Matthew Treads The Boards With The RSC

Matthew Hayhurst is currently having the time of his life performing as Prince Arthur in the Royal Shakespeare Company production of 'King John'. After passing the initial audition last November, Matthew was offered the role following a final audition of 10 hopefuls.

We hope to be able to print Matthew's own account of this fantastic experience, including the eight weeks of rehearsals in London, in the next issue of The Lion.

The production is unorthodox with modern music, balloons and confetti but has already received very good reviews. Matthew is thoroughly enjoying his time on stage and has said:

'It has been the most amazing experience. I have learnt how to fall, cry, faint, move and act, while the professional adult actors have been so friendly and encouraging. Do I want to be an actor?! Yes, but I have seen how precarious it can be, as my friends look around for their next job, so I still intend to work hard for my academic qualifications first.'

To find out more about the production which runs at the Swan Theatre until September 15th, there is an excellent trailer for the play, part of the 'Nations at War' series, that may be viewed by clicking here. You may even recognise Matthew in the video.