Interview: Michael Matus, The Baker’s Wife

The Baker’s Wife is a cult classic musical from the legendary Stephen Schwartz and its heading to the Menier Chocolate Factory for a limited run from 6 July. The first major UK revival since its West End premiere, the show explores the intricate dynamics of love, fidelity, and community in a quaint French village. We spoke with Michael Matus to find out more about the production.

Hello Michael to begin with can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what your journey has been like into the industry?

I trained at Rada and began my career in theatre and TV with shows like Eurovision at the Vaudeville, Mill on the Floss at The Ambassadors, Hamlet, Richardlll, UK tour and on telly Eastenders and the Bill. My first musical was the original cast of Martin Guerre, by Boubil and Schoenberg and produced by Cameron McIntosh. I played Benoit, the “village idiot”, who was in love with a scarecrow. Ever since then I’ve enjoyed doing plays and musicals at the RSC and the National and West End for 30 years, along with National and International tours and TV and Film in the UK and abroad. 

Can you tell us about your character in Menier Chocolate Factory’s revival of The Bakers Wife?

My first time at the Menier Chocolate Factory is now with the Baker’s Wife, although this is actually the second time I have done this rarely-performed show. There have been two productions of The Bakers Wife in London, one in 1989 directed by Trevor Nunn, and on at the Union Theatre in 2011 in which I played The Baker, with Michael Strassen directing. In this production I play The Marquis, the Mayor of the village, with a considerable addiction to the “companionship” of women. 

What is it about the production at the Menier Chocolate Factory that made you want to be involved in it?

What drew me to this production were three simple things. The Menier and David Babani who I first worked with when he was 19. He hasn’t changed, he still possesses this wonderful quality of obsessed fan and excitable kid who passionately adores theatre. Our Director, Gordon Greenburg who I worked with 25 years ago and is absolutely incredible. And Finally this show. A beautiful score and a book as full and touching as an Ibsen play. 

The production was last in London in 1989, why will the revival appeal to new audiences?

This piece is completely timeless. It will appeal to audiences as long as the human race exists. The themes of love, betrayal, and community appeal to everyone but I feel that in a post-pandemic world fraught with financial anxiety, war and polarised societies I think this piece will resonate even louder to today’s audience. 

What has been your favourite part of the rehearsal process so far?

My favourite part of the rehearsal period is when the group began to gel and everyone began to trust and care for each other. A cast is only as strong as its group identity and this cast has that in bouquet-loads!!!

What is the most challenging aspect of working on a revival production (if there’s any)?

Working on a revival is really no different from working on a brand new show. You treat it like you would a clean slate. The beauty of this show is that it isn’t known by many people and yet its melodies are so evocative and reminiscent of Schwartz that for people who know and love his more famous work will hear his unmistakable cadences and yet will feel as if they are discovering something thrillingly new. 

The score is by musical theatre legend, Stephen Schwartz, who has worked on a wealth of productions like Wicked and Pippin. Why do you think it remains so popular with audiences?

His work starts and ends with everything human and relatable in life, be it falling in love, working to survive as a community, trying to marry the heady themes of education, religion and carnal and spiritual love in a fragile human race that can so easily fall back into rage, hate and discord when life itself feels threatened. 

What would you say to anyone interested in seeing The Baker’s Wife?

Musical Theatre at its best will change lives and remind us that we are at our strongest when we are looking out for each other and this can start with the simple act of baking a loaf of bread. 

Catch The Baker’s Wife from 7 July until 14 September 2024.