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Matthew Dunster

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BIO

Matthew Dunster is a British actor, writer, and director with an impressive resume in the theatre world. Born in London in 1973, Dunster attended the University of East Anglia where he studied English Literature and Drama. After graduation, he began his career in theatre and has since become a well-respected figure in the industry.


Dunster's work as a director has been particularly noteworthy. He has directed productions at some of the most prestigious theatres in the UK, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and the Young Vic. His directing credits include "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "The Seagull," and "Hangmen," which won the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2016.
In addition to his work as a director, Dunster has also made a name for himself as a writer. He has written several plays, including "Children's Children," which premiered at the Almeida Theatre in London in 2012. The play explores the impact of technology on modern relationships and received critical acclaim for its sharp writing and insightful commentary.
Despite his success as a director and writer, Dunster has also continued to act throughout his career. He has appeared in several productions on the West End and in regional theatres across the UK. His stage credits include "Love's Labour's Lost," "The Taming of the Shrew," and "The Front Page."
Dunster has also made a name for himself in television and film. He has appeared in several British television shows, including "Silent Witness" and "Holby City." He also had a small role in the 2015 film "Legend," which starred Tom Hardy as the notorious London gangsters, the Kray twins.
In recent years, Dunster has continued to work on a variety of projects across the theatre, television, and film industries. In 2019, he directed a production of "The Bay at Nice" at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London, which received positive reviews for its powerful performances and stunning design. He also directed the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play "The Jungle" at the Playhouse Theatre in London in 2018.
Dunster's most recent work includes the upcoming film "The Lost King," in which he plays the role of King Henry VI. The film, which is currently in post-production, tells the story of the Wars of the Roses and the struggle for the English throne in the 15th century.

Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
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[West End, 2023]
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[West End, 2023]
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[West End, 2023]
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[Broadway, 2022]
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[West End, 2020]
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[Off-Broadway, 2018]
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[West End, 2015]
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[West End, 2013]
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[West End, 0]
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Writing


Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Play

Matthew Dunster, Hangmen

Olivier Awards - 2016 - Best Director

Matthew DunsterHangmen

News


Review: RED SPEEDO, Orange Tree Theatre

The world of professional swimming has been dogged by stories of doping and Hnath's play seeks to explore the ethical aspects of this issue and how far someone will go to be a winner. So far, so intriguing, but Red Speedo feels unfinished and Hnath fails to either dig deep enough or offer any interesting commentary about these themes.
Photos: Go Inside Press Night for RED SPEEDO At Orange Tree Theatre

See photos from inside press night of Red Speedo at Orange Tree Theatre. The cast including Finn Cole, Ciarán Owens, Parker Lapaine and Fraser James.
Photos: RED SPEEDO Opens This Week at Orange Tree Theatre

All new production photos have been released for Red Speedo at Orange Tree Theatre ahead of its opening night tomorrow. The production starring Finn Cole will then run until 10 August. Check out the photos here!
Show of the Week: Save Up to 50% on Tickets to 2:22 A GHOST STORY at the Gielgud Theatre

Save up to 50% on tickets to 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Gielgud Theatre! Tickets are available from £30.
Review: A CHILD OF SCIENCE, Bristol Old Vic

Ultimately, A Child of Science offers a vivid portrayal of the intersection between scientific pursuit and human longing. It’s a testament to the extraordinary efforts behind ordinary miracles. And how the path to creating life can be as intricate and moving as the lives it aims to bring into the world.
New Film in THE HUNGER GAMES Franchise in the Works

Lionsgate will return to the world of Panem with the major motion picture adaptation of the next book in the franchise, Suzanne Collins's highly anticipated Hunger Games novel Sunrise on the Reaping. The film will be released in theaters in North America beginning on November 20, 2026.
Cast of 2:22 A GHOST STORY Mark the Play's Arrival in Salford With Visit to Ordsall Hall

