Matt Lucas will star as Fagin in Lionel Bart’s iconic musical, Oliver!, for 6 weeks only at the Gielgud Theatre in London from Tuesday 22 September to Sunday 1 November 2026. Tickets: here.
Actor, author, comedian, presenter, and writer Matt Lucas most recently played the role of Thénardier to great acclaim in the all-star production of Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular in many cities across the globe, as well as performing in the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the London production.
Matt Lucas is one of the most recognisable personalities in British television. He first came to prominence as George Dawes in the seminal comedy panel show Shooting Stars but is perhaps best known for co-creating the three-time BAFTA-winning BBC comedy Little Britain.
Matt has starred in numerous critically acclaimed projects, with film credits including Alice in Wonderland, Paddington, and Bridesmaids, TV credits including Doctor Who, and theatre projects including Les Misérables.
Additionally, Matt has created a string of bestselling children’s books, including Thank You, Baked Potato and his memoir Little Me. His debut children’s musical novel, The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas, was shortlisted for the British Book Awards in 2024 and he has since released a new children’s novel, Bobland, continuing his success as an author for younger audiences.
Matt has previously co-hosted the award-winning The Great British Bake Off for Channel 4 and two series of Sky Max’s Fantasy Football. He also previously co-hosted the podcast Making A Scene with David Walliams, where they turned their guests’ lives into cinematic stories.
He starred alongside Timothée Chalamet in Wonka and more recently appeared in Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, in the role of Master of Ceremonies.
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.”