Matthew’s classic tribute to the timeless songs of yesteryear is the perfect accompaniment to any vintage events such as fayers, heritage railways, museums and WWII societies such as at the West Somerset Railway, Didcot Railway Centre, Mizens Railway and On-Parade Enthusiasts Group.
He is highly trained and experienced in playing and singing the music of the 1910s – 1950s, including songs by Frank Sinatra, George Formby, Vera Lynn, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Glenn Miller, Louis Prima, Bill Hailey, Jackie Wilson and many more from early jazz, dixieland, big band and rock ‘n’ roll.
The set-list will be customised to the specific time era that your event captures. Matthew’s compact and flexible set up allows him to roam freely around the venue or train carriage, or to stay in one spot, providing up to 3 hours of music.
Songs…
- We’ll Meet Again
- White Cliffs of Dover
- It’s a Long Way to Tipperary
- Bill Bailey
- Take the A Train
- On the Sunny Side of the Street
- ‘Deed I Do
- 12th Street Rag
- My Old Man Said Follow the Van
- Keep the Home Fires Burning
- Roll out the Barrel
- Run Rabbit Run
- Underneath the Arches
- You are My Sunshine
- Leaning on a Lamppost
- We’re Going to Hang Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line
- My Old Man’s a Dustman
- It’s Only a Paper Moon
- Dinah
- Goodnight Sweetheart
- When I’m Cleaning Windows
- Cheek to Cheek
- Lambeth Walk
- The Gasman Cometh
- Bring Me Sunshine
- Allo! Allo! TV theme
- When You’re Smiling
- Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major
- Bless ‘Em All
- What a Wonderful World
…and more!
Acts
Choose one or a mix for your event…
George Formby Tribute
Matthew Quilliam plays the hits of Britian’s favourite ukulele player. Blending an authentic look and wit with his own trademark style, you can be sure that everything will ‘turn out nice again!’
Songs of the Stars
Take a trip down memory lane for a packed show of classic songs by the greatest stars of yesteryear, from Frank Sinatra to Vera Lynn. Matthew can perform as a solo ‘crooner’ or with his trusty uke.
The Ragtime Rangers
Matthew performs with his old-time jazz band, swinging their way back to the 1910s – 40s. Relive the jazz age with non-stop toe-tappers, featuring a line-up of 2 or 3 musicians, like banjo, sax and trombone.
“The future of the ukulele”
Giovanni Albini, Professor of Ukulele, Conservatorio Antonio Vivaldi, Italy, 2022
“One day soon, you’ll be up there with the greats of the ukulele”
Peter Moss, international professional ukulele player, 2021
“You’re going to be the top guy”
Aaron Crowell, Hawaii Music School, 2020
“one of the most hard working, adaptive, versitile and complete ukulele players on the scene“
Samantha Muir, ukulele PhD doctorate, 2023
A fresh new talent on the ukulele, already making a huge impression.
Sometime in mid-2011, a young boy picked up his first ukulele, quickly becoming fascinated with the instrument. 12 years later and Matthew Quilliam became the first person to use the ukulele for an entire music degree, graduating in 2023 with first class honours.
Thanks to his life-long connection and expertise with the instrument, he has developed a wide skill set and a popular range of shows, whilst showing no signs of slowing down.
Versatility is in abundance when it comes to Matthew’s capabilities. With his boundless energy and his trademark smile, Matthew is sure to leave any audience wanting more.
Matthew has opened for John Otway (Really Free) and Pete Lincoln (10cc). In 2025 is he was nominated for the ‘Best UK Ukulele Player’ award at the ‘Ukies’.
Based in southern UK, his travels have brought him to appear at Grand Northern, Bracklesham, Isle of Wight, Yeovil and Shrewkfest Ukulele Festivals, Chichester Jazz Club, Concorde Club Eastleigh, Princess Hall Aldershot, Oktoberfest Swindon, Didcot Railway Centre, Weyfest, Abbey Road Studios & internationally in Italy, France, Germany and Poland.
On top of that, he has composed for a handful of albums and films, educational and examined ukulele material for ABRSM, the London College of Music and the London Ukulele Project, as well as written live pit band music for Chichester Festival Theatre.
Matthew Quilliam 