The X factor’s 2016 winner is coming to The Hexagon next week – but in a different guise to the one you might be expecting.
Matt Terry is now playing Alex the Lion in Madagascar the Musical on its UK tour. A world away from ITV’s talent show, Matt spoke to The Wokingham Paper on returning to his acting origins.
“It’s been great, an experience I will never forget,” he says. “It’s also nice to get back to my roots since that’s what I did before, and to be part of a group – we’re like a family.”
Having studied at the D and B Academy of Performing Arts in Bromley, Matt is now playing one of four zoo animals who escape New York and find themselves in Madagascar.
The musical is based on the hugely popular 2005 animation, which Matt himself remembers watching when he was younger: “It’s a classic – it’s like Shrek. Growing up, everybody loved the characters. And as soon as I heard that they were putting it on the road, I knew I wanted to play the lion.
He said that the casting is particularly successful: “It’s amazing because we really are all of our own characters.
“I’m just like my character because he’s comfortable in his skin, he’s quite brave – I would say I understand his lifestyle. He’s also comfortable being the leader of the group.”
Although he hasn’t always had aspirations to be a lion, he laughs, he is very glad that he’s in the role now. “The set is great, the costumes are amazing – it’s really cool being part of this.”
But how does he feel about all the dancing that comes with this role? “Ah”, he says proudly, “[the directors] said I was a natural mover – it’s a great challenge, and feels like a great achievement. I love it.”
Playing Alex the Lion isn’t just about singing and dancing – Matt also has to wear a large lion suit whilst on stage. “I did say, ‘How am I going to wear this everyday?’ when I first saw it.
“I also couldn’t actually make the fittings. The person doing the costume design had made the suit for Matt Damon in Martian and so they just made it according to his measurements. And it fits! So I’ve got the same measurements as Matt Damon.”
Despite now holding a leading theatrical role, he still has a soft spot for his solo singing career: “Well, they’re very different worlds – I definitely enjoy both. In the long term, I think I’ll just jump in and out of it. Maybe I’ll do a little more, or get back to the studio.”
Madagascar the Musical is at the Hexagon, from Tuesday to Saturday, February 23. To book, call 0118 960 6060 or visit www.readingarts.com
