Matthew Rowland
Matthew Rowland (born 1991) is a British actor, director, and choreographer, best known for his work in musical theatre. He has performed in West End productions, UK and international tours, and has directed and choreographed musicals, plays, cabarets and revues. He is also co-founder of the performing arts school Vibe Arts.
Early life and training
Rowland grew up in Orpington, Greater London, and attended Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School in Sidcup. He trained in Musical Theatre at Arts Educational Schools, London (ArtsEd), where his early roles included Bat Boy in Bat Boy: The Musical and Mr Marks in The Producers.
Career
Stage credits
Rowland’s professional theatre work spans over a decade, including principal roles in major productions.
- Mr Wormwood – Matilda the Musical, International Tour (RSC)[1]
- George O'Dowd (Boy George) – Taboo (Brixton Clubhouse, 2012)[2]
- Gordon Shakespeare – Nativity! The Musical, UK Tour 2019[3]
- Ned Schneebly – School of Rock, UK and Ireland Tour[4]
- Swing (covering Simeon) – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, London Palladium 2019; Swing again in 2021[5]
- Skimbleshanks – Cats, International Tour, also covered Rum Tum Tugger and Gus[6]
- u/s Dr Pomatter & Ogie – Waitress, Adelphi Theatre, London[7]
- Children’s Director / u/s Mr Beauregarde – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane[8]
Television and Film
Rowland appeared in a live televised performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.
Direction and choreography
Rowland has directed and choreographed various stage productions including:
- Putting It Together – St. James Theatre & G Live, 2014[9]
- The Robbing Class – Spotlight Theatre, 2016
- Dee-Licious, Lightful and Lovely! – a cabaret featuring Janie Dee at The Crazy Coqs
- Gypsy – Bird College, 2023
- Urinetown – Bird College, 2024
He also serves as Assistant Director and Choreographer for the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Critical reception
Rowland has received positive reviews across his career. His portrayal of Mr Wormwood in Matilda was described as "shining with physical comedy" by *The Honeycombers*, and *Asia361* praised his “slapstick” and “laugh-out-loud” comedic energy.[10][11]
In Taboo, *LondonTheatre1* wrote, “Matthew Rowland is spectacular… the standout performance of the evening,” and *Exeunt Magazine* noted he “perfectly captures the singer’s charm” in the role of Boy George.[12][13]
Teaching and outreach
Rowland is co-founder and principal of Vibe Arts, a performing arts school offering LAMDA coaching, musical theatre training, and theatre workshops. Based in the South East of England, Vibe Arts focuses on building confidence in young performers and has a 100% LAMDA pass rate.
He is particularly passionate about arts education in his local community and has developed partnerships with schools including Perry Hall Primary School and Chislehurst School for Girls.
Personal life
Rowland is based in South East London and continues to perform, teach, and direct alongside his work as a mentor and educator.
External links
References
- ↑ "MATILDA THE MUSICAL Will Embark on International Tour, Cast Revealed". BroadwayWorld. 27 July 2023.
- ↑ "Final Casting Announced for New Production of Boy George's Taboo in London". Playbill. 28 August 2012.
- ↑ "Birmingham Rep Announces Cast for Nativity!". Birmingham Rep. 23 October 2019.
- ↑ "School of Rock UK and Ireland tour unveils complete cast". WhatsOnStage. 5 August 2021.
- ↑ "Full cast announced for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium". London Theatre Direct. 21 May 2019.
- ↑ "Matthew Rowland – Cats International Tour". Cats Musical Wiki. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
- ↑ "Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel Join London Cast of Waitress January 27". Playbill. 6 January 2020.
- ↑ "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory new cast announced". West End Theatre. 13 May 2014.
- ↑ Shenton, Mark (8 November 2013). "Sondheim Revue 'Putting it Together' to Receive London Premiere at St. James Theatre". Playbill.
- ↑ Honeycombers review
- ↑ Asia361 review
- ↑ LondonTheatre1 review
- ↑ Exeunt review
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