MEET THE DRAMA KING

ARTIST PROFILE: MATTHEW KING

In a small, dimly lit beachside café on the Esplanade, Matthew King sipped his cup of tea and hatched a plan. This was the moment musical theatre company Macabre Theatre was born.

Matthew is a fiercely passionate and accomplished director, producer and actor who has gained recognition for his commitment to performing arts in South East Queensland. He started his life in performing arts by volunteering at Z-Pac Theatre and by the age of twenty-one he had landed a presidential role, quickly becoming the youngest life member ever to be inducted in to the theatre. In his earlier career Matthew focused on behind the scenes roles such as technical manager, set designer, lighting and costume creator before discovering his love of directing and eventually stepping out from behind the curtain and embracing small cameo acting roles in his productions.

In 2016 Matthew took a huge risk and decided to think big. Up until this time the theatre performances had been held in school halls, but Matthew knew Macabre was ready for more. The sell-out production of “Grease” at the Brolga Theatre tipped the scales and Matthew realised his beloved theatre company was more than just a hobby.

When the entertainment industry suddenly ground to a halt as a result of Covid-19, Matthew knew he needed to support his struggling arts workers. Never one to back down from a challenge, this created an opportunity for Matthew to think outside the box. With a team of willing participants and backing from Fraser Coast Regional Council with a RADF grant “Broadway by the Bay” was created. The larger-than-life outdoor theatre production took place at Seafront Oval and was the first of its kind, bringing life to a struggling community in the form of the arts.

Macabre Theatre is about to celebrate it’s ten year anniversary and for Matthew, it only seems right that they go full circle with a production of the first stage show

COVER IMAGE:

Mia Boe, The Nostalgia of Mother and Child (detail) 2021, synthetic polymer on linen. Courtesy of the artist and Sutton Gallery. On display at HBRG from 11 March in The Dingo Project: Wongari.

STAY INSPIRED!

This guide shares a taste of Council’s arts, culture and heritage program and was correct at time of printing. To keep up to date with the latest information visit our website.

www.ourfrasercoast.com.au

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We welcome contributions from our creative community. For more information email ArtsCulture@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Macabre ever performed – Peter Pan. With a strong sense of community and an advocate for inclusivity, Matthew’s moral compass is firmly rooted in Macabre Theatre Company and with his encouragement and support, Matthew sees a bright future for his beloved theatre and his Macabre family.

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Fraser Coast Regional Council acknowledges to the east, the Butchulla (Badtjala) and to the west, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) People, their connection to Country (land, sea and sky) and recognises the many places of cultural, spiritual, social and economic significance in the community. We pay respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging. We also acknowledge other First Nation Aboriginals and the Torres Strait Islander people, who reside in the Fraser Coast region.

Rob McCullough –The Show Stopper

Sun 5 Mar | 2PM

Featuring Hits from Les Miserable, Oliver, Martin, Michael Buble, Phantom of the Opera, Frank Sinatra, Peter Allen and many more.

The Crucible – NT Live

Mon 6 Mar | 1PM

Thu 9 Mar | 7PM www.ourfrasercoast.com.au

A witch hunt is beginning in Salem – Arthur Miller’s gripping parable of power and its abuse.

Morning Melodies –Blue Bayou

Thu 30 Mar | 11 AM

Blue Bayou celebrates the influence of country music on the pop charts of the 1960s and 70s.

Leaving Jackson –The Carter Cash Story

Fri 31 Mar | 7.30 PM

Relive the moments that captured the life of a Legend. A life story played out through some of the greatest songs ever written.

Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee LIVE!!

Wed 8 Mar | 7.30 PM

This moving and inspirational theatre experience combines humour, real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell Do’s amazing story.

Billy V’s Elton –Duelling Pianos

Sat 1 Apr | 7.30 PM

Delivering the greatest hits of Billy Joel and Elton John, featuring a live 9-piece tribute band and 5 vocalists.