DMTC - Key Persons
Andy grew up in Huddersfield, singing with the Huddersfield Choral Society Youth Choir, until moving to the North East in 1997 to complete a Music Degree at Newcastle University.
From 2002 to 2013 Andy worked as Music Teacher, and eventually became Head of Performing Arts at The Academy at Shotton Hall in Peterlee, where he produced and directed a number of successful shows including We Will Rock You, Footloose, Hairspray, and Little Shop of Horrors. Since September 2013 he has been Head of Music at Richmond School in North Yorkshire.
In addition to his teaching, Andy conducts two local choirs, the Tees Valley Youth Choir, and the Northern Spirit Singers, a group he founded in 2000 and are now firmly established as one of the leading choirs in the country, winning the Adult category in the national Choir of the Year competition in 2014.
Andy joined Durham Musical Theatre Company in September 2008 for our production of Fiddler on the Roof and was delighted to have been given the part of Perchik on his DMTC debut.
Anthony joined DMTC in 1976, working back stage. He first appeared on stage in the 1977 production of "Hello, Dolly!" and his first role came the following year, playing Mordred in the company's first production of "Camelot". Anthony then went on to appear in most of the company's main shows, summer shows, concerts and pantomimes. During this time, he has appeared in several works by Stephen Sondheim, including "Sweeney Todd", "A Little Night Music", "Into the Woods", "Company" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum".
He performed regularly with both the Newcastle West End Operatic Society at the Theatre Royal and New Tyne Theatre, and South Shields Musical Productions at the Sunderland Empire Theatre and the South Shields Customs House Theatre.
Clark trained vocally with both John Sykes and Colin Iveson and he teaches singing.
He has a wide range of musical interests and has an extensive repertoire. His opera performances have included Escamillo in "Carmen", Kecal in "The Bartered Bride", Valentine in "Faust" and Leporello in "Don Giovanni".
Clark sang with Felling Male Voice Choir for 8 years and is a founder member of the cabaret group Upper Circle. Favourite musical roles have included Gaston in "Gigi", Freddy in "My Fair Lady", Young Ben in "Follies", Perchik in "Fiddler on the Roof", Billy Bigalow in "Carousel" and Petruchio in "Kiss Me Kate".
He joined DMTC in 2003 to play Lancelot in "Camelot". He has since taken the parts of Dr. Neville Craven in "The Secret Garden", Sky Masterson in "Guys and Dolls", Bruce Ismay in "Titanic" and Peter in "Company".
Ed joined DMTC in 2008 and it's fair to say his life has changed completely as he met his wife, Rebecca, in his first show with us, Fiddler on the Roof.
Since playing the part of Motel in Fiddler, he has gone on to play Bob Cratchit in Scrooge, Stanley in Hello, Dolly!, Jimmy in Grand Hotel and the Doctor in 42nd Street.
Ed has had a passion for performing since a very young age and for a number of years was a member of The National Youth Choir of Great Britain.
In 2005 he was one of twelve members selected to sing the national anthem before England faced Australia at Twickenham and in 2006, he sang before the FA Cup Final.
Ed has sung at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall on two occasions and in 2006, he toured central and Eastern Europe with the National Youth Choir.
Eileen joined DMTC in 1982 for the title role in "Mame" and has since performed in a wide range of parts including Kate in "Kiss Me Kate", Lalume in "Kismet", Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd", Desiree in "A Little Night Music", the Witch in "Into the Woods", the Duchess in "Me and My Girl" and Grushinskaya in "Grand Hotel". Most recently she portrayed the evil Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd" for DMTC for the second time. Eileen has also appeared in several of our concerts and directed our production of "The Wizard of Oz".
She has performed extensively with many other societies in the region, particularly at the New Tyne Theatre and the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. She was a founder/director of the New Tyne Theatre and for many years appeared in leading roles, her favourite being Rose in "Gypsy". She was a member of Newcastle Live Theatre Company and has been a drama tutor for Hild/Bede College in Durham as well as the Marron Stage School in Newcastle.
As a cabaret performer she is also in great demand. Eileen has appeared frequently on television and film, she has had several plays written for her, she is a professional children's story teller and also manages to fit some directing into her busy schedule.
Eileen is overjoyed to have been given the chance to play Norma Desmond in the northern amateur premiere production of "Sunset Boulevard". She said, "It is a great privilege to be able to portray such an iconic part. It is also a joy to be able to sing some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's wonderful melodies. I think that our audiences are in for a real treat."
