London drunk Matt Damon

Matt Damon says living in "mad" London drove him to drink.

The Oscar-winning star, who appeared in a West End production of 'This Is Our Youth' a few years ago, admits he turned to alcohol while living in the hectic UK capital.

Matt said: "I loved living in London. I lived on the corner of Dean Street and Shaftsbury Avenue in Soho, which is in the middle of the madness.

"At 4am it sounded like a Rolling Stones concert. It was just so noisy so you pretty much had to go out and drink. Even if you were trying to sleep you were basically out drinking with the guys anyway because you could hear them singing.

"There were some great late-night clubs there and some great jazz clubs. They are pretty nice to actors that are visiting - they give you temporary membership!"

Matt now understands why so many theatre legends become alcoholics, because of the "adrenaline" he felt while treading the boards.

He added: "Theatre is a tough lifestyle. You don't finish until 11pm and you are wired. There is no way you are going to go to sleep after having that kind of experience. You have such a rush of adrenaline that you have to go and unwind. I can see why so many theatre veterans end up as heavy-drinkers. It's a way of relaxing."
askmen.com
August 26 2007 -
by BANG Showbiz