Spotlight on Matthew Gurney
This interview is in Matthew's own words.
Brief biography about Matthew…
We talk to actor, Matthew Gurney about his recent work. Read more about Matthew was born in Oxford to a Deaf family. He went to school in Margate and his first acting experience was for BBC TV Series, Switch. Since then he as acted in lots of short films and with Deafinitely Theatre in Playing God. He has just finished acting at Soho Theatre in another Deafinitely play, Double Sentence.
1, What are you working on at the moment?
Double Sentence. When the tour finishes I will go back to being a full-time father!
2, What is a usual day for you?
I am busy writing scripts. I have a big pile at home which I email out to directors. Looking after the baby and also keeping my eye out for acting work.
3, What is the biggest challenge as an actor today?
I find conveying deep emotions difficult – crying etc. Thinking about my home life, the baby etc, helps to bring out my emotions.
4, What do you despise?
I have making mistakes like fluffing lines when acting!
5, Are you a Deaf actor or an actor who is Deaf?
Difficult question! I am actor but I always play the role of deaf characters. One day I hope to play a hearing character – big challenge!
6, Do you think that the attitude towards working with deaf actors has changed over the last 10 years?
I have worked with companies who have good deaf awareness, use deaf directors etc which has been fine. But for companies that have no contact with the Deaf world, they are clueless!
7, What is it like working in the west end and have you found anything difficult?
Working here has been very exciting. When I see all the other plays that going on around me I like to think that my work matches up to their standard.
8, Who is your hero?
Jackie Chan. He does everything by himself – acting, writing, directing etc…wow! I want to be like him.
9, After recent and press articles about Deaf people on TV and on stage, do you think that the west end will continue doing pieces of work with Deaf actors in?
Difficult to answer as I am not based in London. I know one deaf actress who is performing at the National Theatre at the moment. Great that she’s there but she has no lines! Her character is mute. I hope that one day other theatres will recognise my work which will help other deaf actors.
10, If you could invite any four people from the past or present to a dinner party who would you have?
Jackie Chan, Luc Besson, Guy Richie and Vincent Cassell
Watch this space - Deafinitely Theatre's production Double Sentence will be touring in the new year.
