Who is Matt Heyward?
I am a boyfriend, a father of Dexter the 12-year-old Golden Retriever, son, brother, friend, mentor, actor, singer dancer, mental health advocate and currently Resident Director of Ghost Stories – the West End smash hit opening in Melbourne next week.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I had answered this question before COVID the answer would have been to prioritise work/life balance, because downtime is really important. After the events of the last few years, I feel like this is a lesson I have really taken on board and will hopefully continue to.
Who inspires you and why?
Many people, for many reasons. My family, my friends, and work colleagues. My Grandma was a pretty big inspiration to me. She was pretty awesome. She was the person who introduced me to live theatre for the first time, and definitely ignited my passion.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I work as a Program Partner for the Arts Wellbeing Collective, which is a preventative health initiative by Arts Centre Melbourne that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing in the performing arts industry. I am hopeful it is making a difference for my friends and colleagues in the arts sector.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Being a music theatre nerd, my favourite holiday destination is New York. I love the energy, vibrancy and the culture. For a very different kind of holiday, I love going back to my home state of Tassie.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them down to Williamstown, walk along Nelson Place then grab some fish and chips and sit on the grass near the water.
What are you currently reading?
I have just started reading Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell by my friend Tobias Madden. It’s brilliant!
What are you currently listening to?
Blackpink, Kate Bush, and LP.
Happiness is?
A sunny Sunday wandering around with my partner and dog, finding a place for breakfast, catching up with some friends in the afternoon, and a cute little dinner in the evening.
What does the future hold for you?
I am currently in rehearsals for Ghost Stories and we open in Melbourne on September 20. That will keep me busy for the next little while.
Matt stars in Ghost Stories, which will play at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from 20 September – 30 October, before playing the Dunstan Playhouse – Adelaide Festival Centre from 7 – 31 December 2022. For more information, and to book tickets, visit: www.ghoststoriestheshow.com.au for details.
Image: Matt Heyward (supplied)