Southern England’s Premium 1940s Ukulele Player and George Formby Tribute Act
Matthew Quilliam plays the hits of Britian’s favourite ukulele player, George Formby. The greatest star of the 1940s, Formby’s cheeky lyrics and catchy melodies kept Britain smiling throughout the blitz. Blending an authentic look and wit with his own trademark style, you can be sure that everything will ‘turn out nice again!’
Music from other artists of the same era such as Vera Lynn, Flanagan & Allen, Arthur Askey, Glenn Miller, the Andrews Sisters and more is also on Matthew’s set list for added variety and to capture a full musical picture, all performed on period instruments.
In this guise, Matthew has performed at many vintage railways and events, such as Didcot Railway Centre, West Somerset Railway, Mizens Railway, On-Parade Re-enactment Society, and a handful of stage productions including for Odiham Drama Society, Windlesham Players, and ‘Victory’, a play by Stephen Hall.
As well as his Formby impression, he works as a full time performer across the UK at weddings, concerts, cabaret spots, on cruise ships and festival and theatre stages.
Matthew surprises at a wedding, entertaining the guests with a set of Formby music.
Matthew provides a full PA sound system, offering great value with every booking.
Why not upgrade to a full band? Matthew can provide the musicians, or sheet music for a house band to perform with.
“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, as well as getting to grips with many other stringed instruments including guitar and banjo.
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 