Three months on from his final appearance in EastEnders, the actor behind the groundbreaking character Felix Baker has attracted critical

acclaim for his latest project. Actor Matthew Morrison is currently starring in a new production of the play Blue/Orange in London, and the reviews are glowing.

Critics have been highly impressed by his performance as Christopher in the show, which is revival of Joe Penhall’s 2000 play at the Greenwich Theatre. He plays a patient (who claims to be the son of an African dictator) at a London psychiatric hospital who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, but that’s disputed by psychiatrists.

The Reviews Hub stated he “beautifully portrays the ups and downs of having a psychological disorder, not knowing the difference between their own thoughts and their doctor’s”.

LondonTheatre1 said “the casting is exquisite”, adding that “it is Morrison’s superb performance that makes this production special”. They added: “Full of nuance, depth, and feeling, sadly, all too real – he brings Christopher to life on stage in a remarkable, three-dimensional way.”

All That Dazzles said he “gives the strongest performance”; while View From The Gods praised his “breathtaking display” and “phenomenal disassociation speeches”.

They also hailed the whole show as an “absorbing, still utterly relevant dramatisation of the abuse we offer the abused.”

South London had similar praise, saying: “The direction by James Haddrell is expertly handled and the three actors, who work very well together to brilliantly bring their characters to life, bring out the pathos and the comedy of this tale, to the delight of the audience.”

The play also stars Rhianne Barreto and John Michie, who have also seen the positive reviews roll in.

A Young(ish) Perspective praised Barreto for a performance that “impressively weaved between extreme emotional states”, while Everything Theatre said Michie “[creates] a character that is easily one of the most compelling and captivating villains I’ve seen on the London stage”.

Morrison was on the BBC soap for almost exactly four years, with his final scenes airing in July. After his exit was announced in March, he left Albert Square alongside Bernie Taylor, played by Clair Norris.

Back in 2022, Morrison made history as EastEnders’ first ever regular drag queen character, with Felix’s alter ego being the ever-fierce Tara Misu.