Tutors
Holiday and workshop with some of the best working professionals from the UK Theatre and Music Industry. At Sing Eat Retreat our tutors, coaches and directors are the real stars! Check holiday pages to find out which members of our team will be joining your chosen retreat.
Janie Dee
Actress & Singer
Janie Dee is winner of multiple Olivier, Evening Standard, Critics’ Circle, Obie, Theatre World Newcomer and TMA Theatre Awards.
Theatre includes: Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends (Gielgud Theatre), The Motive and the Cue (National Theatre), The Grass is Greener (Theatre Royal Windsor), An Hour and a Half Late (Theatre Royal Bath), Vanva and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Theatre Royal Bath and Charing Cross Theatre), A Little Night Music (Buxton Opera House), The Boyfriend (Menier Chocolate Factory), Jamie Lloyd’s Pinter 4 – Moonlight / Night School (Pinter Theatre), Monogamy (Park Theatre), Follies (National Theatre), Hand to God, The Seagull (Regent’s Park), Dream Queen (Sam Wanamaker Playhouse for the London Festival of Cabaret), Ah, Wilderness! (The Young Vic), 84 Charing Cross Road (Salisbury Playhouse), Comic Potential (Lyric Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club), Old Times (National Tour, Gate Dublin), Betrayal (Duchess Theatre, National Tour), Celebration (Albery Theatre, Gate Dublin), A Little Night Music (Palace Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (Theatre Royal Bath), Design For Living (Bathe Festival, UK Tour), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Russia and China with The Globe).
Television includes: The Burning Girls (Paramount+), You&Me (ITV), Janie Dee produced Song for Nature on Sky Arts broadcast on World Earth Day 2021.
Further credits include, Chimerica (Channel 4), Crashing (Channel 4/E4), Doctor Who (BBC), A Tribute to Harold Pinter (BBC), Celebration (CBC) and The Murder Room (BBC).
Film includes: Official Secrets (Classified Films), The Trouble With Dot and Harry (Existential Films), Dare to be Wild (Oasis Films) and Me and Orson Welles (CingmaNX).
Dianne Pilkington
Guest Mentor
Theatre credits include The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre), Glinda in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre), Grizabella in Cats (National Tour), Belinda in The Far Pavilions (Shaftesbury Theatre), Mary in Tonight’s the Night (Victoria Palace), Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (National Tour), Kim in the original cast of Boy George’s musical Taboo, the title role in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (Victoria Palace) opposite Lily Savage, Protestant Girl in The Beautiful Game (Cambridge Theatre), The Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd (Bridewell Theatre), Marion in Tess (Savoy Theatre) and understudied and played Fantine and Cosette in Les Misérables (Palace Theatre).
Original Cast Recordings include Taboo and The Beautiful Game.
Film credits include The Wolf Man opposite Benecio Del Toro (Universal Pictures).
Other credits include Meg in the workshop of Love Never Dies directed by Jack O’Brien, Hope in the London workshop production of Urinetown directed by John Rando, Tonya in the workshop of Dr Zhivago directed by Des McAnuff, the title role in Helen of Troy directed by Gary Griffin, Charlotte in Charlotte – Life or Theatre? and appearing with Boy George in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
Most recently: Amalia in She Loves Me (Minerva Theatre, Chichester).
Claire Greenway
Performance Director
Claire trained at Royal Academy of Music.
Claire has just finished the international tour of Mamma Mia!, covering the role of Rosie which she played over 50 times. Before that, she toured the UK with Beautiful – the Carole King Musical playing Genie Klein, as well playing keys and sax.
She originated the role of the jolly Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act (London Palladium), performing at the Royal Variety Performance and on many TV appearances including The View.
Other theatre credits include:
- Clue (Sidmouth Festival)
- Red Riding Hood (City Varieties, Leeds)
- Jack and the Beanstalk (Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch)
- Fiddler on the Roof (Frinton Summer Theatre)
- Rufus Longbottom and the Space Rabbit (tour)
- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole (Menier Chocolate Factory)
- Talent and Diana of Dobson’s (The New Vic, Stoke)
- Babe-The Sheep Pig (Polka Theatre and national tour)
- Positive (Park Theatre)
- Therese Raquin (Finborough Theatre and Park Theatre)
- Cole (Frinton Summer Theatre and Yvonne Arnaud)
- James and the Giant Peach (Birmingham Stage, national tour)
- Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (Stafford Gatehouse)
- Betwixt! and Spinach (Kings Head)
- Beauty and the Beast
- Cinderella
- Richard Bucket Overflows
- Hot Mikado
- Miss Sign-On
Television and film credits include:
- Sound of Music Live!
- Phoneshop
- Little Crackers
- Anna Karenina
Other credits include:
- Monkey – Journey to the West (O2)
- backing choir for Elton John
- several movie soundtracks including Transformers, Sweeney Todd & Pirates of the Caribbean
- workshops for many new musicals
Cast recordings include:
- Sister Act
- Therese Raquin
- Adrian Mole
Danny Vaughn
Performance Mentor
Danny Vaughn is a world-touring American musician renowned for his exceptional lead vocals, multi-instrumental talent and song-writing prowess.