Emily joined DMTC in 2008 for our production of "Mack and Mabel" and she returned to be in the chorus of "Fiddler on the Roof". This was following in the footsteps of her father who has frequently played in our orchestras. Indeed, this has become quite a family show for her, as she has been joined on stage by her brother Lewis and mother Debbie.
Emily enjoys singing at any opportunity and was in her school choir and chamber choir as well as a church music group. She also enjoys playing the flute and piano.
Emily was delighted to be play her first principal part in Hello, Dolly! and one of the three telephone operators in Grand Hotel.
Geoff joined DMTC in November 2005 to take the part of a second-class passenger, Charles Clarke, in "Titanic the Musical", performed in January 2006. This was Geoff's first venture into musical theatre and joining the wonderful members of DMTC was the best introduction to musical theatre he could have had.
He is grateful to his lifelong friend, soprano Marian Aitchison for her encouragement and more recently, his singing teacher Jane Ford-Farrand for helping him to develop his solo singing technique and style as well as introducing him to a wide range of classical composers.
Since 2006 Geoff has taken part in the following productions:
Graeme joined DMTC in 2001 to play the part of Dominique in our last production at The Assembly Rooms, "The Baker's Wife", which marked his stage debut.
Since then he has returned for several other productions with DMTC and played characters such as Freddy Eynsford-Hill in "My Fair Lady", Third Office pitman in "Titanic", Robert in "Company", Gaston in "Gigi", The Baron in "Grand Hotel", Fatty Arbuckle in our 100th year anniversary production of "Mack and Mabel" and Joe Gillis in "Sunset Boulevard".
Graeme also played the comical part of Cornelius Hackl in one of our recent shows, "Hello, Dolly!" which gave him the opportunity to star along side his wife Katy.
He has also taken memorable parts with other groups, including Magaldi in the Northern premiere of "Evita" for Sunderland AOS and the part of Bobby Child in "Crazy for You" for Spennymoor AOS.
Graeme also worked as a semi-professional entertainer for about fifteen years working extensively throughout the north east and has had prominent tours of Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
"I am proud to be taking on the role of ‘Anotoly' in our production of Chess - No facial hair this time!"
Guy joined DMTC in 1999 for our production of Dick Whittington, and it didn't take long for him to fall in love with musical theatre.
He played his first minor principle part as the Captain of the Guard in the 2000 production of the panto Cinderella, and has been a part of many stage productions since.
Guy has often balanced roles on stage with working as part of our dedicated stage crew behind the scenes and says "half of the fun of theatre is doing the work that the audience will never get to see, I love the intensity and precision of the work that is required to give the actors the platform to create the amazing shows that we produce"
Guy was delighted to be cast in the role of the attorney general, a loyal British patriot intent on overseeing the demise of Charles Darnay, in our recent production of "A Tale of Two Cities".
Janet's theatrical career began in1959 at ballet school with Lycette Fearn in South Shields, shortly followed by her debut with South Shields AOS in "The King and I".
She was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dancing at the age of 10, when she was introduced to the legendary Elsa Wilkins. She danced in Miss Wilkins' troupe for many northeastern companies over a number of years, including Sunderland AOS, Tynemouth AOS, Basilica Opera, Northern Opera, as well as being a member of South Shields AOS and the Westovian Dramatic Society. Janet was chosen as an extra with The Royal Ballet ‘s tour of "Sleeping Beauty" and Festival Ballet's tour of "Giselle", where she was most fortunate to meet and be on stage with the world famous Prima Ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn.
Janet's relationship with DMTC began in 1976 when she danced with Miss Wilkins' troupe in "King's Rhapsody". She then danced the role of Nimue in the Society's first production of "Camelot" in 1978.
Since then she has choreographed most musicals, pantomimes and concerts for the Society, including all those staged at GALA. Not only has she choreographed almost 60 shows, but she has invariably appeared in the productions as a dancer and/or a member of the chorus. She has also appeared in a handful of principal roles. This year Janet celebrates 39 years in her Durham post.
Jennifer was born in Sunderland and is 20 years old. She is currently studying for a degree at Sunderland University which will allow her to become a primary school teacher. She started dancing at the age of 3 with the Kathleen Knox School of Dance where she still takes lessons and teaches.
She has recently passed her Pre-Association One exam, which is needed to become a qualified dance teacher. She has studied ballet, tap and modern stage dance and has performed in many stage productions, both amateur and professional.
Her first production was at the age of 6, in "Hooray for Hollywood" with Sunderland AOS, with who she later appeared in "Annie", "Me and My Girl", "The King and I" and "Carousel".
