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Doctor Who star Matt Lucas returns to the West End for legendary musical role – but only for a limited time

We're reviewing the situation... and it's exciting.

Matt Lucas smiling at the camera during a promotional photoshoot for Who Do You Think You Are?

BBC

Published: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 9:56 am

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While Matt Lucas is known for his incredible range of characters and caricatures, his on-stage appearances seem to boil down to one type: crook.

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The UK comedy star recently completed a run in Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular as the show's dodgy pub landlord Thénardier – a role he has played multiple times before – and now, he's returning to the stage to perform as Fagin in the West End production of Oliver!

Fagin is famously the criminal mastermind who runs an army of pickpockets in London's East End, played in the musical's first iteration by the legendary Ron Moody, but, this September it's Lucas who will be taking up the mantle.

The Doctor Who actor will appear for a limited six-week run at the Gielgud Theatre, where the show has been running since January 2025, from 22 September to 1 November 2026.

Matt Lucas as Thenardier in Les Mis, he wears a large theatrical blue coat, white cravat and tall grey wig.

Matt Lucas as Thenardier in Les Mis. Dave M. Bennett

Following the announcement, 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."

Meanwhile, producer Cameron Mackintosh added: "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 Lucas as Nardole in Doctor Who

Matt Lucas as Nardole in Doctor Who. BBC

"Matt has just triumphed as Thénardier 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 rose to fame working with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer on Shooting Stars, before going on to create Little Britain with comedy partner David Walliams, hosting The Great British Bake Off and starring as Nardole in Peter Capaldi's era of Doctor Who. He was also recently announced as a contestant in season 22 of Taskmaster. On stage he has played the role of Thénardier for four separate anniversary runs (in 2010, 2019, 2021 and 2025).

He joins Ava Brennan as Nancy, Aaron Sidwell as Bill Sikes, Aaron MacGregor as the Artful Dodger, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Mr Bumble and Katy Secombe as Widow Corney.

This production of Oliver! is based on Lionel Bart’s original 1960 musical, adapted from the seminal novel by Charles Dickens. The show returned to the West End last year to huge acclaim, earning its first Fagin actor Simon Lipkin, an Olivier Award nomination.

Buy Oliver! Tickets at London Theatre Direct

Buy Oliver! Tickets at LOVETheatre

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When and where can I see Matt Lucas as Fagin?

Lucas will star in Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre from 22 September to 1 November 2026. You can buy tickets at London Theatre Direct or LOVETheatre.

Buy Oliver! Tickets at London Theatre Direct

Buy Oliver! Tickets at LOVETheatre

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For more recommendations check out the Going Out section or listen to our new podcast In the Interval. Plus, our Jesus Christ Superstar review and Beetlejuice review. We also have events like the Peaky Blinders immersive experiences and best West End shows.

Authors

Olivia Garrett

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