An Ohio native, little DV began singing along to Beatles songs, performing for his parents while hidden behind the speakers in their lounge feeling sure they’d never tell the difference between his voice and Paul McCartney’s! In New York City, aged 11, he was placed in the school choir as ‘tutors didn’t know what else to do with an overly energetic kid, bouncing off the walls’. Things worked out though, because the capable young soloist drew public admiration for his burgeoning skill and he quickly realised he loved the attention. The music biz was calling Danny’s name and a career in rock ‘n roll beckoned.
Vaughn’s distinctive, powerful tenor voice was honed while singing in bands on the competitive club scene of the US East Coast. He first arrived on the international rock radar in the 1980’s with Waysted – a super-group featuring two former members of the mighty UFO. Their single, Heaven Tonight, cracked the Billboard top 200 and the band toured Europe, America, Canada and Eastern Europe opening for bands like Status Quo and Iron Maiden. One memorable moment was playing to 40,000 rabid rock fans in Budapest, Hungary.
In the late 80’s Danny’s American rock band Tyketto was formed in the NYC/New Jersey area. Landing a major album deal with Geffen Records, they began creating albums of sumptuous melodic rock, touring Europe and the States extensively.
Danny’s outstanding vocals touch hearts and suspend time, especially when combined with his gift for playing the acoustic 6-string and 12-string guitar. A multi-instrumentalist, he is also known to throw in some harmonica, mandolin and ukulele on the many band and solo albums he’s recorded.
Some 30+ years later, Tyketto are more active and in-demand than ever globally. Danny has brought his magnetic stage presence to shows in India, Israel, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, all over the States and to most major European cities. Tyketto are regularly invited to rage the stage at European festivals such as: Sweden Rock, Download, Maid of Stone, Steelhouse, Rock Of Ages, Bang Your Head, Call Of The Wild, Lionfest and Winterstorm, as well as being regularly invited to feature on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise in the Caribbean. Their anthemic hit, Forever Young remains a firm favourite in rock clubs around the world with over 7.5 million YouTube views and counting.
In 2024 a Planet Rock Radio poll placed him at # 34 in the ‘Top 50 Rock Vocalists of All Time’. To put that into perspective, Vaughn is next to Mick Jagger at # 33.
Danny is also a sought-after session vocalist having sung on albums by bands such as Yes and Riot.
He is permanently based in southern Spain when he is not rehearsing and performing overseas
Photography – Lina Bodis
Leigh Stanford Thompson
Musical Director
A highly accomplished Musical Director, Leigh works on productions both in the West End and on UK tours. He works extensively for Cameron Mackintosh auditioning cast for productions such as Les Misérables and Miss Saigon. He is the Director of the City Academy Voices and Associate Director of the City Academy Songbirds as arranger and composer. He is the composer for Ross Noble’s last five stand-up tours, as well as for Ross Noble’s Britain in Bits for BBC Radio 4.
PERFORMANCE AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Musicals, Cabaret and Pantomime
2023
Musical Director
Merrily We Roll Along, National Youth Music Theatre; Chris Cuming (producer)
Musical Director
Merrily We Roll Along, Anglia Ruskin University; Ryan Murphy (course leader)
Emergency Musical Director
Four pantomimes, Crossroads Pantomimes; Gary Hind/Olly Ashmore (musical supervisors)
Musical Director
Carrie Hope Fletcher and Joel Montague Live at the Union
Composer/Music Producer
Jibber Jabber Jamboree, Ross Noble tour
2022
Musical Director
Sweet Charity, Elliot Harper Productions; Jen Whyte (musical supervisor)
Associate Musical Director
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, Fiery Angel; Andrew Hilton (musical director)
Composer/Music Producer
On the Road, Ross Noble tour
2021
Musical Director/Producer
Opening Doors, Song Cycle Intensive; online
Musical Director
Goldilocks, Crossroads Pantomimes; Gary Hind (musical supervisor)
Composer/Music Producer
The Ross Noble Comeback Special, Ross Noble tour
2020
Musical Director
Tonight at the Coliseum: Carrie Hope Fletcher, Take Two Theatricals
Musical Director/Producer
And the World Goes ’Round, Song Cycle Intensive; online
Musical Director/Producer
A Dream is a Wish, Song Cycle Intensive; online
2019
Musical Director
Titanic the Musical, Danielle Tarento/Steven Levy; International Tour
Musical Supervisor/Arranger
Riviera Girl, workshop; Cressida Carré
Musical Director
Ghost the Musical, Bill Kenwright Productions; UK Tour; Richard Morris (musical supervisor)
Composer/Music Producer
Humournoid, Ross Noble tour
2018
Musical Director
Cinderella, QDos Entertainment; Churchill Theatre, Bromley; Gary Hind (musical supervisor)
Composer/Arranger
Ross Noble’s Britain in Bits; BBC Radio 4 Assoc.
