It is the festive season which means there is a whole lot of shows that are being put on stage specifically for this time of year and I am very excited that I get the chance to speak to some of the cast of a handful of these shows to find out all about them. Today I speak to Matthew to find about three shows that are coming to Trinity Theatre this Christmas. The New Musketeers – a swashbuckling family comedy, The Aliens who saved Christmas – A madcap caper for younger audiences and Miracle on 34th Street –  The heartwarming classic, retold as a live radio play. All three shows run from 14^th December until 2^nd January at Trinity Theatre Tunbridge Wells.

Hello, tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hello I’m Matthew, a writer, performer and one half of Sketch comedy duo Horrigan and Howell. I also like books and long walks along the beach during the Autumn. 

What are the shows you are bringing to the stage this Festive season? 

I’m hugely excited to be part of the creative team bringing a season of festive treats to Trinity Theatre this Christmas. One company of actors will be performing in rep across three brilliant shows. The New Musketeers – a swashbuckling family comedy, The Aliens who saved Christmas – A madcap caper for younger audiences and Miracle on 34th Street –  The heartwarming classic, retold as a live radio play. 

Tell us all about your favourite character in the shows?

It has to be the character I play in The New Musketeers, Cardinal Richelieu. The Musketeers arch tormentor, he will stop at nothing in his attempt to steal the French throne and ruin the King’s Birthday. He is Machiavellian, cunning and privileged, everything you want to hate in a villain. However, he’s also a bit of an idiot so often ends up being the fool himself… We should have asked if Boris Johnson wanted the role… I think he’s free! 

Tell us about what audiences can expect?

Audiences can expect a team of talented professionals brought together to create great festive theatre of the highest quality. All three shows offer something to get excited about. The New Musketeers takes a classic tale and imbues it with hilarious jokes, exciting situations and larger than life characters.  The Aliens who Saved Christmas is an interactive adventure full of silliness and magic! Whilst Miracle on 34th Street can be enjoyed anew in the beautiful setting of a live broadcast performance. This is not your average Panto season! 

What are your favourite things about the festive season and why?

The food, the drinks, the presents!  The last few years have been hard for everyone, but this year theatre is back and better than ever! You wouldn’t want to miss that would you?   

This time of year the venues tend to be a bit busier as well – do you find that the audience changes at all?

As Christmas brings people to the theatre that don’t visit year-round, I love that a festive show is sometimes someone’s first experience of the theatre. It’s extra special to be able to spread some festive cheer and make them fans for life!

What advice would you give for people performing around the festive season?

Don’t get sick! Have fun, embrace the challenge and look forward to spending time with the craziest people in the world – other performers! 

What is the best thing about your shows for the audience?

Our shows have been crafted over three years by passionate writers that want to push the limits of what a festive show can be. The rest of the creative team echo this sentiment with cutting-edge direction, fantastic music and a super-talented cast. Also, the sets have been designed by Nigel Hook and he’s won a Tony award! 

If people want to find out more about you, where can they follow you on social media?

Trinity’s socials are all here – Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

And you can follow my comedy on @horriganhowell or follow this link to our work!

To book your tickets click here