At Sunderland Empire Theatre she has appeared in several professional pantomimes, including: "Peter Pan", "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" and "Cinderella".
She also played the part of an orphan in the touring production of "Annie" in 2005. Jennifer has danced with DMTC in both "Hello, Dolly!" and "Grand Hotel".
She is delighted to have been given the opportunity to play the role of the tap-dancing ingénue Peggy Sawyer in this production of "42nd Street".
Laurence has been involved in amateur theatre for over 40 years, during which time he has both played in and directed many Gilbert and Sullivan productions especially with his home group Gosforth Musical Society.
He has also performed in many musicals and his favourite roles include Sir John in "Me and My Girl", Moonface Martin in "Anything Goes", Fagin in "Oliver!" and Daddy Warbucks in "Annie", Sir Joseph Porter in "HMS Pinafore and the Lord Chancellor in "Iolanthe".
For South Shields AOS, he has played Jacob Marley in "Scrooge", Senex in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", Mr. Bumble in "Oliver!", Mr. Scrimett in "Andy Capp" and Herr Schultz in "Cabaret". Laurence joined DMTC in 2001 for their opening production in the Gala Theatre playing Sir John in "Me and My Girl".
He has since returned for "What a Swell Party!" as well as Colonel Pickering in "My Fair Lady", Albert Lennox in "The Secret Garden", Henry Etches in "Titanic", (which has also become a favourite role) and Larry in "Company".
He has just directed and appeared in a new production of the classic British Musical "Salad Days", and Gilbert and Sullivan's "Ruddigore" for Gosforth Musical Society.
After a career in primary education, spanning thirty three years, Martin took the bold step to devote his talents to professional music. Classically trained from the age of four, he discovered the joy of accompanying whilst at college, and forty years later, he is in much demand throughout the North of England, working with choirs, music societies, opera groups, musical theatre companies and vocal soloists.
Michelle first participated in amateur productions with a brief spell doing Calamity Jane at Vane Tempest in 1998 - unfortunately work commitments in Leeds meant she never got to perform the show but she'd felt the buzz and there was no turning back.
On returning to Sunderland in 2001 Michelle wasted no time in joining her local society - Sunderland Amateur Operatic Society (SAOS) and performed in her first show "Evita" at the Sunderland Empire.
Subsequent years seen Michelle performing in "Oliver", and "Annie" with SAOS, playing minor roles such as the Rose Seller and one of the Boylen Sisters.
In November 2005 Michelle undertook her first lead role, Crystal, in "Little Shop of Horrors", with South Shields Musical Productions.
Michelle joined DMTC in 2005 for our production of "Titanic". She was delighted to play the part of Marta in "Company" (2006), Ernestina in "Hello Dolly" (2010), chorus principal in "Sweeney Todd" (2013), Mrs Cruncher in "A Tale of Two Cities" (2014) and has enjoyed being in the chorus for productions of "Gigi", "Mack & Mabel", "Noel & Ivor", "Scrooge", "Grand Hotel" and "Some Enchanted Evenings"
Mike joined DMTC just in time to be in "Camelot" in 1978 and loved the welcome so much that he set up home in Durham.
He has served as a committee member and Chairman of the Society for many years.
He has played Frances Fryer in "Calamity Jane", Geordie in "Andy Capp", Marcellus in "The Music Man" and Sir Clarius in "Camelot".
In DMTC's production of "Titanic" he played the part of Edgar Beane, a Clerk in ‘Gigi' and a beggar in ‘Fiddler on the Roof‘
He has most enjoyed playing Dame in several of our pantomimes.
Mike retired as Chairman of DMTC after 24 years and has admired the way we have grown from Durham Amateur Operatic Society days into our major theatre company today.
Theatre remains a major hobby for both Mike and Janet and their family.
Nicky joined DMTC in 1998 to play the role of Rolf in ‘The Sound of Music'.
Nicky continued to perform in many shows and pantomimes, including ‘Beauty and the Beast' and ‘Into the Woods'. Before taking a break to attend University, Nicky played the role of Patrick Dennis in the 2000 production of ‘Little Me'.
After graduating Nicky returned to the region and rejoined DMTC in 2006 to appear in the chorus for ‘Gigi'. He then went on to play Andy in ‘Mack and Mabel' and a son in ‘Fiddler on the Roof'.
Nicky went on to be involved in many more shows including: ‘Scrooge', Ambrose Kemper in ‘Hello Dolly', Pat Denning in '42 Street', chorus member in ‘Sweeny Todd', Sheldon Harnick in ‘Some Enchanted Evenings'.
