Who is Matthew Whittet?
I’m a writer and actor who has been working in film, television and theatre for the last 30 years. Born in Hastings, Victoria, and raised on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, I’ve pretty much been involved in the arts for most of my life. With formative experiences at Australian Theatre for Young People in Sydney as a teenager, and graduating from NIDA when I was 21, my working life has taken me to all sorts of weird, wonderful and exciting places.
Working as an actor with incredible directors in my early 20’s, such as Barrie Kosky, Neil Armfield, Benedict Andrews and Baz Luhrmann, I became more and more intrigued by the mechanics of the art form and then began writing. Making work that speaks to young audiences – both teen and young adult has been something that’s just happened organically for me. I think my love of storytelling was born when I was that age too, so I find it an endlessly fascinating storytelling space to explore.
But also, who am I when I’m not working? I’m a curious creature that loves reading, hanging out with my dog and cat, walking city streets, watching TV shows with my son, trawling online comic auctions (and never buying anything), going to the Addison Road markets in Marrickville for a weekly Chai and Gozleme and hanging out with my gorgeous family.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Not much to be honest. I kinda love what I do and the people I do said things with, but I guess I would try and have more hobbies that took in the world around me a bit more – maybe bird watching. The occasional outdoorsy things like bushwalking. Things that make you slow down a bit and stare aimlessly into the sky.
Who inspires you and why?
A lot of people inspire me. Actors are a big inspiration – Peter Carroll, Julie Forsyth – the whole cast of The Book of Everything really to be honest (the show I’m doing at Belvoir at the moment). They‘re just the most generous and alive to the world people you could ever hope to meet.
Writers inspire me too. It’s a very hard and solitary job, but so worth it! Writers like Louise Fox, Keith Thompson, Haruki Murakami, Alison Croggon (her Pellinor books are a true hidden gem and not nearly praised enough. They’re SO good).
My wife Nat is a daily inspiration. My son Jasper is too. I think people who love what they do and do it with such generosity of spirit, kindness and craft are the best. SO inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Teach more. Try to pass on more knowledge and a bit of wilful hope to the next generations. It’s hard to find hope these days, and more people need to be believed in. To be seen and acknowledged, not only for who they are, but who they could become.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I don’t get away nearly enough these days, but Iceland is a favourite. The natural beauty of the place is just off the charts. Taipei is too. SO amazing and the best food anywhere. But I also do love a trip to Katoomba and a night or 2 at the Carrington in the middle of winter.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I haven’t done it in ages, but the walk around the headland near Taronga Zoo is pretty cool. And a trip to Chinatown to eat everything you can get your hands on. Or a trip out to Harris Park for a delicious Indian meal. All the classics (well, my version of classics anyway)
What are you currently reading?
Shirley Hazzard’s The Transit of Venus.
What are you currently listening to?
Wings, The Mountain Goats and Men I Trust. And a bit of early INXS now and then.
Happiness is?
A Chai and Gozleme with my wife Nat on a Sunday.
What does the future hold for you?
There’s a lot of writing on the horizon. Mainly for screen which is very exciting. And hopefully a holiday to somewhere new! Fingers crossed.
Matthew stars as Thomas Klopper in Belvoir’s production of The Book of Everything (from the Novel by Guus Kuijer, adapted by Richard Tulloch) – which plays the Upstairs Theatre from 22 August – 20 September 2026. For more information, visit: www.belvoir.com.au for details.
Image: Matthew Whittet (supplied)