Matthew Cottle is currently starring in Patrick Marber’s revival of Alan Bennett’s classic farce Habeas Corpus, now running at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory until 26 February 2022.
For those who don’t know the play, what can you tell us about it?
Habeas Corpus is an Alan Bennett farce set in the 1970s. Its central themes are sex and death. Trying to get enough of the first before we inevitably succumb to the second.
What made you want to be in this production?
Firstly, I love Alan Bennett. Secondly, the chance to play a randy vicar in a farce is not to be sniffed at. Thirdly, I have always been a big fan of Patrick Marber and have wanted to work with him for years.
Could you tell me more about your character?
Canon Throbbing is, as you may be able to tell from the name, a Canon, who is desperate or throbbing to both marry and ‘break his duck’. He is a bit of a letch and great fun to play.
How have rehearsals been going so far?
Rehearsals have been great fun and we have been laughing a lot. Patrick has assembled such a talented cast. They are a joy to work with!
What have you enjoyed the most about being part of this production so far? It is lovely to be back at The Menier as I had such a lovely time working here previously. I am very grateful to be working in the theatre again after lockdown and doing a play which is so silly and funny and where we spend most of the days laughing.
By Emma Clarendon
Habeas Corpus plays at the Menier Chocolate Factory from the 3rd December until the 26th February 2022.
INTERVIEW! ‘The chance to play a randy vicar in a farce is not to be sniffed at’: @MatthewCottle7 chats to @LoveLdnLoveCul about appearing in Alan Bennett’s #HabeasCorpus at @MenChocFactory. #OffWestEnd #Londontheatre
