Author | Lightnews

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · 1d

This week can get in the effing bin.
Over it.
Way too hard for way too many reasons. And utterly exhausting.

Shut my laptop, elasticated trousers on, takeaway ordered, telly on.
Bye.

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · 26d

Such wonderful news. Am thrilled for Jilly & Tim for this recognition from London Pub Theatres for their detailed, rich, funny & moving performances in TRESTLE at The Jack Studio. They made my job as Director very easy. Looking forward to the Awards bash on 26 Oct. 🤞🥂

PARKER GRAHAM @parkergraham2.bsky.social · Sep 25

We are so proud of our 'Harry' (Timothy Harker) & 'Denise' (Jilly Bond) who have been announced as London Pub Theatre Awards Finalists (Best Two-Hander) for their performances in "TRESTLE".
Brilliant news & SO well deserved. Fingers crossed for you both...
www.londonpubtheatres.com/pub-theatre-...

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Sep 19

Chuffed to bits to be directing the in-house Panto at The Bridge House Theatre this year; BEAUTY & THE BEAST. Written as a 4-hander by Panto acer Luke Adamson, it's gonna be a small cast BLAST!
"Tale as old as time.."*

thebridgehousetheatre.co.uk/shows/beauty...

*there will be no Disney content

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Sep 13

Am “collecting” every Best Actress win & just watched Annie Hall. Diane Keaton is GLORIOUS. Totally understand how she won. But such a bold character for the time. A woman with actual agency aligned with clear psychological awareness.. And what a singing voice. Loved. An icon.

a woman wearing a hat and vest says la-de-dah on the screen

ALT: a woman wearing a hat and vest says la-de-dah on the screen

media.tenor.com

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Sep 13

One week since one of the best days of my silly, old life. Such gorgeousness with so many lovely, dear friends. I’m a very lucky man.

Reposted by Matthew Parker

Fringe Theatre Awards @fringetheatreaward.bsky.social · Sep 8

London travel’s a mess this week but if you’ve booked a Fringe Theatre show, please do all you can to get there. If you can’t, please consider donating your ticket rather than refunding. Or find a local fringe show to support — they’ll be thrilled to see you! Fringe Theatre survives because of you.

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 25

BONDING has completed its five-star, award winning run at Edinburgh Fringe. Thank you so much to all who joined us. The audience feedback has been so beautiful (especially on Fringe site). Shaken & stirred that we have touched so many whilst also giving them a good ol' giggle. ❤️

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 21

Lovely testimonial from a recent PR client

“Matthew did a wonderful PR job for us. He knew exactly what we needed & delivered. As an out of town producer, I never could've reached all the terrific reviewers in his address book” Central Standard Theatre

More info on my work at matthewparker.net/pr/

PR

“It was a dream to work with Matthew on Press. He was very attentive, and we felt he really understood what we were looking to achieve from the run.” Southern Magpie Theatre Lookin…

matthewparker.net

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 21

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The narrative gradually reveals its emotional core, & the seemingly light-hearted anecdotes from earlier scenes take on new meaning as the story unfolds" Theatre Weekly on BONDING

Last few shows at EdFringe Assembly George Square. 🎟️ assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/933...

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 19

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 "Blake’s performance is magnetic… His writing is sharp, witty, and layered with emotional intelligence, and his delivery is full of charm and conviction." Mark Aspen Review

Award winning BONDING is playing at Ed Fringe until Sun 24 Aug. 🎟️ assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/933...

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 16

B and I bought a new chair.
I sat in it and had a crack at Brummie and then he sat in it and did a flawless Bristolian.
Worked really well.
Would recommend.
10/10.

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 15

One Queen of the Side Eye relaxing against another Queen of the Side Eye. 🤣

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 15

Another lovely⭐⭐⭐⭐ review of BONDING just in, this time courtesy of (the delightfully Scottish sounding) Wee Review
theweereview.com/review/bondi...

