Summary
- BAFTA and Emmy Award winner Matt Lucas will play Fagin in Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre from 22 September to 1 November 2026.
- Lucas joins the acclaimed production for a limited six-week engagement while Simon Lipkin takes paternity leave.
- Olivier Award nominee Simon Lipkin will return to the role of Fagin from 3 November 2026.
BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian and writer Matt Lucas will step into the role of Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne's acclaimed production of Oliver! at London's Gielgud Theatre for a strictly limited six-week season from 22 September to 1 November 2026.
Lucas joins the hit revival as Simon Lipkin temporarily leaves the production to take paternity leave following the birth of his first child. The performer is no stranger to the stage, having recently received acclaim for playing Thénardier in Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular, alongside an extensive career spanning television, film, theatre and bestselling children's books. His screen credits include Little Britain, Doctor Who, Paddington, Wonka and Gladiator II.
Matt Lucas commented: “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.”
Producer Cameron 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.”
Lucas joins a cast that includes Ava Brennan as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger and Philip Franks as Mr. Brownlow, with Mark Lockyer taking over the role from 21 July.
The title role of Oliver Twist is shared by Isaac Hackett, James Miller, Thomas Newman and Jacob Sanders-Jones. Simon Lipkin will return to the role of Fagin from 3 November 2026 following his six-week absence.
Book your tickets to Oliver! today!
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.