He excels as Arthur Kipps, the rough diamond who becomes a toff overnight after inheriting a fortune.
This is the complete package, from the acting and the singing to the dancing. Trafford Margaretians have created a production to blow the winter cobwebs away and theatregoers who hunger for a happy ending will leave Altrincham Garrick fit to bust.
Matt has the ideal leading lady in Sherilyn Groves who plays Ann, a young woman not to be trifled with. Sherilyn successfully conveys her character’s volcanic temper and she also has the sort of singing voice that gives you butterflies every time you hear it.
If asked to name a top composer, David Heneker probably isn’t a name that’d spring instantly to my lips but, as far as scores go, the music of Half A Sixpence is up there with the great shows. Flash, Bang, Wallop! may be the most famous number and the company very nearly bring the house down when they perform it. But I also enjoyed All In The Cause of Economy, with its gentle irony and I Know Who I am, sung so beautifully by Ann (Groves).
Feel good theatre doesn’t get much better than this, so make sure every seat is sold for this priceless production.