Matt Cole

Matt Cole

Principal and Artistic Director

Matt Cole is an internationally recognised and award-winning Director and Choreographer whose career spans an extensive range of acclaimed productions in the UK and abroad. As Principal and Artistic Director of Laine Theatre Arts, Matt brings an exceptional breadth of industry experience, creative insight, and professional excellence to the college, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of performing artists.

Beyond his leadership at Laine, Matt has established himself as one of the UK’s foremost choreographers, known for his dynamic storytelling, innovative vision, and a deep-rooted passion for musical theatre. He is the founder of I.E Productions, a company dedicated to commissioning and developing new writing in musical theatre, and also the founder of London Theatre Runway, a unique platform designed to support graduates as they transition into the professional performing arts industry by connecting them with theatre professionals and casting networks.

In 2023, Matt was honoured with the prestigious Gillian Lynne Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreography, along with both the What’s On Stage Award and the Broadway World Award for his outstanding work on Newsies in London. He was previously nominated for an Olivier Award for his choreography on Fiddler On The Roof in the West End and also received the Off West End Award for Best Theatre Choreography for Police Cops.

Matt’s extensive directorial and choreographic credits include:

  • Lost In Love (NYC & London Workshop) 
  • A Knight’s Tale (London & International) 
  • Newsies (London, Director & Choreographer)
  • Fiddler On The Roof (The Menier Chocolate Factory & Playhouse Theatre, West End)
  • The Baker’s Wife and Jerry’s Girls (Menier Chocolate Factory)
  • Here & Now – The Steps Musical (UK Tour)
  • Police Cops (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
  • Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK Tour)
  • A Knight’s Tale (Manchester Opera House)
  • Roman Holiday (Bath Theatre Royal)
  • Identical – The Parent Trap Musical (Directed by Sir Trevor Nunn)
  • Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (World Premiere 2021 & UK Tour)
  • Warhol (Workshop, Directed by Sir Trevor Nunn)
  • Taboo (In Concert, London Palladium)
  • Berlin Berlin (Germany)
  • Lovesick (Theatre J, Washington DC)
  • Parade and The Beautiful Game (NYMT)
  • Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre)
  • Amour (London)
  • Flashdance (Uk & International Tour)
  • Footloose (Uk & International Tour) 
  • Little Shop of Horrors (UK & International Tour)
  • The Producers (China & Asia Tour)

Additional directing roles include:

  • Associate Director, Carmen La Cubana (Sadler’s Wells & International)
  • Resident Director, The Railway Children (King’s Cross Theatre)
  • Resident Director, West Side Story (UK Tour)

As a performer productions include:

  • Candide (ENO & Tokyo)
  • Priscilla Queen of the desert (West End)
  • Guys and Dolls (West End & Donmar Warehouse)
  • Chicago (West End)
  • The Rocky Horror Show (West End & Tour)
  • CATS (UK and International Tour)
  • Zorro (UK & West End)
  • Beauty & the Beast (UK and International Tour)
  • Saturday Night Fever (International) 

Matt’s artistic leadership, combined with his passion for nurturing emerging talent and championing new theatrical works, continues to make a significant impact on the landscape of British and international musical theatre.