Job Titles:
- Member of DMTC since Landing the Role of Lady Jacqueline
Nikki has been a member of DMTC since landing the role of Lady Jacqueline in Me and My Girl in 2001, which was a real eye-opener…. used to playing school halls in home-made costumes, she quickly rose to the challenge of meeting the level of professionalism and dedication expected of all involved in DMTC productions.
Since then, Nikki has been a chorus member in several productions but has particularly loved the buzz of working backstage with Denise and Mel on the magnificent (and all too often under-appreciated) Props team.
She has also enjoyed principal roles as Caroline Neville in Titanic, Sarah in Company and, most recently, The Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd. This last role has been her favourite to date, due to her affinity with the part, her appreciation of Sondheim, her enjoyment of the technical challenges, and especially her own ‘death' …..when you spend your whole life rushing around there is something incredibly peaceful and ‘zen' like about playing a corpse - those few minutes on stage is the most relaxation she's had in years!
Nikki's role as Miss Pross in a A Tale of Two Cities presents different challenges. Although a relatively minor part, she is on stage frequently (making some wry observations!), often in the middle of some important exchange between major characters.
So a lot of concentration is required to ensure her posture and reactions are consistently appropriate, whilst not distracting from what is unfolding before her.
Nikki is finding an affinity with the role in that she is a strong, at times formidable character, who is loyal and fiercely protective of the people and principles she values. That aspect of the part comes naturally to her! However Nikki was initially apprehensive about taking on delivery of all the magnificent one-liners - it's so hard to judge how they will be received when rehearsing without an audience - so it is definitely a case of hoping "it'll be alright on the night"?!
Peter joined DMTC in 1975 and has played numerous character parts and supporting roles, as well as appearing in the chorus of many of our subsequent productions.
His first major role was that of Miles Gloriosus in our 1978 production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Other notable performances were as M. le Curé in "The Baker's Wife" and Benjamin Guggenheim in "Titanic".
He is also a lover of Gilbert & Sullivan and has played numerous roles with the City of Durham Light Opera Group, most notably, the title role in "The Mikado".
Sarah joined DMTC in 2001 after deciding to try something that she'd never done before. After helping backstage on everything from props to stage crew, from follow spot to flying, she finally plucked up the courage to audition… helped along by some "gentle" persuasion from certain members of the company!
Her first show was Company, where the music of Stephen Sondheim and a first attempt at tap dancing made for a memorable introduction to performing.
Sarah has taken on the principal roles of Lottie in Mack and Mabel, for which she won the Mary Hamilton Award, and Maggie in 42nd Street; seemingly beginning a tradition of only playing roles that involve tap dancing, despite being a non- dancer.
On hearing that DMTC were being given the opportunity to perform Sunset Boulevard, her favourite musical, Sarah was determined to be involved.
She wads, frankly, astounded to have successfully auditioned for the role of a chorus principal and is especially thrilled to have played the role of the Doctor in a musical number opposite her theatrical idol Eileen Glenton.
Steve has been involved with amateur theatre for 40 years, appearing in many productions ranging from Chekov and Pinter to Shakespeare. Steve won an award for best supporting actor in 1988 as Cheswick in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".
In musical theatre he has played Mr. Bumble in "Oliver!" and Alfie Doolittle in "My Fair Lady", plus numerous other roles. Moving to Durham in 2005, he joined the Durham Dramatic Society and has appeared frequently with them. In 2008 he won the Best Actor Award for his performance in "Dickens' Children".
Steve joined DMTC in 2010 to play the part of Zinnowitz in "Grand Hotel", followed by Abner Dillon in "42nd Street". He was a soloist in "Some Enchanted Evenings" and has recently appeared as Jerry Cruncher in our production of "A Tale of Two Cities", Sheldrake in "Sunset Boulevard" and the School Principle in "Carousel".
Valenda has been a dedicated member of DMTC and is our first female President.
She has taken a wide variety of parts including Vera Charles in "Mame", Mrs. Connor in "Charlie Girl", Countess Charlotte-Magnus in "A Little Night Music", Mrs. Shinn in "The Music Man" and Gladys in "The Pajama Game".
At GALA she has been seen as Linda in "What a Swell Party!", Mrs. Darling in "Peter Pan", Mrs. Higgins in "My Fair Lady", Morgan-le-Fey in "Camelot", Charlotte Cardeza in "Titanic", Joanne in "Company", Aunt Alicia in "Gigi" and The Ghost of Christmas Past in "Scrooge"