"A funny and ultimately heartwarming look at one man’s relationship with the world’s most famous secret agent... Blake impresses with his versatility"

Bonding – The Wee Review | Scotland’s arts and culture magazine

theweereview.com

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 15

Woo-hoo! BONDING is now a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, award winning show. Am shaken, stirred & thrilled! Thank you Fringe Theatre Awards for this.
Catch BONDING at EdFringe till 24 August. 🎟️ assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/933...

Fringe Theatre Awards @fringetheatreaward.bsky.social · Aug 14

The FTA congratulate Seabright Live presents Cyril Blake directed by Matthew Parker with an EFFTA Award for Bonding at Studio Five at Assembly George Square Studios. Further information www.edfringe.com/tickets/what...
#theFTA #EdFringe #edfringe2025
www.fringetheatreawards.co.uk/ed-fringe-20...

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 8

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What makes BONDING truly special is its universality. While Bond fans will revel in the references, the show’s themes of connection, loss & self-discovery resonate far beyond the world of espionage" @theatre_weekly

At Assembly George Square till 24 Aug 🎟️ assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/933...

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 8

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Cleverly weaves together 60 years of Bond history with 30 years of Stephen’s life, culminating in a poignant reflection on fatherhood, identity & emotional vulnerability... Slick & well-paced, with Parker’s direction ensuring that the transitions between humour & heartbreak are seamless."

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 8

First Edinburgh review of BONDING in & it's absolute beauty from Theatre Weekly.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "With its blend of nostalgia, wit & emotional depth, it’s a tribute not just to Bond, but to the bonds that shape us... It’s personal, raw & deeply relatable."

theatreweekly.com/edinburgh-fr...

Edinburgh Fringe Review: Bonding at Assembly George Square Studios (Studio Five) - Theatre Weekly

Bonding at Assembly George Square Studios (Studio Five) Review: “personal, raw and deeply relatable” the production

theatreweekly.com

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 5

Current work situation
Erm
Hi

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Aug 1

BONDING opens at Ed Fringe today. Assembly George Square Studios; 3:10pm. And I am EXCITED!

★★★★★ “Captivating” City Girl Network
★★★★ 1/2 “Pure theatrical joy” Mark Aspen Reviews
“A thoroughly enjoyable blast” British Theatre Guide

assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/933...

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Jul 30

"You don’t have to be a Bond fan to enjoy this show… It is a thoroughly enjoyable blast… hugely thoughtful & emotionally packed" British Theatre Guide on BONDING

Playing Petworth Festival tonight, then the whole of Ed Fringe at the Assembly Rooms; George Square throughout August.

🎟️ bondingshow.com

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Jul 22

Manchester. I am in you. ❤️

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Jul 22

Yay! A fab ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review of BONDING by City Girl Network, reviewed whilst in Bristol last week
citygirlnetwork.com/magazine/the...

"Captivating & brilliantly acted. I highly recommend it"

Second night at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester tonight & I'm on my way up to see it with family. Can't wait! ❤️

Theatre Review: Bonding, Tobacco Factory Theatres — City Girl Network

Summary: Bonding takes audiences on a journey through the history of Bond via the character Stephen and his relationship with his father and the confines of masculinity. Rating: ★★★★★ Running D...

citygirlnetwork.com

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Jul 19

Home alone with this one.
I’m enjoying The Brutalist.
She’s enjoying tiny bits of cheese and tummy rubs.

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Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Jul 17

★★★★1/2 "Written& performed by Blake & deftly directed by Matthew Parker, this production is far more than a tribute to Bond’s shaken-not-stirred bravado. It’s a touching & unexpectedly vulnerable look at family, identity & grief"

Next week BONDING plays in my beloved Manchester! bondingshow.com

Matthew Parker @matthewparker75.bsky.social · Jul 16

Hi Theatre peeps. Looking for help with Press & PR for your OffWestEnd show? I've great press contacts and would love to chat about helping maximise your coverage and reviews. Reasonable rates and over 15 years experience. I promise hard work, honesty & kindness. More info at matthewparker.net/pr/