UP DOWN BIG MAN | Q&A WITH NATHAN BESSELL AND HEATHER WILLIAMS
20 Oct 2026
Following the critical success of Up Down Boy (2012) and Up Down Man (2016), Up Down BIG Man is a standalone production and the third in a trilogy of plays inspired by the life story of the gifted and charismatic performer Nathan Bessell.
In Up Down BIG Man Nathan returns to play Matty in a story full of wit, anarchy and heart.
How did Nathan get into acting?
Nathan came along to a Bristol Old Vic Summer Theatre Course when
he was 16. I was the Director. When I started up Myrtle Theatre, Nathan became a regular performer with the company, and in 2008 Up Down Boy began development. It was a play about a man called Matty based on Nathan's lived experience, with Nathan in the title role and written by Nathan's mum, Sue. The play was hugely successful, touring nationally and internationally, and even played the National Theatre. Its sequel followed on in 2016 - Up Down Man written by Brendan Murray - and
now 10 years later we've produced Up Down BIG Man.
Heather, you and Nathan have worked together for many years. What initially drew you to him?
Nathan is the most wonderful performer, colleague and friend. He is
the best actor I have ever worked with. He has the rare ability to be "in
the moment" on stage. He is sensitive, kind, thoughtful and fun and
helps me look at the world from a different perspective. I have been
so lucky to work with him over all these years.
Without giving too much away, what can Nathan tell us about
Matty and his current situation in Up Down BIG Man?
Well, Matty is now 40 and packing up the only home he has ever known
to move in with family. Since his mother died he has been living with his father - but now his father is moving into a care home. Matty explores
his memories of the last few years through imagined sequences based
on different film genres (to comic effect). Meanwhile, he and his brother-in-law grapple with how to give him independence but keep him safe in the future.
What sort of response have you gotten from audiences so far?
The audience response has been absolutely incredible. People have told us they love the clever story telling, its colour and fun. They love the life-affirming tender relationships, its uniqueness, the way it moves them
and gives them joy. Most of all, they love Nathan's incredible performance. We've had many standing ovations and people have told us they are coming back to see it a second time. We are so grateful.
