Widely recognised for his critically-acclaimed performance as the title character in the West End production of Disney’s Aladdin, MATTHEW CROKE recently took centre stage as a contestant in this year’s tenth series of The Voice UK.
Opening the show with his stand-out vocals, Matt performed ‘Come What May’ in the blind auditions, in the second episode of the new series, and judge Olly Murs responded by turning his chair.
The singer, dancer and actor has understudied and performed in several major roles, including West Side Story’s Tony, Wicked’s Fiyero, Funny Girl’s Eddie, Chicago’s Amos Hart, Grease’s Eugene, Singin’ in the Rain’s Don Lockwood, Cinderella’s Prince Charming, Larry in A Chorus Line, and Zeke in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Most recently he starred at the Royal Albert Hall with the Alpha Club – Best Of the West End.
Matt has also appeared on television and lent his voice and talents to numerous productions with ITV and appeared many times on the Royal Variety Performance.
Born and raised in Sheffield, he received training at the Maureen Law Theatre School, Sharon Berry School of Dance, and Laine Theatre Arts College. He credits his sister, Rachel Croke, as inspiration for his love of musical theatre, and they currently share the role of principal at the RMC Academy of Theatre Performance in his hometown.
Matt released his debut solo album, Only Dreaming, in late 2018. Featuring the talents of his Disney family, Hiba Elchikhe, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Nick Afoa, the album featured tunes from Aladdin, Big Fish, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Moulin Rouge!, The Wiz, and more. He was also very honoured to have been part of the original cast recording of Webborn & Finn’s The Clockmaker’s Daughter which is available on iTunes.
He has also enjoyed continued success playing the role of Berger in Paul Taylor-Mills’ production of Hair, a role he is set to reprise in early 2021.
Here Matt continues Musical Theatre Review’s interview series: Five Questions With…
Many congratulations on your success on The Voice UK. Can you tell us how it felt to audition and what the experience has been like since?
To audition for The Voice UK was so exciting but equally nerve-racking as I’ve never done anything like it before. So far it’s been so much fun. And to be able to perform during these crazy times is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
You released your debut album in late 2018, we imagine you are keen to do some more recording?
I would love to do more recording. I have lots of ideas to what I’d like to record. Although it was a couple of years ago now when I released ‘Only Dreaming’ The Voice has kind of put my album back out there again as I sang ‘Come What May’ which features on the recording, so I’m actually enjoying ‘Only Dreaming’ still too.
How has life treated you doing lockdown? Is the school you run with your sister Rachel managing to do okay?
I am so grateful that Rachel and I have made it work, when it’s been possible we have taught together at our studios and tried to stay sane. During the first lockdown I was still in London and obviously at first found it really difficult. But the school has been doing well and, when it’s safe, we constantly hope to do new things and bring guest teachers in to keep our students motivated.
You appeared in a number of concerts, live and virtual, during 2020, as well as the production of Hair at Turbine on the Jetty. These events must have felt like a real blessing during such a devastating time for the arts.
Yes to perform in Hair was incredible. During 2020 I thought nothing like that would happen and I absolutely loved it!
I know it’s an impossible question but has there been a particular highlight that stands out from your career so far?
Lots of highlights but the biggest one always has to be Aladdin as it completely changed my life in so many ways. Flying around on that magic carpet eight times a week is something I will never forget.
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