Matthew Jeans plays Bob Wallace in the Made at Curve’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as it embarks on a UK tour.
White Christmas also stars Sally Ann triplett as ‘Martha Watson’, Dan Burton as ‘Phil Davis’, Jessica Daley as ‘Betty Haynes’, Emily Langham as ‘Judy Haynes’ and Duncan Smith as ‘General Waverly’.
White Christmas opens on Thursday 28 October at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, before visiting The Bristol Hippdrome, Canterbury Marlowe, Manchester Palace Theatre, Plymouth Theatre Royal and Edinburgh Playhouse. Full listings and ticket information can be found here.
You’re playing Bob Wallace in Made at Curve’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, how would you describe this production?
I’m so happy to be able to play such a great part in such a wonderful show. I’d describe the show as a truly beautiful and heartfelt story with one of the most incredible scores by Irving Berlin, complemented by some of the most sublime dance numbers I’ve ever seen! I do feel so privileged to be able to be part of such an incredibly written, classic musical.
Tell us about your character, what do you love about Bob Wallace?
I love Bob because he’s so relatable in so many ways. He always strives to be the guy people can depend and rely on, and at the same time is desperate to find love. However, he constantly keeps people at arm’s length to protect himself from being hurt. I think the fact that he’s so morally upstanding, the way the story materialises makes everyone really feel for him and find themselves sitting there wanting to jump to his defence!
How have rehearsals been going, and what’s impressed you most about your cast mates?
Rehearsals have been going amazingly, everyone is so lovely and eager to make this show the very best it can be. I think the fact we’ve all had such a long period of time out due to Covid has injected the passion back in everyone for what we love to do and be grateful to be back in work again.
The talent in the room really is mind blowing. Everyone is bringing their best to the table, and it shows as the focus and energy is brilliant. And I’m sure it’ll show when we open! Dan and I are great mates so it’s been pretty easy to take that into the relationship between our characters and have a bit of banter along the way!
Why do you think the songs in this musical, including the most famous festive song of all, remain so appealing for audiences?
I actually think this score is one of the most beautifully and incredibly written scores I know! Irving Berlin was an absolute genius. And with writing that good, I think it will always be appreciated by theatre and music lovers.
The big well-known songs like White Christmas, Snow, Happy Holiday/Let Yourself Go etc. just put a smile on your face and take us all back to Christmas with our families I think. But also, some of the most beautiful numbers are the lesser known ones and are just so heartfelt with the most gorgeous melodies. It really is incredible.
What are you looking forward to most about being out on tour this Christmas?
I’m a huge lover of Christmas and to get to put on this show around the country, in such lovely cities is going to be amazing. I think for me to be able to give people a bit of Christmas spirit and a couple hours to get lost in a lovely story and escape from the day to day is such a rewarding feeling. I’m looking forward to all the Christmas markets too! I’m on the hunt for the best mince pie!
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see White Christmas?
I would say stop thinking about it and book your tickets because I guarantee you won’t regret it! It’s a show that appeals to all ages and has something in it for everyone. It really is a spectacle, so don’t miss it!
