Matthew Hemley

Deputy editor

Biography

Matt is deputy editor of The Stage, having started as the newspaper’s broadcast reporter in 2007. He covers all areas of the industry in his role, but has a particular interest in musical theatre. Matt studied acting at Bretton Hall, part of the University of Leeds, and regularly appears on radio and television to discuss theatre.

Recent Articles

Royal Welsh College plans cuts to work with young people

NewsMay 10, 2024

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama has revealed it is undergoing a consultation around proposals to cut its weekly work with young people, affecting music and acting programmes and potentially more than a 100 members of staff.

Tim Rice: Don't trash classic musicals – they're revived for a reason

NewsMay 9, 2024

Lyricist Tim Rice has defended musicals from the 20th century that are revived today, claiming producers who try to reflect “society’s current values” in newer work often do so at the expense of “decent tunes” and a good story

Michael Sheen and Ruth Jones back open letter criticising 'devastating' WNO cuts

NewsMay 7, 2024

Actors Michael Sheen, Ruth Jones and Luke Evans are among high-profile figures from across the world of entertainment who have warned that cuts to Welsh National Opera have left it on the "precipice", with its future "untenable".

Layton Williams and Rhea Norwood to take lead roles in West End's Cabaret

Production NewsMay 7, 2024

Layton Williams is to play the Emcee in the West End production of Cabaret, as part of new principal casting that also sees Heartstopper star Rhea Norwood take the role of Sally Bowles.

Act for Change to close as baton is passed to 'change makers'

NewsMay 3, 2024

The trustees said in a statement that it was the right time to pass on its remit to ‘change makers’ and would be giving its £5,000 reserves to Open Door, which works to support people without financial means to access drama schools

Playwriting award set to shine light on Blackpool

NewsMay 3, 2024

The Playwriting Competition is part of venue the Old Electric’s previously announced Power Plays Festival

Lily Allen to star in reimagined Hedda Gabler

Production NewsMay 3, 2024

Royal Court puts itself 'in hands of playwrights' with new associates

NewsMay 1, 2024

Royal Court boss David Byrne has appointed four associate playwrights – including Ryan Calais Cameron and Mike Bartlett – in a move that will mean they will become part of a "collective leadership" model and develop the venue’s artistic programme

Thangam Debbonaire: I will conduct a second Arts Council review if I need to

NewsApr 26, 2024

Shadow culture secretary Thangam Debbonaire has vowed to commission a second review of Arts Council England should the Tory party’s current investigation fail to ask ‘the right questions’