Hire Matthew Quilliam - Ukulele Specialist

Check availability and get a free quote now - no commitment to book

From£185

1 hour

Like Matthew?

Watch & Listen

Watch

Listen

1-3 of 12 videos

Showreel

Can't Help Falling in Love | Matthew Quilliam

Fly Me to the Moon | Matthew Quilliam

About Matthew

The UK's fastest growing and increasingly popular uke performer of cabaret, jazz, Hawaiian, classical & vintage music. Thrills every time!

3 of 11 photos

Ukulelist

Hampshire

Public liability insurance of £10 million

Why not consider an appearance from Matthew at your wedding, venue or private event? Perfect for those looking for something different, Matthew blends the sweet sound of the ukulele with all of your favourite songs. With a range of configurations and themes available, you can fully tailor the music to suit your preferences and create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Predominantly based in Hampshire, Matthew is well situated for performances across the south of England. With fully PAT tested and insured equipment, he prides himself on being flexible and adaptive to suit the needs of any client. A fresh new talent on the ukulele, already making a huge impression. Matthew’s primary instrument has always been the ukulele which has allowed him to grow a life-long connection and virtuosic expertise with the instrument, showing no signs of slowing down. 2023 saw Matthew’s graduation from Chichester Conservatoire with the UK’s second ever ukulele degree where he specialised in performance and teaching. In 2019 he embarked on his first solo UK tour, thrilling audiences at public and private venues in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Derby and more. His prominence on the ukulele scene has been increasing exponentially as he in demand at some of the top festivals such as GNUF (2022), Shrewkfest (2018-2023), Bracklesham Ukulele Weekends (2020-2023), Yeovil Ukulele Festival (2023) to name a few. Whatever he performs, wherever he plays, Matthew’s professionalism makes him easy to work with and high entertainment factor leaves audiences wanting more. “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 “Slick, professional and entertaining…he won’t disappoint with his great mastery of the ukulele and banjolele – go see his shows!” - Vic Cracknell, live music journalist, performer and events organiser, 2019

Matthew

5 out of 5

1 verified review

Matthew's Reviews

5 out of 5

Slick, professional and entertaining…he won’t disappoint with his great mastery of the ukulele and banjolele – go see his shows!

Worth the ticket price alone

Read all 5 reviews

Matthew's Song list

House of Gold 21 Pilots

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

I Can't Help Falling in Love With You Elvis Presley

Come On Eileen Dexy's Midnight Runners

It Must Be Love Madness

Let It Be The Beatles

Wake Me Up Avicci

Space Oddity David Bowie

Johnny B. Goode Chuck Berry

Never Gonna Give You Up Rick Astley

September Earth, Wind & Fire

Hound Dog Elvis Presley

Take On Me Ah-ha!

Blame it on the Boogie Jackson Five

As Lights Fall Alan Parsons

You Should Be Dancing Bee Gees

Agadoo Black Lace

Brown Eyed Girl Van Morrison

King of the Swingers Jungle Book/Disney

Fly Me to the Moon Frank Sinatra

Don't You Want Me Baby Human League

The Room Where It Happened Hamilton

Don't Look Back in Anger Oasis

I'm Yours Jason Mraz

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

La Bamba Ritchie Vallens

Everyday Buddy Holly

Imagine John Lennon

Pure Imagination Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

Pencil Full of Lead Paolo Nutini

Copacabana Barry Manilow

House of Fun Madness

Reet Petite Jackie Wilson

Isn't She Lovely Stevie Wonder

Hey Jude The Beatles

Piano Man Billy Joel

Don't Stop Me Now Queen

Mr Blue Sky ELO

Red Red Wine UB40

I'm Still Standing Elton John

Something Got Me Started Simply Red

Baggy Trousers Madness

Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond

In the Summertime Mungo Jerry

Dance the Night Away The Mavericks

Riptide Vance Joy

Dancing in the Moonlight Toploader

Under the Sea Little Mermaid/Disney

Dreadlock Holiday 10cc

Walk Like an Egyptian The Bangles

I'm a Believer The Monkees

Little Bit of Love Jack Johnson

Hotel California The Eagles

Murder on the Dance Floor Sophie Ellis-Baxter

Wuthering Heights Kate Bush

Crazy Little Thing Called Love Queen

Waterloo ABBA

Thank You for the Music ABBA

Staying Alive Bee Gees

Perfect Ed Sheeran

A Team Ed Sheeran

I Saw Her Stranding There The Beatles

Twist and Shout The Beatles

Yellow Submarine The Beatles

Stand By Me Ben E King

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N Noah and the Whale

Mr Brightside The Killers

Gold Spandau Ballet

High Lighthouse Family

Don't Stop Believin' Journey

I Only Wanna Be With You Bay City Rollers

Happy Talk Captain Sensible

How Long Will I Love The Waterboys

Your Love is Lifting Me Higher Jackie Wilson

Let It Be The Beatles

Sanremo Mika

Grace Kelly Mika

Rotterdam The Beautiful South

Better Together Jack Johnson

Take Me Home Country Roads John Denver

Good Vibrations Beach Boys

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Can't Hurry Love Phil Collins