MD/Keyboard Programmer
Young Frankenstein, Fiery Angel; The Garrick, Glen Kelly (Musical Supervisor)
Composer/Music Producer
El Hablador, Ross Noble UK & Australian tour
2017
Assoc. MD/Keyboard Programmer
Young Frankenstein, Fiery Angel; Glen Kelly (Musical Supervisor)
Musical Director/Arranger
Tiffany Graves in Up All Night, The Crazy Coqs
Director/Writer/Musical Director
I Happen To Like New York, Orange Tree Theatre
2016
MD/Orchestrator/Programmer
Spamalot, The English Theatre Frankfurt
Keyboard/Keyboard Programmer
Into the Woods, Opera North; West Yorkshire Playhouse, James Holmes (conductor/MD)
Director/Writer/Musical Director
I Love Paris, Orange Tree Theatre Musical
Supervisor/Conductor
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Eyebrow Productions; Adelphi Theatre
Musical Director
The Blue Angel (workshop), Sonia Friedman Productions; Maria Friedman (director)
Musical Director/Arranger
Tiffany Graves in Let’s Do It, The Crazy Coqs
2015
Musical Director/Arranger
Tiffany Graves in Let’s Do It, The Crazy Coqs
Assistant Musical Director
The Producers (UK Tour), Adam Spiegel Productions; Andrew Hilton (Musical Supervisor/MD)
Keyboard 1 (deputy)
Mack and Mabel, Chichester Festival Theatre & UK Tour; Robert Scott (MD)
2014
Musical Director
Peter Polycarpou in Laugh and Be Happy: The Songs of Randy Newman; The Crazy Coqs
2013
Musical Supervisor/Arranger
Jack and the Beanstalk, Hiss and Boo Productions; The Corn Exchange, Newbury
Musical Director
Jean Brassard in The Kid From Paris; Recklinghausen International Festival & The Crazy Coqs
Musical Director
Klea Blackhurst in An Evening with Klea Blackhurst; The Crazy Coqs
Musical Director
Karen Kohler in Das Kabarett; The Crazy Coqs
Musical Director/Arranger
Leanne Masterton in Something Good: The Music of Richard Rodgers; The Crazy Coqs
2012
Musical Director
Cinderella, QDos Entertainment; Grand Opera House, Belfast; Gary Hind (musical supervisor)
Musical Director
Karen Akers in Anything Goes: Akers Sings Porter; The Crazy Coqs
Producer/Artistic Director
West End Sundays, The Lucky Pig Cocktail Bar; a weekly cabaret showcasing West End performers
Musical Director (deputy)
Bugle Boy: The Glenn Miller Musical, David Wilder and Simon Napier-Bell; UK Tour, Greg Arrowsmith (MD)
Musical Director
The Westenders, various theatres in the UK & European tour; Jae Alexander (Musical Supervisor)
Musical Supervisor/Performer
Naked Boys Singing, Canonbury Productions; Charing Cross Theatre
2011
Musical Director
Cinderella, QDos Entertainment; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Gary Hind (Musical Supervisor)
Musical Supervisor/Arranger
Robin Hood, Hiss and Boo Productions; The Corn Exchange, Newbury
Musical Supervisor/Arranger
Bernarda Alba, Triptic; The Union Theatre
Musical Director
Tell Me On A Sunday, UK Tour, Jamie Wilson Productions; Jae Alexander/Gary Hind (Musical Supervisors)
Musical Director
Edges, Notion Theatre Company; The Landor Theatre
Musical Supervisor/Conductor
The Boy Friend, Eyebrow Productions; Her Majesty’s Theatre
Musical Director/Arranger
Leanne Masterton in Something Good: The Music of Richard Rodgers; Jermyn Street
Musical Director
The Westenders, European Tour; Jae Alexander (Musical Supervisor)
2010
Musical Director
Tell Me On A Sunday, UK Tour, Jamie Wilson Productions; Jae Alexander (Musical Supervisor)
Musical Director/Arranger
Leanne Masterton in Hello, Jerry!, Samuel Joseph Presents; The Pheasantry
Musical Director
The Westenders, various theatres in the UK & European tour; Jae Alexander (Musical Supervisor)
Musical Director
Karen Akers in Anything Goes: Akers Sings Porter; Pizza on the Park
Musical Director
Al Pillay in Al Pillay: A Life In Song, Samuel Joseph Presents; The Pheasantry
Musical Director/Performer
Naked Boys Singing and Nunsense A-Men!; The Arts Theatre (West End)
- Leigh works regularly as an Audition and Rehearsal Pianist for Cameron Mackintosh Ltd and other companies, working on shows including Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, Oliver!, The Lion King, Mean Girls, Barnum, The Addams Family, An American in Paris.
- From 2013-2016 he was also the house pianist at The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel.
Luke Bayer
Guest Masterclass
Luke Bayer was Alternate Jamie in the Original West End Cast of ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. During Jamie, he performed as Jamie on Children in Need, at West End Live 2018, and at Pride in London. He also won a BroadwayWorld Award for his performance as Jamie. He is also featured on the Original Cast Album.
