Matthew Quilliam

Description

Timeless humour and unmatched virtuosity make for this awe-inspiring show; a class act.
Matthew Quilliam’s HAPPY TALK is a a feel-good variety show with a modern twist. Spectacle and shenanigans ensue as he keeps the audience guessing what may happen next.
A fine selection of the best obscure, absurd, beloved, cheeky or feel-good British gems of years gone by gets everybody singing, laughing, and dancing along!
With two 45 minute shows, this act is great entertainment at festivals, hotels, cruises, theatres and arts venues

Biography

A fresh new talent on the ukulele, already making a huge impression.
Sometime in mid-2011, a young boy picked up his first ukulele, quickly becoming fascinated with the instrument. 12 years later and Matthew Quilliam became the first person to use the ukulele for an entire music degree, graduating in 2023 with first class honours.
Thanks to his life-long connection and expertise with the instrument, he has developed a wide skill set and a popular range of shows, whilst showing no signs of slowing down.
Versatility is in abundance when it comes to Matthew’s capabilities. With his bou ... ndless energy and his trademark smile, Matthew is sure to leave any audience wanting more. Read More

Reviews     (7 Reviews)

Experience

Based in southern UK, his travels have brought him to appear at P&O Arvia’s Headliners Theatre, the largest ukulele festival in the world Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, plus a whole host of other festivals including Bracklesham, Isle of Wight, Yeovil and Shrewkfest Ukulele Festivals. Chichester Jazz Club, Concorde Club Eastleigh, Princess Hall Aldershot, Oktoberfest Swindon, Didcot Railway Centre, Weyfest, Abbey Road Studios & internationally in Italy, France, Germany and Poland.
On top of that, he has composed for a handful of albums and films, educational and examined ukulele material ... for the London College of Music and the London Ukulele Project, as well as written live pit band music for Chichester Festival Theatre.
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Previous Clients

I have performed onboard P&O's Arvia in the Headliner's Theatre as a deputy band member. I have hosted my own shows across the UK from Shanklin to Blackpool. My ukulele degree was completed at the University of Chichester Conservatoire and Conservatoire of Vivaldi in Alexandria, Italy.

Suitable for

Awards Ceremony Concerts / Tours Corporate Event Cruise Ships Festival / Outdoor Event Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event Private Party Theaters / Stage University / College Event

Meet the Act

Making people smile and laugh is the most rewarding part of performing. Sharing my passion for the sillier, birghter side of life drives me to keep putting on shows.
I always say that nobody chooses to play the ukulele, but instead the ukulele chooses them. From a chance encounter with one at school, I quickly fell down the rabbit hole of the music and entertainment industry and now I use it as my weapon of choice for my unique act.

Additional Information

Insured for public liability, DBS checked, full drivers license, PA/amplification system available. Can perform solo, with backing tracks or with live/house band; notated parts available.

Virtual Services Offer

Online lessons

Matthew offers an incredible range of learning resources, online and in-person, for groups or individuals.

From his hugely popular workshops to his one-to-one lessons, and from online courses to free digital downloads, there is something for all ages and abilities to be found in Matthew’s ever-expanding collection of offerings…

In 2023, Matthew graduated with a first class degree in music teaching on the ukulele. In the same year, his musical compositions and exercises for the London College of Music Exams ukulele grade books were published.

His highly engaging and informative workshops are in high demand with festivals and clubs alike. In between his travels, he has an ever-expanding pool of private students whom he teaches at his home studio.

Rekkie

Let's meet up and chat before the show, to see how we can pull off an unforgettable experience for your guests.