MATTHEW Kelly, about to appear at the Lowry as Mr Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, loves his job.

“I don’t care what I do whether on stage or screen. I don’t even care if I do it for nothing,” he said.

He did it for nothing in 1963 when he played Louis Leonowens in Urmston Musical Theatre’s production of the King and I.

He has been president of that society since 1994. “I must be their longest serving president ever,” he said.

The Lowry production is part of a tour by the Regent’s Park Theatre Company.

Two weeks ago, Matthew played Mr Bennet in the open air. Yet he doesn’t like picnics or barbecues.

“Why cook the hard way and all that messing about with cups, plates and glasses?” he said.

“Regent’s Park is even nicer at night than in the daytime.

“We got rained off three times. Everyone else said ‘isn’t it awful’ but I was thrilled because I could go to the bar!”

The roof isn’t leaking at the Lowry so there’ll be no excuse for a drink there.

He’s delighted that his better half in the play is Felicity Montagu.

“I did a series with her in the 80s. She’s a fantastic actress,” he said.

“Mr Bennet is fond of his wife but doesn’t love her any more, They’ve been together for far too long.

“They have five daughters for whom she must find husbands because in those days they’d have been left destitute.”

Matthew believes it to be a great story with well defined characters. “ It is one of those novels that never leaves you.”

“Mrs Bennet resents her husband’s favourite, Elizabeth, because she represents the first inklings of feminism. Elizabeth is one of the first women to do that.

“I urge everyone to come. It has a beautiful set and a company of over 20.”

* Pride and Prejudice runs from October 11 – 15. For tickets, telephone 0843 208 6005 or visit thelowry.com.