The Horrible Histories and Ghosts star on the joy of dissecting popular songs, class-driven comic novels and the scarcity of vegan treats

Born in Southend, Essex, in 1980, Mathew Baynton is the co-creator and star of award-winning television shows including Horrible Histories and Ghosts, in which he played lovestruck Regency poet Thomas Thorne. His television roles include Gavin & Stacey, Peep Show and Vanity Fair, and he has starred in films such as The Falling and Wonka. He lives in north London with his partner, film historian Kelly Robinson, and their two children. Earlier this year, Baynton made his Royal Shakespeare Company debut as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will be at the Barbican, London, from 3 December to 18 January 2025.