Matt Lucas ignites health fears after he leaves stage during live performance

Edinburgh Live

16-05-2025

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Matt Lucas has raised health concerns among fans after apologising for his performance in Les Misérables on May 15. The actor, comedian, writer, and TV host, known for his work with David Walliams on 'Little Britain' and as a host on Great British Bake Off, is currently starring as Monsieur Thénardier in the Australian production of Les Misérables.
However, he was forced to exit the stage mid-performance, prompting him to explain the situation to his fans on Instagram. Posting on his @realmattlucas page, Matt shared a carefully worded message alongside a photo. He expressed his enjoyment of the show, stating: "I've been having a magical time in Les Misérables in arenas across Sydney and Melbourne."
However, he revealed that he had to bow out of the performance due to vocal issues, saying: "In over 30 years, I've never had to bow out of a performance, but tonight, as I was singing Master Of The House, I could feel my voice deserting me."
Matt explained that fellow actor Connor James took over the role of Thénardier in the second act, explaining that's why his character looked so different in the second half of the performance. He is currently resting in bed, hoping to return to the stage soon.
Although he didn't specify the exact nature of his health issue, it clearly affected his voice and performance, prompting a flood of get-well messages from concerned fans in the comments.
Someone penned: "Aww, take care of yourself, Matt. Rest yourself and come back strong again!"
Another voiced their concern: "Oh no! We are only human. Take care of your voice."
A third sympathiser remarked: "Matt, that's rotten for you. Make sure you take care and rest."
Meanwhile, a fourth well-wisher expressed: "Wish you better. Take it easy."
Who is Matt playing in Les Misérables?
The devious Thénardier features as a central villain in Les Misérables, serving as a dishonest innkeeper who thrives on the suffering of others, including his partner in crime, Madame Thénardier.
Initially, they exploit the despairing mother Fantine by deceitfully agreeing to look after her daughter, Cosette, in return for money.
Yet, behind closed doors, they enforce a life of enslavement and maltreatment upon Cosette, all the while bleeding Fantine dry through their fabricated hardships.
Personified with a blend of conniving wit and opportunistic thievery, Thénardier pursues wealth by any disreputable means necessary, even if those paths lead to burglary or extortion.
His journey across the narrative sees an escalation in criminal enterprises, capturing Thénardier's essence as both humorous and heinous.
Thénardier incarnates the depths of human vices – greed and self-interest – forming a sharp divergence from the prevailing notions of kindness, sacrifice, and atonement that permeate the tale.