Matthew Croke is currently starring as Don Lockwood in Elizabeth Newman's new actor–musician production of Singin’ in the Rain.
The show recently opened at the Salisbury Playhouse ahead of runs at the Octagon Theatre in Bolton and the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Matthew appeared in the 2012 West End revival of Singin’ in the Rain at the Palace Theatre, understudying the role of Don.
Matthew most recently appeared in Funny Girl at the Menier Chocolate Factory. His credits also include: understudy Fiyero in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Diesel/standby Tony in West Side Story (UK & Ireland tour), understudy Amos Hart & Mary Sunshine in Chicago (Cambridge) and understudy Eugene in Grease (Piccadilly).
I recently spoke to Matthew about how it feels to be taking on his first major leading role, why Singin’ in the Rain meant so much to him growing up and how the piece works as an actor–musician production. We also discussed dream roles, the high expectations of Funny Girl, returning to Wicked and having 200 of his friends and family watching him play Tony in West Side Story…
Has Don Lockwood always been one of those roles you’ve wanted to play?
When I was a kid watching Singin’ in the Rain I knew that a role like Don Lockwood was something I would always want to do. When I was able to understudy the role before I jumped at the chance, but then to be given this opportunity to make the role my own… there was no question. It’s so rare for someone like me to be given a role like this. I came to a stage in my career where I really wanted to start playing some roles of my own. In my mind I had to take a step back from dancing because you get pigeonholed. If you can dance then maybe you’re a good understudy, but what’s amazing about this role is that all three disciplines are needed.