Luke has recently appeared as Robbie in Soho Cinders (Charing Cross Theatre) and as Man 2 in FIVER (Southwark Playhouse) for which he won a West End Wilma Award. He also recently performed in new Musical ‘Tyrell’ at MT Fest at The Turbine Theatre.
Prior to this he has appeared in Yank! The Musical (European Premiere), toured China with The 12 Tenors, made it to the final 6 boys on X Factor 2007 and appeared in the 20th Anniversary of Les Miserables in the West End. Luke has recently performed four sold out Solo Concert’s at the Zedel in London. Luke played the lead ‘Marc Hall’ in ‘Prom Queen’ The Musical (now known as ‘The Louder We Get) in a workshop showing at The Other Palace last year and has appeared in the Workshop showing of ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ at The Other Palace as part of Paul Taylor Mill’s MT Fest. He also performed his own Solo Show as part of the MTFest NightCaps season. In 2019 he performed in Main Men of Musicals, and played Jesus in Godspell, both at Cadogan Hall. He also appeared in Season 3 of the Channel 4 TV Show, Ackley Bridge
Pippa Duffy
Vocal Coach
Pippa is a West End actress, director and singing coach. Her most notable acting credits include: Only Fools And Horses The Musical, Theatre Royal Haymarket; Spoonface Steinberg (one woman play) Hull Truck; Zoe Mid Morning Matters – Alan Partridge, Sky Atlantic; Anna, Pete Vs life, Channel 4; Tracey Beaker Gets Real The Musical, UK No 1 Tour. Pippa is an electrifying force in the world of musical theatre and in 2021 she was awarded an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for her work as both performer and teacher. Pippa’s zeal for music extends to her role as a singing coach, where she masterfully guides established artists, rising stars, and passionate amateurs alike.
Pippa is a technical singing coach, director, actress and writer with a degree in Drama from Bristol University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Musical Theatre from the Royal Academy of Music. In 2021 she was awarded an ARAM (Associate of the Royal Academy of Music) for her work in musical theatre as a performer and teacher.
Pippa has an extensive performing CV, most recently as Cassandra in the West End Production of Only Fools and Horses The Musical, but with credits spanning theatre and television since 2004.
With nearly 20 years’ experience as a performer, and 15 as a teacher and director Pippa has a broad spectrum of expertise to share with her students.
Her most notable acting credits include:
- Cassandra – Only Fools And Horses The Musical, Theatre Royal Haymarket
- Spoonface Steinberg (one woman play) Hull Truck
- Zoe – Mid Morning Matters – Alan Partridge Sky Atlantic
- Anna – Pete Vs life, Channel 4
- Tracey Beaker Gets Real The Musical, UK No 1 Tour
As a singing teacher Pippa works with many established musical theatre professionals, as well as trainee performers still developing their voices, and dedicated amateurs singing purely for pleasure. She plays the piano to a high level for her students.
Pippa has been directing full scale musicals for 12 years now and it is a passion of hers to help develop training actors throughout the rehearsal process, giving them a show the whole team can be proud of, as well as a new set of performance skills at the end.
Amanda Roocroft
Lead Vocal Coach
Amanda Roocroft graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in 1990 and quickly gained international acclaim as one of Britain’s most exciting singers. She has enjoyed a close relationship with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Glyndebourne Festival, the English National Opera, the Welsh National Opera, and the Bayerische Staatsoper, performing leading roles ranging from Handel to Wagner. Amanda has also sung at The Metropolitan Opera House in New York, Houston, Amsterdam, Berlin, Salzburg, Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris.
Amanda is a professor of vocal studies at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She is passionate about teaching and believes in developing young singers into unique, well-rounded artists through solid technique and vivid imagination. She has conducted masterclasses at various esteemed institutions, including RNCM, RCM, GSMD, Pembroke College Cambridge, and the Royal Opera House for the Young Artist Programme. Amanda has also been a visiting tutor at the Sammling Foundation, Abbingdon summer school, Jackdaws, Leeds Lieder Festival, and the Mediterranean Opera Studio Festival.
Amanda has received several prestigious awards, including The Royal Philharmonic Society Music Award for an operatic debut and a Silver Medal from the Worshipful Company of Musicians. In 2007, she was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera for her portrayal of Jenufa at the English National Opera.
Rhys Whitfield
Guest Mentor
Rhys trained at Guildford School of Acting, graduating with a first class honours degree.
Rhys recreated the role of Raoul in the West End re-opening of Phantom of the Opera and has also played Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, making him the perfect mentor on our Lloyd Webber music weeks. He is currently about to open in Elton John’s new musical The Devil Wears Prada at the Dominion Theatre.
