Interview with Luke Lambert on his role in “This Is My Family”

A close family. A dream holiday. A total nightmare.

That’s the premise of This Is My Family, a hilarious and uplifting musical that explores the chaos—and ultimate connection—of one unforgettable trip. It all begins when teenager Nicky enters a competition: “Describe your family and win a dream holiday.” But instead of describing the fractured family she lives with, she paints a picture of the one she longs for. And when she unexpectedly wins, she doesn’t pick Rome, Orlando, or anywhere glamorous—she chooses a remote camping trip to the place where her parents first met.

The result? A family holiday full of misadventure, emotional clashes, and tender reconnection.

Originally premiering to critical acclaim, This Is My Family won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2013. Now, it arrives in London for the very first time, brought to the stage by Olivier Award winners Tim Firth (Our House) and Vicky Featherstone (Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour), and presented by Anthology Theatre.

We spoke to Luke Lambert, who plays Matt—the angsty, eyeliner-wearing teen of the family—about stepping into the role, debuting in London, and the moment that meant the most to him.

What drew you to the role of Matt in This Is My Family?
A chance to relive my teenage years and do them properly! When I got the audition through for the show, I hadn’t heard of it before, but I instantly loved the writing and had an immediate feel for what I could bring to the role.

How would you describe your character and his place within the family dynamic?
Matt is in the middle of finding himself—lost in a goth phase, totally irrational, and unable to communicate with anyone outside his teenage world. His parents are doing their best to navigate that phase, trying to reach him without pushing him away. But despite the miscommunication and frustration, the family bond is strong. As the story unfolds, Matt gradually reconnects with his whole family.

What has it been like bringing this show to London after its runs in Sheffield and Chichester?
It’s a real privilege to perform it for London audiences, especially after the fantastic reviews from previous runs. There’s something special about sharing a story that has already resonated so deeply with people.

Do you share any similarities with Matt in real life?
I really don’t! My older brother went through a “grunting” phase for about a year, and my older sister could be pretty scary—so I had some material to draw from there! But personally, I wasn’t quite as angsty or gothic as Matt.

What has been your favourite moment in rehearsals or performances so far?
Opening night was unforgettable. It was my professional theatre debut, and my parents were in the audience. That moment felt like everything coming full circle.

Why should audiences come and see This Is My Family at Southwark Playhouse Elephant?
We make our audiences laugh, and we make them cry. The cast is outstanding, and the show is full of heart, intelligence, and soul. Everyone in the audience will find something relatable in this story. Come and see us—you won’t regret it!

🎭 Anthology Theatre presents
This Is My Family
By Tim Firth
📍 Southwark Playhouse Elephant
📅 23 May – 12 July 2025

🎟 Ticket Prices (no booking fee!):
From £20 Standard
From £16 Concessions
Previews £18
Pioneers’ Preview (23 May): £12

🔗 Book tickets now:
https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/this-is-my-family/