Matthew Anastasi made his debut on the Manoel Theatre stage at the age of 15 with the part of Gideon in 1999 in the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and since then appeared in other shows such as The Dracula Spectacula, Into the Woods, The Little Sweep and The Sound of Music. He has sung solo in Voices concerts and last year was nominated best promising actor for the lead in MADC’s One Act Play Festival with the play Johnny Don’t Jump. He also played parts in various showcases from musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Godspell, Fame, Miss Saigon, Rent & The Wild Party. His training varies from local vocal coach Gillian Zammit to foreign tutors such as Denise Mulholland, Derek Hartley, Willie Dieghan, Polly March and Emma Loftus. He is now challenging himself further, but this time beyond our shores. He has secured for himself a placing at the GSA Conservatoire, one of the top three Musical Theatre Colleges in the UK, to study for his MA in Musical Theatre. Matthew’s latest challenge is the musical The Rocky Horror Show in which he plays Brad Majors and which is taking place at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre, Ta’ Qali. It premieres next Saturday 10 March with more shows on 16, 17 and 18 March.

How old are you? Star sign?

I am 23 years old and a Libra.

Significant other? Children?

Single. Children – I teach 120 of them every week at Stagecoach! Enough to last me a lifetime!

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

My dream: I would like to be earning a living by performing in musical theatre in London.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having the ones I most love beside me.

My family and my friends are a very important part of my life and although I am sometimes

not present physically, I am always present in spirit!

What is your favourite occupation?

Well, I have gone through a series of occupations. I started off by studying Accounts then went into Marketing, then Sales. But I eventually turned back to my roots – the stage!

What is your greatest fear?

I have a phobia for snakes. I can’t hear them, see them or talk about them! In last year’s end of term demo, the kids had to be snakes… I ran out of the room!

What is it that you most value in your friends?

A friend should be trustworthy and kind but one who can pound on you when you annoy them. I am fortunate enough to have quite a few of these!

How would you like to die?

I think if I had to die, I’d like to die suddenly and without warning. I want to live my days on earth as actively as possible!

What is your greatest extravagance?

My palmtop. It organises my life and reminds me of everything I have to do! Everyone teases me about it.

What is your greatest regret?

That I didn’t start my training at a younger age. If I did, my life objectives would have been clearer when I hit 18!

What is your most treasured possession?

Something which was given to me when I produced the Rent workshop for MADC – a beautiful hardbound book all about, yes, rent!

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

I would really love to know more about

architecture.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Dying of old age alone. I am a people person and can’t stay very long without people around me.

Where would you like to live?

Well hopefully in London next year!

What is your most marked characteristic?

I think that I am a very kind and caring person. I give a lot – sometimes too much!

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

My parents! They created such a good life for themselves. I am trying very hard to create my version of that now!

What is it that you most dislike?

I hate waiting. I am the kind of person who takes a decision and wants to act on it. I hate waiting too long for something to happen! That’s how I took up smoking… but I’m a proud non-smoker now!

What is your motto?

“No Day But Today!” (Jonathan Larson).