Theatre:
Raoul in Phantom Of The Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre)
Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (Teatro Massimo, Palermo/Sicily)
Summer and Smoke (Duke of York’s Theatre)
Cover Zack Mayo & Young Recruit in An Officer and a Gentleman (UK Tour)
Elvis in Million Dollar Quartet (UK & India Tour)
Cover Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2016 and 2017)
James in The Commitments (UK Tour)
Close to You (Criterion Theatre)
Television:
Hero in the recent Lynx Commercial
Workshops:
Maxie in Becoming Nancy
Sam Hiller
Director
As well as a formidable acting career Sam has directed some of the most well-known West End productions. As Resident Director of Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera Sam has an intricate knowledge of Musical Theatre as well as a roll call of names he has worked with, none more so than Cameron Mackintosh.
Sam trained at Guildford School of Acting. He has worked extensively as an actor, including:
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chichester Festival Theatre)
- Another Country (Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford)
- Unexpected Host (York Theatre Royal)
- The Jungle Book (Nuffield, Southampton)
- Hiawatha (Newcastle Theatre Royal)
- An Ideal Husband (Redgrave, Farnham)
- The Ten Commandments (Mercury workshop, The Place)
West End:
- Les Misérables (Palace)
- Aspects of Love (Prince of Wales)
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (London Palladium)
- Miss Saigon (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane)
- My Fair Lady (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane)
- The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s)
UK tours:
- Les Misérables
- Aspects of Love
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
- The Best of Brian Conley
Concerts include:
- Les Misérables (25th anniversary, the O2)
- Les Misérables (Classic Brits, Royal Albert Hall)
- One Touch of Venus (Barbican)
- Masters of Swing (Royal Albert Hall)
- Tribute to Jack Tinker (London Palladium)
Directing includes (as Resident Director):
- Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (Gielgud)
- The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s)
- Les Misérables (Queen’s/Palace)
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK tour)
- White Christmas (Sunderland Empire)
- Les Misérables in concert (Scandinavian arena tour)
- On Eagle’s Wing (Belfast Opera House)
As Deputy Associate:
- Les Misérables (UK tour)
As Associate Director:
- Irish Wings (Dutch tour)
As Director:
- Les Misérables in concert (Powderham Castle and Broadlands)
- Celebration of Musical Theatre with Clive Anderson (Palace)
- The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (RTE, Dublin Concert Hall)
- The Canadian Tenors (European tour)
- Masters of the Musicals (UK tour)
Steve Moss
Musical Director
Steve is a passionate and experienced Musical Director and Conductor, having worked extensively in London’s West End over the last 15 years, as well as touring round the UK and abroad. His commitment to excellence and creativity has made him a highly respected figure in the West End.
Most recently, Steve was the Musical Director of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre in London. He previously held this role from 2019 to 2021 and was also
the Associate Musical Director for Les Misérables – The Staged Concert at the Gielgud Theatre, London.
Before returning to the Sondheim Theatre, Steve was the Musical Director of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre from 2021 to 2023. Steve was also the Associate Musical Supervisor for Mary Poppins in Japan 2018.
Steve has been the Musical Director for several other productions, including:
The original production of Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, London (2018-2019); Mary Poppins UK tour (2016-2017); Mary Poppins International tour
(Zurich & Dubai); Les Misérables “Hear the People Sing” for Jo Cox Steve has also been Assistant Conductor on: Miss Saigon (Prince Edward Theatre, 2015-2016); Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre, 2012-2017); The Wizard of Oz (London Palladium, 3rd MD); Les Misérables (UK & International Tour, 3rd MD) Steve has conducted in venues all over the world, including: New York, Berlin,
Vienna, Barcelona, Venice, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Nice and Paris.
Steve has also performed on Clarinet / Sax / Flute in numerous West End and
touring shows, including: Miss Saigon; Les Misérables; Funny Girl; White Christmas; Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang; The Wizard of Oz; Privates on Parade and Mary Poppins. Depping on Evita; War Horse; West Side Story; Porgy & Bess and Sister Act. Steve is also a visiting conductor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
And a visiting Musical Director at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, as well as giving conducting masterclasses and coaching the MDs.
Steve’s recording credits include:
– Les Misérables (25th Anniversary Cast Album)
– The Wizard of Oz Cast Album
– Miss Saigon Cast Album
– Miss Saigon 25th Anniversary DVD
– Les Misérables Staged Concert Cast Album
– The Heat is Back On DVD
Tasha Sheridan
Guest Mentor
As well as starring as Sophie in the West End production of Mamma Mia!, Tasha has also appeared in Evita, Carousel, School of Rock and Saving Grace on stage. She also had roles in the film Mrs Henderson Presents and the popular TV series Call The Midwife.
According to her Instagram profile, she is an “Actress, singer, nut job. Lover of musical theatre, trashy reality TV and a sun salutation!”
Hailing from South Oxfordshire, Tasha graduated from the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre Class of 2004. Upon leaving college she joined the West End Cast of Mamma Mia and went on the play the lead of Sophie in her second year. While on tour in Evita, Tasha unexpectedly had to have emergency vocal surgery. After dealing with this, Tasha then returned to the West End in School Of Rock, but this time as a mother of two.
