Former Emmerdale actor Matt Healy stars in ‘The Tart & The Vicar’s Wife’ at Crewe Lyceum next week

Sep 16 2009 by James A Oliver, Crewe Chronicle

Jamie Oliver talks to former Emmerdale star Matt Healy about his new play

Former Emmerdale star Matt Healy promises theatre-goers a saucy time at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe next week.

The 40-year-old actor, who played Matthew King for four years before his dramatic exit from the ITV soap last year, appears as Joe Carpenter in The Tart & The Vicar’s Wife, which runs from Monday.

It is a revival of the smash hit comedy about a woman whose lady of leisure ways take a turn for the worse when her husband finds God and gives up the lavish lifestyle.

It has not been seen on tour since the 1980s and Healy says its traditional British seaside picture postcard-style humour will appeal to young and old.

“It is a chance for people to have a right good giggle,” he said. “It is a comedy done in the old style, a bit saucy but not too risqué.

“It really does appeal to all ages, I have seen elderly women rolling about laughing in the audience. I really hope the people of Crewe will come out and have a good chortle at it.

“It has been more than 10 years since I have been at the Lyceum so I am looking forward to it.”

He joins Linda Armstrong from ITV’s The Royal for the show as well as Hollyoaks star Sarah Jane Buckley and former Brookside regular Marcus Hutton.

It is a big change for Healy, who admits he prefers being in front of the cameras than on stage.

He said: “I was never really brought up on theatre although I know most actors say they prefer to be on stage. I am massively into films so I would sooner be on television.”

And it is there where he really made a name for himself. He had contemplated quitting acting altogether before getting a call from the Emmerdale producers in 2004.

He explained: “I think a lot of actors get to the point where they are sick and tired of going between various jobs while waiting to get a steady role.

“I was working as a courier in London and I had decided to go back up to Manchester to think about my next move when I got the call. Feeling as low as I did makes you appreciate offers like that so much more.”

It was made extra special for him when he was scripted to play a love interest of the iconic Patsy Kensit, who played Sadie until 2006.

He said: “It was so strange. I had a real crush on her when I was younger and a few years later I am having to do love scenes with her. Patsy is a nice lady and we got on well.”

Healy exited the soap in 2008 when he crashed a van into a wall and was catapulted through the windscreen on his wedding day. He died in the arms of would-be wife Anna De Souza.

He said: “It was such a great experience to play Matthew King and I have many fond memories of being on the show. It was my idea to leave the show in the way I did.

“I thought it did my character justice. I could never have seen myself leaving the show in a taxi. There had to be some finality to it.”

The Tart & The Vicar’s Wife runs from Monday to Saturday, September 26. Prices are Monday, Friday and Saturday from £14.50, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from £12.50 and the Saturday matinee from £8.50. Concessions will receive £2 off and group rates are available.

For further information, call the box office on 01270 537333 or visit www. lyceumtheatre.net.