The Habit of Art in Eastbourne: a conversation with Matthew Kelly

A master of witty and pithy language, and an affectionate observer of characters, he surely qualifies as a National Treasure.

And Bennett’s The Habit of Art – with a glittering cast including David Yelland, Matthew Kelly and Veronica Roberts – arrives at the Devonshire Park Theatre next week. It’s at the Eastbourne venue from Wednesday to Saturday, March 18-21 (7.45pm, Thu & Sat mat 2.30pm).

This week I tried a bit of talking heads with Matthew Kelly – as engaging a chap as any arts reviewer could wish to meet. It isn’t really an interview, it’s a natter. Swaying off topic and back again, but always engrossing, and clearly so in love with his profession that he would probably come down to Eastbourne and perform for nothing. (Don’t show the producer that line...)

“With acting it’s the difference between a want and a need – if it’s a want, you might do it, if it’s a need, you will do it.”

In Bennett’s play, Matthew takes the role of poet WH Auden. Is it more challenging to play a real historical figure, rather than a fictional character? “Well, I did buy a book about him, but it’s 500 pages of tiny print! But Auden is known to people through his poetry rather than as the person. In the end it’s all in the writing, and Alan Bennett is such a good writer. The character I present is the character Alan has drawn.”

Not too high-brow, then, Matthew? “Goodness, no. It’s witty, it’s structured as a play within a play – and it’s a piece of fiction anyway, an imagined meeting between Auden and Benjamin Britten which never actually took place. They had known each other many years before but had fallen out. Two creative giants and geniuses.”

“Bennett is a superb writer, but he is also a non-judgemental man with a very good heart and very witty. People like Alan are what I call intellectually hospitable: they always let you in and they don’t judge you, they are kind, and they don’t belittle you!”

Matthew, you have – forgive the pun – a little bit of history with Alan Bennett? “Well yes, we have a little web of connections. I played The History Boys among other of his stage works. Oh, and Alan and I share a birthday.”

“Alan always knows when productions are on – and he always sends the company an enormous bottle of champagne on press night. And when we opened this production, each of us had a personal card from Alan with a message and a hand-drawn cartoon of himself!”

Household name, TV show host, a rather successful excursion into musical theatre in BIG The Musical – and stage acting. It’s been quite a life in performing? Kelly is as self-deprecating as his playwright friend. “My CV does look good, doesn’t it? As if I’ve made some fantastic choices – when actually I’ve never made a choice in my life. Take the part that comes up. Just be available and cheap – that’s the way to get work!

“I was touring Pride and Prejudice four or five years ago, and a producer approached me and said would I join her new touring play about fracking – and it opens in Dundee – and I said stop! There are limits.”

And what next? Is there a Lear in you? “Well I suppose I ought to do a Lear. Everyone else does. I was actually up for King Lear at the Globe a couple of years ago, but I didn’t get it! Never mind.”

“But after this tour, I’m actually starting on The Dresser, with Julian Clary – with, of course, lots of the Lear lines. Things fall into place. Whatever I’m doing at any given time, that’s my favourite part, and that’s a useful maxim.”

Meanwhile, Mr Kelly is clearly loving this show! “Well foremost I am loving this company. But yes, it’s a lovely play in its own right.

“David Yelland, who is a wonderful, proper distinguished actor, plays Britten and the scenes I have with David are absolutely electric. And it’s great to work with somebody from the classical end of the market! Whereas I come from the vulgar end!”

Matthew Kelly? Vulgar? Never ever. With director Philip Franks and a highly accomplished cast, the Original Theatre Company arrive at the Devonshire Park next Wednesday. The Times has given it four stars, the Guardian a full five. Come and rate it for yourselves.

Tickets cost £19-£26.50 (group discounts and concessions available). Call 01323 412000.

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