2023/4 Recognition Laurels for "Kin", written by and starring Matt McInnes

After completing his theatrical training with an HND in Musical Theatre from NCPA and then a Ba/Hons in Creative and Performing Arts from UOS, Matt was immediately cast in his first professional role as lead, ensemble and tech crew with the nationally renowned repertory theatre company "Bridge Theatre", one of the last long season rep theatre companies in the country, under the direction of Feda Kelsal. Here he cut his teeth on all aspects of the professional theatre word including ASM, tech crew, set and stage design/construction and sound engineering. He also took lead roles in recurring runs of musicals and plays such as "The Boyfriend", "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "A Journey's End". 

Throughout the next 10 years of his career Matt developed considerable skill and professional accreditations in  range of theatrical disciplines including stage play, musical and TV.  He has shared the stage with BGT finalist John Clegg in the award winning touring musical "Forever In Blue Jeans", tread the boards, danced and sang as lead protagonist to Lesley Joseph's villain in the Theatre Royal/Qudos production of "Snow White", and was cast alongside Kelly Bryant, Antony Costa and Coronation Street's Kevin Kennedy in the polarising and satirical stage show "X Factor - The Musical".

Matt's versatility has allowed him to take on returning roles with Duggie Chapman productions as both protagonist and antagonist over the years. He has starred as the lead in record breaking run of "Aladdin" as well as the villain, Fleshcreep, in "Jack and the Beanstalk", holding his own against British treasures of theatre land; Darren Day, Ben Ryan Davies and Stu Francis.

Matt has been invited to share the stage in West End gala performances by exceptionally talented playwright and composer Howard Goodall, most famous for his work on shows such as Vicar of Dibley, Bend It Like Beckham and Red Dwarf. He has taken on the complex vocals and characters in "Silas Marner" to a star studded audience at the Britten Theatre London; obtaining accolades from such household names as Dawn French, Hugh Laurie and Rowan Atkinson.

Matt secured not one, not two, but THREE castings for the long standing BBC children's drama "Byker Grove", filming individual episodes in series 11 and 13 respectively as a security man and then a swindling record shop owner before gaining a featured and returning role in series 17 as Kieran Morrisey, boyfriend to youth worker Sarah, a professional photographer caught in a love triangle between characters. Matt followed this up with small roles in both "Auf Weidersain Pet" starring Jimmy Nail and Timothy Spall, and "Wire In The Blood" starring Robson Green.

Matt has been a regular in regional and national commercials over the years featuring in adverts for both "Hays Travel" and "Thompsons" and his image is still in use on the "CBBC channel" website, The Mash Report and "Pearson's Teacher Pension" promotions.

Matt extended his career into both radio  voice over and radio broadcasting with his own weekend breakfast radio show called "The Basement" with 102.4 Radio Hartlepool. As well as this he has lent his voice to a range of professional voice over work including Century FM's "Goffy In the Morning Prank Calls and Wind Ups", "The Heart of Teesside" and "Disney on Ice" character voice overs at the Billingham Forum.

Matt was cast in a lead role in Sky 1's "The Dream Team" but was unable to take the role which later went to another well known north east actor. He was also cast in a featured role in Jerome Flynn's "Badger" but due to work commitments was unable to commit to the filming. 

Howard Goodall - West End composer

Craig Fairbrass  - Eastenders/Foot Soldiers