Matt Bayford

Hello! I’m a theatre maker, writer & opera singer living and working in Gosport. I co-run Gosport Creates, a community-directed, artist-run project supporting the creativity of women in Gosport. We organise workshops, performances and experiences that celebrate play, exploration & community, currently these run on Tuesday evenings at venues across Gosport. My award-winning show It is I, Seagull originated in Gosport, and toured around the UK and to Australia in 2025. I have a Masters with Distinction in Opera Performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and a First Class (Hons) degree in English and Drama from the University of Kent. My work is supported by ACE, the Mayflower Theatre, the Winship Foundation, & an HCC grant.

I am a professional artist, dancer and workshop facilitator recognised for hand painted murals, creative workshops and theatrical collaborative performances. Delivering detailed paintings, innovative workshops, and explorative collaborations, my work caters to the immediate environment with the aims to elevate spaces, inspire individuals and encourage unity. Commissioned by different councils, shops and organisations to design and paint murals reflecting nature. Produce workshops that include art and movement practice. Collaborated with multiple groups and particularly enjoy performing with spoken word artists. Over 10 years in the arts, commissioned by Tameside Council, Wembley Park, Harrow Council and charities such as MyYard.

I am an actor and theatre-maker with over twenty years experience in the industry. After training at Shakespeare and Company and more than a decade acting on film, television, theatre (and many many Shakespeare roles) I obtained my MFA at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with Distinction. I am also the founder and Co-Artistic Director of Crowbait Club UK and US (an organisation dedicated to the development of new theatrical writing) and Co-Artistic Director of award-winning theatre company, Mary Rose Productions. MRP works with new and emerging to produce rep-style theatre and talent to foster pathways in arts careers with an emphasis on sustainability and education. www.maryroseproductions.co.uk www.crowbait.co.uk