Kris Manuel
Vocal Coach
Kris Manuel is a London-based actor, dancer and vocal coach. He is well-known for his portrayal of Ruhrgold in Starlight Express. He has been a part of several popular West End musicals and theatres, including some of the longest-running musicals and people’s favourites, such as Phantom of The Opera, Matilda The Musical, Saturday Night Fever, and more. He is also a percussionist and soloist and has performed in several concerts.
Nick Evans
Performance Director
Nick Evans is an international Theatre Director who’s West End roles include Associate Director on the West End Versions of Billy Elliot The Musical, Rock of Ages and Bat Out of Hell The Musical, as well as the 2012 Arena Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar where he worked with Ben Forster, Tim Minchin and Melanie C. He has also overseen international tours of Mamma Mia and Mary Poppins, and joins us direct from Mexico City where he has just directed a brand new version of Jesus Christ Superstar, which won several awards including Best Musical.
Nick also has a special link to ‘Les Miserables’ going back over 8 years. When working for Sir Cameron Mackintosh on the UK and International Tour of ‘Mary Poppins’, Nick originated and directed a brand new version of the musical to pay tribute to the murdered MP Jo Cox, who listed the show as her favourite musical. With the support of Sir Cameron, Nick directed a full version of the musical in traverse, building a new theatre in a disused industrial building in Jo’s constituency in Yorkshire, and taking a team of West End creatives and musicians from the show to create a new telling of the story.
Alongside his professional directing work, Nick also teaches ‘Acting Through Song’ at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire, and is currently writing a book on the subject.
Mark Hedges
Performance Director
Mark has worked exclusively in musical theatre for 20 years. He has most recently been the Resident Director on Andrew Lloyd Webber & Cameron Mackintosh’s production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre and Childrens’ Director on Les Miserables – London & UK Tour.
Mark is also a Choreographer and choreographed Three Phantoms (UK Tour and China), Celebrate Christmas (Royal Albert Hall), The Sound of Music (International Tour), Willy Wonka (Duntac Theatre, Dubai), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UK Tour) and What the Ladybird Heard (UK Tour).
Zev Caplan
Vocal Coach
Zev specialises in Rock and Pop and is known in the recording studios as the Vocal Wizard. Zev will answer your questions of ‘Why can’t I?’ and show you the answer to ‘How can I?” Everything can be achieved. Utilising Estill Voice Training principles, Zev has created his own associated techniques and theories and will apply these to coach your voice to its best ever ability.
Katherine Hare
Performance Director
Katherine is an International Associate Director
Katherine is currently International Associate Director for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and has worked on the productions in London, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Utrecht and Madrid.
Directing credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (East London Shakespeare Festival), Aladdin (Qdos Pantomimes/ Swindon Theatre), Some Lovers (The Other Palace), Closer Than Ever (Urdang Academy), UK premiere of Bernarda Alba (Union Theatre, for Triptic), Bad Musical for the Trap (Edinburgh Festival), The Tender Land (Arcola Theatre), Crazy for You (Eyebrow Productions’ Showtime Challenge at The London Palladium), The Beach (Cockpit Theatre) and Modern Dance for Beginners (Camden People’s Theatre).
Associate Director credits include: Sunny Afternoon (West End & UK Tour) and Associate Director to David Grindley on Kafka’s Dick for Theatre Royal Bath (UK tour).
Resident Director credits include: Bat Out of Hell (Dominion Theatre, West End) and Aladdin (Cambridge Arts Theatre)
Work as Assistant Director includes: Assistant Director to Maria Friedman on The Blue Angel (Rehearsed Reading), Our Boys (Duchess Theatre, West End), Park Avenue Cat (Arts Theatre, West End), Dirty White Boy (Trafalgar Studios), Proud (New Wimbledon Studio) and Hit Me: the Life and Rhymes of Ian Dury (Garrick Theatre/UK tour).
Katherine has worked at the National Theatre Studio helping to develop a number of new musicals and is also the director of an all female choir, The City Academy Songbirds, who have performed on The X-Factor for ITV and Pitch Battle for the BBC.
Tiffany Graves
Guest Mentor
Tiffany Graves is best known for her performance of Velma in Chicago at London’s Adelphi and Cambrige Theatres, having become the first actress to play the leading roles of both Roxie Hart and then Velma Kelly. She was alternate lead in Matthew White’s acclaimed production of Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, having been Helene/cover Charity at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Tiffany Graves is best known for her performance of Velma in Chicago at London’s Adelphi and Cambrige Theatres, having become the first actress to play the leading roles of both Roxie Hart and then Velma Kelly. She was alternate lead in Matthew White’s acclaimed production of Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, having been Helene/cover Charity at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
C J Johnson
Vocal Coach
CJ is a leading West End, TV and film actor. Credits include ‘42ND STREET’ (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), ‘SMALL ISLAND’ (National Theatre), ‘OLIVER’ (Cameron Mackintosh UK tour), ‘CALL THE MIDWIFE’ (BBC) and currently appearing as Natalie Jacobs in ‘THE MYSTERY OF MARILYN MONROE’ (NETFLIX).
She is a vocal/performance coach and lecturer at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London and has been a vocal coach/director for X Factor (ITV), MTV and many of London’s leading academies.
