Matt Lucas reveals his incredible transformation to play Fagin in the West End as he dons greasy wig and false teeth in backstage video

Matt Lucas has revealed his incredible transformation into Oliver!'s Fagin in a behind-the-scenes video. 

The comedian and actor, 52, has taken over the role from September 22 for six weeks at the Gielgud Theatre, while Simon Lipkin, 40, takes paternity leave. 

Matt shared a look at the getting ready process in his dressing room on X on Monday, where he donned a greasy wig, dirtied his teeth and had a goatee added by two make-up artists.

He captioned the post: 'I'm appearing as Fagin in Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre in London until 1st November, and it's a fine life. Currently scheduled to appear in all performances (apart from the evening of Wednesday 21st October and the matinee on Thursday 29th October).'

Fans commented: 'What a brilliant transformation. I’m always in awe of the talent of hair and make-up artists.'

'Consider yourself made up!' and 'You'll make a brilliant Fagin in Oliver, your transformation is extraordinary, well done Matt, only I wish I could be there. Good luck.' 

Fagin, one of Charles Dickens's most unsettling characters, has traditionally been portrayed as a complex, volatile criminal.

But theatre bosses have toned down one of Fagin's most explosive scenes in Sir Cameron Mackintosh's West End production of Oliver! after deciding the infamous villain is simply too frightening for modern family audiences .

But in the current show, one of the character's most pivotal outbursts has been softened – when he discovers Oliver rummaging through his treasure box.

A source told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden: 'It used to be that Fagin slammed the box shut and went mad at Oliver for discovering his secret. 

Simon Lipkin performed it very well, grabbing Oliver and shouting, "Did you see it? Did you see it? Answer me, boy."

'But that scene has been watered right down. He doesn't react like that any more. He doesn't grab Oliver or shout, he just speaks sternly, which plays down the drama of the scene.'

While previous performers such as the late Ron Moody – Fagin in the beloved 1968 film – presented the character as somewhat sinister, this time around he is more of a lovable rogue.

The source added: 'I think they're trying to make the show more aligned for middle-class parents who these days lean into a gentler approach.'

The show is directed by Matthew Bourne. Representatives for Sir Cameron Mackintosh declined to comment.