The 30-year-old theatre actor has had multiple successes since leaving the college in 2009, with his most recent being a swing for up to 11 roles in the 2021 production of Les Misérables!
After college, Matthew went on to study at ArtsEd, one of the top drama schools in the UK, with a full scholarship. On reflection of his time at Stockton Riverside College, Matthew said, “Although I already had the bug for performing, Stockton Riverside College spurred me on. I wasn’t overly aware of the drama school options and hadn’t put much thought into making it in London, but the college helped highlight all of our possibilities”.
Matthew later graduated and secured an agent in his 3rd year, who he is happily still with ten years on. Matthew's work on stage includes roles in Billy Elliot, Half a Sixpence, Christmas in New York, and A Christmas Carol by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, plus multiple UK tours!!
Matthew told us how performing has always been a passion of his. Since the age of 7, he was involved in his mother’s amateur dramatics company, although it wasn’t always his first choice. “I did want to be a footballer, but when that didn’t work out I continued to pursue acting and that’s when many friends recommended I enrol at Stockton Riverside College”.
When asked about his time at Stockton Riverside College, Matthew said “the unity and closeness of the group was amazing and the teaching was always second to none thanks to many experienced staff members, especially Sara Durkin. She just had a knack for handling the process.” Matthew performed in many shows during his time at the college but told us his best bit had to be playing Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. He said, “That was a dream role for me.”
Dale continued to say he would “without a doubt recommended the course to others” He said many aspects of his time at the college were influential to his success, especially when guest lecturers such as director Gordon Steel would come in to work on their shows.
It’s been a tough year for the arts with the coronavirus pandemic but Matthew told us how lucky he feels to be working again and hopes first and foremost to continue to do so. Thinking to the future, Matthew is aiming to continue building his portfolio and would love to start progressing into lead and sub-lead roles.
We, at Stockton Riverside College, are so proud of Matthew and his achievements to date since leaving college. Good luck Matthew! We’re wishing you all the best.