Crocodile Rock Elton John

Top of the World The Carpenters

9 to 5 Dolly Parton

You Really Got Me The Kinks

Mrs Robinson Simon and Garfunkel

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go Wham

Africa TOTO

Every Breath You Take The Police

I Wanna Dance With Somebody Whitney Houston

Skyfall Adele

Shine Take That

The Chain Fleetwood Mac

Could You Be Loved Bob Marley

I Know I'm Not the Only One Sam Smith

Love Yourself Justin Bieber

Locomotion Kylie Monogue

Vienna Billy Joel

Always a Woman to Me Billy Joel

Daydream Believer The Monkees

Wonderful Oasis

Rocket Man Elton John

You're the One That I Want Grease

You Are My Sunshine Johnny Cash

Just the Two of Us Bill Withers

Life On Mars David Bowie

Don't Worry About a Thing Bobby Marlin

Careless Whisper Wham/George Michael

Billie Jean Michael Jackson

All Star Smash Mouth

HAWAIIAN

Guava Jelly Ka'au Crater Boys

Hanalei Moon Dennis Pavao

Palolo Ka'au Crater Boys

Hula Breeze Kahauanu Lake Trio

I Wonder Where My Hula Girl Has Gone? Kahauanu Lake Trio

Come and Here My Ukulele Matthew Quilliam

Do the Hula Lau Kahauanu Lake Trio

Hanelei Moon

The Hukilau Song Don Ho

Haele Ernest Ka'ai

Banjo Schottishe Ernest Ka'ai

Aloha O'e Queen Lili

Somewhere Over the Rainbow Israel Kamakawiwa'ole

Guava Jam Ka'au Crater Boys

Guava Jelly Ka'au Crater Boys

JAZZ

Mack the Knife Ella Fitzgerald

What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong

All of Me Louis Armstrong

It's Only a Paper Moon Ella Fitzgerald

There Will Never Do Another You Chet Baker

Ain't Misbehavin' Fats Waller

Autumn Leaves Frank Sintra

Cheek to Cheek Louis Armstrong

L.O.V.E. Nat King Cole

Pennies From Heaven Louis Prima

Girl from Ipanema Jobim

Chattanooga Choo Choo Glenn Miller

On the Sunny Side of the Street Dorothy Fields

Honeysuckle Rose Fats Waller

Take the A Train Duke Ellington

Satin Doll Duke Ellington

Del Sasser Cannonball Adderley

It Don't Mean a Thing Duke Ellington

Beautiful Love Anita Day

Peanut Vendor Syd Lawrence Orchestra

O Pato Stan Getz

And more!

Matthew's Prices

Last updated: 2024

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£115
Up to 1 hour	£185
Up to 2 hours	£245
Up to 3 hours	£345

Recording Sessions

Available to record your ukulele either at home studio or in a studio of your choice (travel expenses may be incurred).

£50

DJ set

Allow me to craft a playlist of your favourite songs to play through my PA for an additional 90 minutes.

£125

Drinks reception

Two performances of up to 45 mins each during your drinks reception

£300

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

People always enjoy my sense of humour and the energy I display on stage. They leave wanting more and are positively surprised by my eclectic song choices. Behind the scenes, I ensure that I am professional, flexible and efficient to allow for the easiest possible experience for you on your busy day.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Chichester Festival Theatre, Grand Northern Ukulele Festival (GNUF), Weyfest, The Princes Hall, Aldershot,

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

I adore the energy and wit of performers like Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Louis Prima, as well as the comedic timing of George Formby and Bernard Cribbins. I like to think I am able to mix these charismatic influences to create my own original style. I also love Ka'au Crater Boys, Sam Muir, Billy Joel and Choan Galvez

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Swindon Oktoberfest in 2018 was a highlight, as it was in front of 2000 people, and was a gig I had less than 24 hours' notice for! I also played the largest ukulele festival in the UK, GNUF, in 2022.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Flexibility is one of my key priorities, so if you need to make a change-of-plan, just let me know and I will do my best to ensure that I can accommodate accordingly.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

I am able to provide background music through my PA just before, between and just after sets. For additional time, please see my optional extras.

How much time do you need to set up?

I prefer to be set up early so the earlier I can access the venue and performance area, the better. A minimum of 1 hour ensures that I can have everything set up and ready to go, though if there is a fast turnaround then let me know so I can do my best to accommodate.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

I have a variety of different acts available (see above), all of which are available to be booked or even mixed and matched at your event. I then carefully select the best songs that will be sure to thrill your audiences, tailoring every performance to the individual occasion.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

I supply all my own equipment, which ranges from just me and my instrument, to a small portable amp system, all the way to a medium sized PA which can fill a large room or hall - whatever is needed to suit the event. Please let me know the size of the venue upon booking so that I know what the best setup to bring with me will be.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

I am happy to learn specific songs if they are not already on my repertoire for £25 a song. However, this is only if I feel I am able to perform it within my own style, so that it comes across authentically and the most entertaining. Please get in touch to discuss.

Musicianship

Genres:

Easy listening, Jazz, Christmas, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, Dixieland, Latin jazz, Gypsy jazz, Swing, Ragtime, Light music, Pop, Acoustic, Covers, Vintage, Rock 'n' Roll, Ska, Skiffle, Polynesian music, Hawaiian music, 1930s era music, 1920s era music, 1940s era music, 1990s era music, Cabaret, Ambient pop, Rock, Punk rock, Classic rock

See all genres

Instruments:

Ukulele, Banjo, Bass guitar, Singer, Composer, Guitar

See all instruments

Event types:

Concert, Wedding, Virtual event, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve

See all event types

Other skills:

Arranger, Composer, Songwriter, Transcription, Actor, Musical comedy, Dancer, Accompanist, Fluent improviser, Fluent sight-reader, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching, Composition teaching, Musicologist, Animateur

See all skills