Replacement Matt Lucas drops out of Les Mis after back injury

### *Les Mis* actor Matt Lucas breaks back **Matt Lucas** has officially left the London production of *Les Miserables* after [**temporarily taking over the role of Thénardier**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/matt-lucas-to-reprise-role-in-les-mis-after-gerard-carey-put-on-vocal-rest) on 23 December 2019. Lucas was scheduled to perform in the role until 1 February 2020 but has unfortunately suffered a back injury. He recently took to Twitter to announce his departure. The actor will require four to six weeks to heal and will not be returning to the show. Lucas had this to say in a tweet: "*Well I really enjoyed stepping into Les Miserables in London for a couple of weeks. I was supposed to be in the show until 1st Feb but I’ve hurt my back & it needs 4-6 weeks to heal so unfortunately I won’t be returning. Thanks to the lovely cast & crew and good luck for the run!*" ### Ian Hughes to replace Matt Lucas as *Thénardier* Matt Lucas will be replaced by **Ian Hughes**, who has currently been portraying Thénardier in the touring production. Hughes will officially step into the role tonight (10 January 2020) with **Cameron Blakely** covering his spot in Zurich whilst he's in London. Hughe's prior notable stage credits include *[**The Lion King**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/9/the-lion-king-tickets.aspx) *and *Guys and Dolls.* The show's producer [**Cameron Mackintosh**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/tickets/delfont-mackintosh-theatres) issued a statement saying: "*To lose one master of the house is unfortunate and two perhaps careless! I am delighted to be bringing Ian Hughes to the wonderful London Company to partner Josefina Gabrielle in order that Les Misérables can officially open at the [**Sondheim Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/66/sondheim-theatre.aspx) next week as planned. I am sure it will be third time lucky! I am so grateful to Matt Lucas who abandoned his holiday plans to help us out and am looking forward to welcoming back Gerard to the company at the end of February.*" ### Is the role of Thénardier cursed? While it's rather peculiar that both Gerard Carey and Matt Lucas have withdrawn from the production within the course of just three weeks, it is purely coincidence and there is no known "Thénardier curse" like there is with *Macbeth*. We are wishing Ian Hughes all the best as he takes over the role tonight at 7.30pm. ### Also starring in *Les Miserables* at the Sondheim Theatre... The remaining *Les Miserables* cast stars **Ashley Gilmour** as Enjolras, **Bradley Jaden** as Javert, **Carrie Hope Fletcher** (*Heathers The Musical*) as Fantine, **Josefina Gabrielle** as Madame Thénardier, **Harry Apps** as Marius, **Jon Robyns** as Jean Valjean, **Lily Kerhoas** as Cosette, and **Shan Ako** as Eponine. **Rachel Ann Go** will temporarily take on the role of Fantine this Spring before fully taking over the role this summer after Fletcher. The London [***Les Mis***](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/197/les-miserables-tickets.aspx) cast is completed by** Ciarán Bowling**, **Claire O'Leary**, **Ellie Ann Lowe**, **Emma Warren**, **Georgie Lovatt**, **Harry Dunnett**, **Jessica Joslin**, **Jessie Hart**, **Kathy Peacock**, **Kelly Agbowu**, **Leo Miles**, **Luke McCall**, **Mared Williams**, **Mark Pearce**, **Matt Dempsey**, **Matthew Dale**, **Richard Carson**, **Rodney Earl Clarke**, **Sake Wijers**, **Sam Peggs**, **Samuel Wyn-Morris**, **Sarah Lark**, and **Shane O'Riordan**. ### London *Les Miserables* tickets from £33 and up! Holding the [**theatre record**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/another-top-10-world-records-in-theatre) for the longest-running [West End musical](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musicals), *Les Miserables* is now booking at [**London's Sondheim Theatre**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/66/sondheim-theatre.aspx) **until 17 October 2020** in an open-ended run. You don't have to dream a dream to see one of the hottest London theatre shows on right now! Be sure to **book your tickets for *Les Miserables* in London today** to guarantee **the best seats at the best prices**!

🎟️ [**Book tickets for *Les Miserables* showing at the Sondheim Theatre in London from £33**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/197/les-miserables-tickets.aspx).