Interview: Matthew Gregory Details What's In Store for KidsFest in Manila, 1/27-31

By Jared Echevarria

No one is born a performer but Matthew Gregory, the founder of KidsFest, made it a point to start very early. Playing as Young Scrooge's girlfriend at age eight (Yes, you heard it right: girlfriend of the Young Scrooge in a production of "A Christmas Carol") and as a chorister at York Minster in the United Kingdom, Matthew eventually placed himself permanently in the world of performing arts when he became the executive producer of ABA Productions, based in Hong Kong.

Anticipating the arrival of KidsFest in Manila from Wednesday, January 27, to Sunday, January 31, playing at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, in Makati City (tickets can be purchased at TicketWorld.com.ph), BroadwayWorld.com had the opportunity to interview Matthew who talked about his motivation as a performer and as the producer of KidsFest in Manila, which features the acclaimed production of "The Gruffalo," based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved picture book.

BWW: What inspired you to create a series of productions that focuses on theater for young audiences?

Matthew: KidsFest was born in 2012, but, in reality, the idea grew out of something that started much earlier than that. We started creating shows for young people as far back as 1999, but we first brought 'The Gruffalo' to Asia in January 2009. Its instant popularity with children and parents led to more related productions. Then in 2011, we staged "The Gruffalo" and "The Gruffalo's Child" at the same time, with the idea being that you could watch both productions in the same day or weekend. The next step was...more productions and in 2012, the first KidsFest was held in Hong Kong and Singapore, which featured three productions.

BWW: What have been your fondest memories of KidsFest?

Matthew: Two things: (1) Seeing excited faces on young people as they arrive, and watching them watch the performance and share the delight of what they have witnessed with their families, and (2) Seeing those families come back to see a different production-hit by the theatrical bug.

BWW: You have a wonderful academic background--from music, theater to drama--what specific area had the most profound influence on your career?

Matthew: Definitely my younger years as a chorister at York Minster in the UK followed by some inspirational teachers at high school who introduced me more to theater, acting, and directing. I was given some amazing opportunities at aged 16-18 to play parts onstage that really changed my life--cementing the idea of working in theater in the long term.

BWW: How would you like KidsFest to be remembered by young audiences and their parents?

Matthew: Good stories, high quality, fun, and entertaining

BWW: For the Filipino young audiences, what are the best takeaways from these productions?

Matthew: The sharing experience they have with each other and their families and teachers; the connection between themselves and the performers on stage and possibly a feeling of, "I'd like to do that!"

When it comes to marketing KidsFest, Matthew has cited social media as an important tool to promote his work as it encourages the audiences to share their experiences and give feedback to what they have seen onstage. He also uses social networking sites to keep his followers updated on what's happening now and in the future.

About "The Gruffalo" (January 27 to 31)

"The Gruffalo" follows a tiny brown mouse with a huge appetite for hazelnuts and intrigues. The mouse enters a deep dark forest to find something delicious to eat. Along the way, the mouse meets a slick fox, a militant owl, and a maraca-shaking snake, all of whom want nothing than to make the mouse their next meal. To escape the clutches of these forest foes, the mouse invents a tall tale about a ferocious new friend and protector, the Gruffalo!

All the performances will be held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium.

On top of the live shows, there will also be face painting, food stalls, coloring areas, and a photo souvenir booth.

ABA Productions, alongside Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila, brings KidsFest to Manila.

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