Matt Lucas blew fans away this week when he revealed the jaw-dropping transformation he underwent to play Fagin at the Gielgud Theatre.
The former Little Britain star shared a video on his social media pages showing make-up artists working on him, applying cosmetics to his skin, and giving the actor a full head of dirty hair and a straggly beard.
Matt was also seen helping out during the process, applying extra hair to his beard and even staining his teeth so they looked yellow. Although the process appeared to take a long time, responding to a fan comment, the star revealed that it took just 25 minutes for the stunning transformation to be completed.
In a caption, the former Great British Bake Off host wrote: "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). Make up courtesy of Liv & Em."
Matt has been playing the iconic villain since 22 September, taking over from Simon Lipkin while the theatre star is on paternity leave.
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His followers were delighted with the new look, as one commented: "What a brilliant transformation. I'm always in awe of the talent of hair and make-up artists. I've had many a make over. Coincidentally, I’m playing a track from Oliver in my show this Sunday lunchtime on @MatineeRadioUK. Will plug yours. Hope Oliver! continues to go well too."
A second added: "You'll make a brilliant Fagan in Oliver, your transformation is extraordinary, well done Matt, only I wish I could be there. Good luck," and a third posted: "What a fantastic transformation!! Those people are miracle workers. Good luck with the show Matt, I'm sure it'll be amazing, as will you."
Matt's stunning transformations
It's not just for his roles that Matt has transformed himself, as the comedian has also recently undergone a dramatic weight-loss transformation. Speaking to Gabby Logan on her Mid.Point podcast in 2022, Matt explained the motivation behind his decision to focus on his health after lockdown.
"My dad died when he was 52, very suddenly. His dad died, I think at 56, so I was looking at the law of averages here. I was very big and I was getting bigger in the pandemic, actually. Sort of not being very active, not really going out, not seeing people, just eating a lot of roast potatoes," he said.
When it came to changing his routine, Matt revealed that he focused on simple but sustainable lifestyle habits, including regular exercise and healthier food choices.
"I like to walk," he shared. "I live not far from a canal and I love when the weather's nice, going for long walks by the canal, either with a friend or on my own."