Mathew Baynton

Mathew Baynton – Life, Career & Creative Legacy

Explore the life and multifaceted career of English actor, comedian, writer, and musician Mathew Baynton. Discover his key roles in Horrible Histories, Ghosts, The Wrong Mans, and his artistic philosophy.

Introduction

Mathew John Baynton (born 18 November 1980) is an English actor, comedian, writer, and musician. Horrible Histories, Yonderland, Ghosts, and for co-creating The Wrong Mans.

Baynton’s career is notable not only for his acting but also for writing, musical work, and collaboration in ensemble comedy troupes. His journey offers insight into creativity, versatility, and collaborative comedy in British television.

Early Life & Education

Mathew Baynton was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England on 18 November 1980.

He attended Southend High School for Boys. Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama, graduating with first-class honours, and later did clowning training at École Philippe Gaulier in Paris.

Baynton has said that the drive to perform came from entertaining his family growing up — he was always drawn to humor and making people laugh.

He is second cousin to actors Charlie Cooper and Daisy May Cooper.

Career & Achievements

Horrible Histories & the “Them There” Collective

Baynton first rose to broader public notice as part of the cast of Horrible Histories, the children's sketch comedy show.

He is a member of the creative group known as Them There (with other Horrible Histories alums), which went on to produce shows like Yonderland, Ghosts, and the film Bill.

The Wrong Mans & Other Projects

Baynton collaborated with James Corden to co-create, write, and star in The Wrong Mans (a comedy-thriller) which aired on BBC Two and internationally.

He has performed in many television roles, including:

• Deano in Gavin & Stacey

• Chris Pitt-Goddard in Spy

• Simon in Peep Show

• Dual roles (Jamie Winton / Ariel Conroy) in You, Me and the Apocalypse

• William in Quacks

• Thomas Thorne in Ghosts (UK)

In film, his credits include Bill (2015) and Wonka (2023), among others.

More recently, Baynton made his Royal Shakespeare Company debut in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Nick Bottom, with a transfer to London’s Barbican.

In 2025, he participated in Taskmaster (UK’s season 19), competing as himself, and won the series.

Music & Other Creative Endeavors

Beyond screen and stage, Baynton is a musician. He was in a band called Special Benny (vocalist, guitarist) whose debut album Toys released circa 2010.

He also records solo music under the name Dog Ears. His EP So It Goes (2011) included four self-written songs.

Personal Life & Traits

Mathew Baynton is partnered with Kelly Robinson (a film historian), with whom he has two children (Bo and Ida).

He has expressed a philosophy of allowing his child to express their interests freely (for example, in rejecting strict gender norms around toys or colors).

Baynton is known for a mix of comedic intelligence, emotional sensitivity, creative risk-taking, and versatility.

Notable Quotes & Reflections

Baynton doesn’t have a large repository of well-known aphoristic quotes, but here are reflections that capture his mindset:

• He has said his desire to perform came from making his family laugh, implying that humor has been integral to his identity.

• On representation of his child: after his son was teased for wearing a pink helmet, he said he wouldn't “teach my boy how to be a ‘boy’,” signaling an intention to resist rigid gender stereotypes.

These lines reflect his priorities of authenticity, emotional openness, and challenging norms.

Lessons from Mathew Baynton’s Journey

1. Embrace multiple talents
   Baynton’s creativity spans acting, writing, music, and ensemble comedy — not confining himself to just one role.

2. Collaborative theater/comedy matters
   Many of his successes (e.g. Horrible Histories, Ghosts, Yonderland) come from troupes and collective creativity.

3. Take creative risks
   Co-creating The Wrong Mans or diversifying into stage roles like Shakespeare shows pushing beyond comfort zones.

4. Ground art in personal values
   His openness about identity, parenting, and norms reveals how life can influence art and public stance.

5. Sustain longevity through reinvention
   Over decades, he has shifted among media (sketch comedy, drama, musical, stage), keeping his work dynamic.

Conclusion

Mathew Baynton is a striking example of an artist who refuses to be limited by a single label. He moves fluidly between acting, writing, music, stage, and ensemble work. His career is sustained by cleverness, sincerity, and a willingness to explore new terrain.