The cast of 2:22 A GHOST STORY visited Ordsall Hall, one of Salford's most haunted buildings, to mark the play's arrival in the region. Learn more about 2:22 A Ghost Story and see how to purchase tickets.
Find Out Who Will Join Finn Cole in Lucas Hnath's RED SPEEDO

Orange Tree Theatre has announced the full cast for the UK première of Lucas Hnath’s Red Speedo directed by Matthew Dunster.
Photos: First Look at the West End Return of 2:22 - A GHOST STORY

All new production photos have been released marking return of 2:22 - A Ghost Story to London’s West End. Donna Air will play Lauren and Joe McFadden will play Sam; Stacey Dooley will play Jenny, in her stage debut, and James Buckley reprises the role of Ben.
Tom Greaves Makes Comedy Debut With One Man Show FUDGEY At Assembly Festival 2024

Tom Greaves will make his comedy debut with the one-man show FUDGEY at Assembly Festival 2024 during EdFringe.
Photos: Inside Rehearsal For A CHILD OF SCIENCE at Bristol Old Vic

With a month to go before the world premiere production of Gareth Farr’s new play A Child of Science, directed by Matthew Dunster, all new rehearsal photos have been released. Check out the photos here!
Photos: Inside Rehearsal For the West End Return of 2:22 - A GHOST STORY

All new rehearsal photos have been released for the return of 2:22 - A Ghost Story to London’s West End later this month. Check out the photos here!
Lily Allen Will Lead HEDDA at Theatre Royal Bath Next Summer

Lily Allen will star as Hedda Gabler, one of theatre’s most irresistible heroines, in a thrilling new version of Ibsen’s masterpiece which will open at Theatre Royal Bath’s Ustinov Studio from Friday 25 July – Saturday 23 August 2025. 
Donna Air and Joe McFadden Join the Cast of the West End Return of 2:22 A GHOST STORY

The final two cast members have been announced for the return of 2:22 - A Ghost Story to London's West End later this month. Donna Air will play Lauren and Joe McFadden will play Sam, joining Stacey Dooley as Jenny, in her stage debut, and James Buckley reprising the role of Ben.
Stacey Dooley and James Buckley Will Lead West End Return of 2:22 - A GHOST STORY

Initial casting has been announced for the return of 2:22 - A Ghost Story to London’s West End. The cast will be led by Stacey Dooley and James Buckley.
2:22 - A GHOST STORY Will Return to the West End Next Month

2:22 - A Ghost Story will return to London's West End. Running for a strictly limited 10-week season at the Gielgud Theatre, where the second cast of the show performed in 2020/21.
Cast Set For A CHILD OF SCIENCE at Bristol Old Vic, Starring Tom Felton

Bristol Old Vic has announced the full cast for their world premiere production of Gareth Farr’s new play A Child of Science, telling the pioneering story of Robert Edwards, Patrick Steptoe and Jean Purdy’s creation of IVF, and the army of women whose bravery helped them achieve the impossible.
Finn Cole Will Lead European Première of Lucas Hnath's RED SPEEDO

Orange Tree Theatre has announced Finn Cole, known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and Animal Kingdom, will make his professional stage debut playing Ray in the European première of Lucas Hnath's Red Speedo directed by Matthew Dunster.
Photos: First Look at the UK Tour of 2:22 - A GHOST STORY

All new production images have been released from the UK tour of Danny Robins’ thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story. Check out the photos here!
Review: THE HOMECOMING, Young Vic

Matthew Dunster’s production of The Homecoming promises a “refocusing” of Pinter’s 1965 classic. I’m not sure what that is supposed to mean, but in reality it translates to a plastic production defanged of its guttural animal instincts and brutal bite. If you squint, you can make out Pinter’s genius, it’s sabre sliced cross-section of gendered power dynamics is just about detectable through the smoky haze.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Matthew Dunster written?

Matthew Dunster has written 1 shows including A Tale of Two Cities (Playwright).

What awards has Matthew Dunster been nominated for?

Matthew Dunster has been nominated for the Outstanding Direction of a Play at the Drama League Awards for Hangmen and for Best Director at the Olivier Awards for Hangmen.

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