As a singer, she has toured globally as a soloist, with opera band Amici Forever and with Incognito Artists.
As a recording artist, CJ appears on THE LIGHT PRINCESS (NT) Original Cast Recording (Universal/Tori Amos) and has recorded for BBC, SKY and as a session singer for many leading pop producers.
She was awarded Best Actress for short film MOUSIE, Social Film Festival Artelesia.
CJ trained at THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC (PGDip RAM) and has a First Class (Hons) in Drama, Film and Television.
Theatre credits:
101 DALMATIANS (Alternate Cruella, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), SMALL ISLAND (REVIVAL) (National Theatre, London), SMALL ISLAND (National Theatre), 42ND STREET (Dorothy Brock, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, West End), BEYOND THE FENCE (Mary, Arts Theatre, West End), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey II, The Royal Exchange), THE LIGHT PRINCESS (National Theatre), OLIVER! (Mrs Sowerberry, Cameron Mackintosh tour), RENT (Maureen, Duke of York’s Theatre, West End), THE THREE MUSKETEERS (Milady de Winter, Rose Theatre), PIAF (Donmar/Vaudeville Theatre, West End), WOMAN IN WHITE (Palace Theatre, West End), LEND ME A TENOR (Anna, Theatre Royal), CHESS (Oslo Spektrum Arena) THE KING AND I (Mrs Anna, Ireland tour), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Soul Girl, English Speaking Theatre, Frankfurt), SINATRA WITH THE NELSON RIDDLE ORCHESTRA (Co-Star, London Palladium), ZIPP! (Leading Lady, Duchess Theatre, West End).
West End workshops include:
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, PINOCCHIO (NT), & JULIET, PUMP UP THE VOLUME, THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE, THE BUTTERFLY LION, THE IRON WOMAN, THIS IS A LOVE STORY, HEEL, LITTLE BEASTS, THE PIED PIPER, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN IN NEW YORK, ONCE UPON A CARNIVAL.
Film and TV includes: Vera in CALL THE MIDWIFE (BBC); Stina in THE PLAYERS (award-winning comedy series), SMALL ISLAND (NT Live), MOUSIE (2019) (Kewhaven Pictures), GALAVANT (ABC), BEYOND THE FENCE (Sky Arts).
CJ is also an established voiceover artist with countless credits including BILLIE & THE GHOST (Disney) and the voice of ITV PLAYER.
Further training: Estill Voice Method Levels 1&2 (Anne-Marie Speed); Yoga and Meditation instructor (200hr East & West RYS Yoga Alliance).
Claire Underwood
Vocal Coach
Claire is currently resident vocal coach on Hamilton (London & UK Tour), Les Misérables (London & UK tour), Phantom of the Opera (London), Oliver!, Mary Poppins (UK Tour), Wicked (London) and Vocal Supervisor on Cabaret (London & New York), providing technical tuition and performance coaching for the cast and working in partnership with the creative team.
Film and television coaching includes Les Miserables, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, The Edge of Love, The Crown, It’s A Sin, The Cleaner. Claire’s Associate team also provide in house coaching for other productions including Lion King (London) and Moulin Rouge the Musical (London).
Claire’s company ShowMinds facilitates safe spaces for performers to discuss and receive support for the mental challenges involved in performing. She hosts Secret Sing, a weekly drop-in workshop for singing performers which provides a supportive and confidential environment for them to test new repertoire and work on their mental strategies before presenting to an audition panel or public performance.
Claire’s work supports performers with detailed technical development of the voice, whilst also encouraging musicianship and storytelling. She also ensures that performers develop the mental resources required for top level performance, helping each student to find confidence in their individual skills. Claire is a qualified mental health first aider.
Hollie Cassar
Vocal Coach
Originally from Malta, Hollie is a London-based singer-songwriter. A multi-instrumentalist, Hollie possesses an ATCL Diploma in Solo Piano, in addition to playing the saxophone, guitar, drums, double bass, clarinet, accordion and ukulele.
A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Hollie is also an established actress, singer and dancer, having performed in London’s West End and across the UK in various hit musicals including Cabaret, West Side Story, Calamity Jane, On Your Feet! and Crazy for You.
In 2023, Hollie was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music by the Honours Committee. Associateship is awarded to alumni of the Academy who have distinguished themselves in the music profession and made a significant contribution in their particular field.
As a songwriter, Hollie’s music has been compared to the likes of Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor. Hollie’s single “Violet” was played on BBC Radio 2, by Phil Williams sitting in for OJ Borg, and BBC Radio Kent on Abbie Mac’s BBC Music Introducing programme. Additionally, Hollie has co-written and recorded the vocals for several Dance and Latin tracks with producer Tony Brown, which feature in numerous episodes of the Netflix Docuseries, Hype House.
In 2021, she was appointed Musical Director & Global Associate Musical Supervisor for the worldwide hit show, The Choir of Man, and has also written the book, music and lyrics of a new musical, which is currently in development.
