Matthew Rowland
Principal & Founder
Matthew is currently playing the role of Mr Wormwood in the International Tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda the Musical. Last Christmas, Matthew played the role of Gordon Shakespeare in Debbie Isitt's Nativity the Musical (Birmingham Rep). Prior to this Matthew played the role of Ned Schneebly in the UK and Ireland tour of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical School of Rock. In 2021 Matthew returned to the company of Joseph at The London Palladium, having been part of the company in 2019. Previously Matthew has been a Swing and cover for the roles of Dr Pomatter and Ogie in Waitress the Musical, West End. Prior to this he played the role of Skimbleshanks in the International Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats the Musical. Matthew has also played the role of Doctor in the RSC’S West End production of Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre). In April 2016 he finished a two-year contract in the West End performing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) where he was also Assistant Children's Director and covered the role of Mr Beauregarde.
Previous performance roles include Boy George in Taboo (10th anniversary revival, Brixton Club House, Broadway World UK Awards nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical) and Alf in Darling of the Day (Union). Just before Charlie, Matthew reprised his role of Boy George in the New York 10th anniversary concerts of Taboo (54 Below). Matthew choreographed Stephen Sondheim's Putting It Together (St James Theatre and G Live, Guildford). He can also be heard on the The Confession Room concept recording (SimG Records) in the role of Frank.
Matthew graduated with a 1st Class BA (Hons) in musical theatre from Arts Educational School in 2012. He is a professional mentor for the Council for Dance Education and Training, mentoring students in Higher Dance and Drama education as they enter the industry. He is also a licensed professional Chaperone and First Aid Trained.
He has been teaching Musical Theatre for many years and held Head of Dance positions at various schools including Masquerade Theatre Arts and Stagecoach academies. He has also worked within various vocational colleges including Arts Educational Schools London, The Brit School of Performing Arts, Emil Dale Studios, London Studio Centre and Pineapple Dance Studios. As well as performing he works professionally as a Choreographer in the industry and has choreographed the musicals Fame! and A Chorus Line at The Bob Hope Theatre for Glenlyn Academy.
He is thrilled to be principal of Vibe Arts in his home of Kent and is passionate about delivering unique training to promising young students.
