Tim Matthews: Hills actor gets back into action in upcoming play following Disney Channel job cuts
An actor from The Hills has found new work in live theatre and commercials after his career was forced into another direction after the Disney Channel were forced to make cuts.
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A Sydney actor who suddenly found himself out of work when the Disney Channel announced its shock closure has managed to remake himself, landing a role in a live theatre production.
Tim Matthews has scored a role in play, The Silver Tunnel.
It is a quirky production set at Ashfield Uniting Church in a graveyard setting. It was written by Warwick Moss and will be presented by the Rev Bill Crews Foundation this November.
Tim Matthews, 27, of Glenhaven was working as a presenter for the Disney Channel for two and a half years before everything came crashing down as the coronavirus pandemic unfolded.
It’s the first time the actor has performed in a professional play, and despite being forced to steer his career in another direction he’s said he’s “come out of the other side” and is “more resilient” for it.
“I was working as a presenter for the ABC in Melbourne and then for the Disney Channel where I was also a writer for skits we were in, it was a good experience,” Mr Matthews said.
“Then they closed down when we got moved to Disney Plus and the pandemic happened. We were all unemployed.
“So now I’ve moved into voice over work and I’ve been doing commercials. So I was quite nervous auditioning for The Silver Tunnel but I went in with an open mind and thought it was a good experience.”
He spoke about his character and why he decided to audition for the role.
“It’s sort of set in this graveyard and there’s this old graveyard digger who has a relationship with all the dead in the graveyard and this young apprentice comes in, who I’m playing. “There’s no props, it’s going to be fun and something new. This pandemic has thrown everyone into a new mindset, I think doing this is an important part in my growth as a person.”
He said in some aspects, he felt he could relate to the character.
“The character is very suspicious of the church and religion and personally I’m a little suspicious. When I finished school I did a gap year for the church and went in the opposite direction.
“I decided I didn’t want to have anything to do with it so it works well because I’m also at this stage where I’m suspicious.”
He’s encouraging locals to get behind people in the entertainment industry who’ve been doing it tough.
“A lot of actors have said the only money they’ve had coming in was rollovers from old commercials. Most companies play the same advertisements to save on costs and no one in the dance world has received any work lately.
“The AFL has asked dancers to work for free for the exposure, it’s a bit of a kick in the gut. No one’s making any movies, it’s been absolutely crazy and on a personal level I was terrified.
“As an actor you have to have an open mindset and say yes to everything you’re offered. Acting was something I fell into. When I was at school I loved sports, cricket and soccer but here I am now.”
The Silver Tunnel is showing nightly from 8pm from November 9 to November 14. Tickets are free, with a limit of 25 seats per show. Bookings at www.thesilvertunnel.com.