Actor Michael Matus tells us about playing Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, the first show in their summer season 2024.
Tell us a bit about Twelfth Night
12th Night is a late play by Shakespeare that contains all human life. The damage, the sadness, the joy and laughter, the fear and danger and the tools we need to grow into better versions of ourselves. It’s his best play.
Who do you play?
I play Toby Belch. A broke and broken drunk who feels he can only function through finding entertainment, fun and chaos. In our version he’s an out-of-work drag queen.
What drew you to work on this production?
I was drawn to this production by the concept and the location. The concept of “queering” the play which already fully investigates sexuality and gender feels so right and necessary. And where better than in a beautiful outdoor arena in the most beautiful park in the country
Have you done much open air theatre? How is making the show different?
I’ve worked here before. The Sound of Music 10 years ago. It’s great doing Shakespeare under the sky amidst the elements. It’s where it was originally done after all.
What do you hope audiences take away from seeing this piece?
The best thing to hear from an audience is “It was incredibly clear, huge fun and deeply moving”. I know that’s what they will say.
What’s next for you?
Next for me is The Baker’s Wife at The Menier Chocolate Factory.
Twelfth Night at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre runs until 8 June 2024. Tickets and info here
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_lossy,ret_img,w_100,h_100/https://www.theatrebubble.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Capture-100x100.png)
Join the discussion