Josefina Gabrielle
Guest Mentor
Josefina began her career as a soloist with the National Ballet of Portugal.
In the West End she has played both Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly extensively in Chicago the musical at the Adelphi, Cambridge & Phoenix Theatres.
She has also had the privilege of singing Running In Place from Steel Pier in a concert, The Night of 1000 Voices at the Royal Albert Hall, paying tribute to John Kander.
Other theatre credits include: Denise, The Baker’s Wife (Menier Chocolate Factory); Maggie Jones, 42nd Street (Curve Theatre, Leicester, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto); Sylvia Daisy Pouncer/Caroline Louisa, The Box of Delights (Wilton’s Music Hall); Desiree Armfeldt, A Little Night Music (Watermill Theatre, Newbury); Mavis Turner, Stepping Out (Vaudeville Theatre); Mrs Teavee, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Pamela Willey, Two Into One (Menier Chocolate Factory); Evilena, Puss In Boots (Hackney Empire); Gussie Carnegie, Merrily We Roll Along (Menier Chocolate Factory, Harold Pinter Theatre and Digital Theatre – Olivier award nomination for Best Supporting Actress); Anna Leonowens, The King and I (UK tour – MTA nomination for best actress in a visiting company); Lilley, Park Avenue Cat (Arts Theatre); Lady Jacqueline Carstone, Me And My Girl (Sheffield Crucible); Nicky/Ursula, Sweet Charity (Menier Chocolate Factory and Theatre Royal Haymarket – Clarence Derwent Award winner and Olivier award nomination for Best Supporting Actress); Irene Molloy, Hello, Dolly! (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Katherine Kelly, The Murder Game (King’s Head); Annabella Schmidt/Pamela/Margaret, The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre); Lilly Pepper, Red Peppers, Barbara Faber, The Astonished Heart, Jane Featherways, Family Album, Lady Maureen Gilpin, Hands Across the Sea, Doris Gow, Fumed Oak and Victoria Gayforth, Shadow Play – all part of Tonight at 8.30 (Minerva Theatre, Chichester); Kathy Seldon, Singin’ in the Rain (Sadler’s Wells and Leicester Haymarket Theatres); Cassie, A Chorus Line (Sheffield Crucible); Alexandra Spofford, The Witches of Eastwick (Prince of Wales Theatre); Dot/Marie, Sunday in the Park with George (Leicester Haymarket); Helena, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Cannizaro Park); Laurey Williams, Oklahoma! (National and Lyceum theatres, London, and Gershwin Theatre, New York – nominated for Olivier Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Astaire Award for Outstanding Dance); Cassie, A Chorus Line (national tour); The Goodbye Girl (Albery Theatre); Maggie, A Chorus Line (Derby Playhouse); Iris Kelly, Fame (Cambridge Theatre); Dream Laurey, Oklahoma! (national tour); Carousel (National and Shaftesbury Theatres); and workshop performances of Bliss (Sadlers Wells) Mathilde (Vaudeville); The Marriage of Figaro (National Theatre Studio); The Woman in White (Sydmonton Festival) and The Ambition Bird (Cardiff Festival of Musical Theatre).
Television & film credits: Miranda, Doctors, Ronnie Ancona & Co, Heartbeat, Totally Frank, Born and Bred, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Sunburn and Oklahoma!
Radio: In Tune (Radio 3); Blindness (Radio 3); Friday Night Is Music Night (Radio 2).
Other concerts include: Nine (Lowry, Salford), Sondheim On Sondheim (Alexandra Palace), Chess and One Enchanted Evening with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and a guest appearance with Sacha Distel at the Café de Paris.
Recordings include: Ms. A Song Cycle, Oklahoma!, The Goodbye Girl, Fame and Carousel.
Katy Hanna
Vocal & Performance Coach
Oliver Brenin
Performance Director
Theatre credits includes: UK Resident Director on Wicked (Apollo Victoria) Swing/1st Olaf/1st Weselton in Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) Resident Director on Pretty Woman (Savoy Theatre); Fred/Alfredo in Pretty Woman Original Cast (Piccadilly/Savoy Theatre); Dance Captain/swing/cover Grantaire in Les Miserables All Star Concert (Gielgud Theatre); Dance Captain/swing/cover Jean Valjean & Foreman in Les Miserables (Queens Theatre); swing/cover Dr Dillamond in Wicked (Apollo Victoria); Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (Louder than Words, Cyprus); Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street(Chichester Festival Theatre); Ethan in The Full Monty (English Theatre of Frankfurt); Barnaby in Hello Dolly! (Regent’s Park Open Air);Imagine This (New London Theatre); ensemble/cover Lt. Cable in South Pacific (UK tour);Follies (London Palladium).Workshop credits include: Much, the Miller’s Son in Twang; Simon in Some Sunny Day; RiZen.
Film credits include: Frozen (Disney+); Les Miserables Concert; Nobleman in The King (Netflix).
Recordings include: Les Miserables Concert; Imagine This; Spitting Distance (Original Cast Recordings).
Training: Arts Educational Schools, London.