CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

This year is shaping up to be a pretty busy one for me, but I'm really pleased to have been able to fit in being Musical Director for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at The Hall For Cornwall. I was lucky enough to work with Anthony Newley back in 1989, but I could never have imagined that thirty-six years later I would be entrusted once more with his famous music and lyrics.

The Redruth Amateur Operatic Society Trust (RAOST) is one of Cornwall's leading amateur companies, having been founded in 1909, and this musical marks their return to The Hall For Cornwall stage after a gap of fourteen years. The timing of the show couldn't be more perfect, with the beginning of the summer holidays coinciding with opening night, so it's the ideal way to keep the kids enteratined for at least 3 hours!

The Director for Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is Helen Hartshorne and the Sound Designer is Nathan May, who I was lucky enough to work with on Jack And The Beanstalk. The production runs from Wednesday 30th July to Saturday 2nd August.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

This year I'll be returning to pantomime, after a gap of eleven years, as Musical Director for Jack And The Beanstalk at The Hall For Cornwall. This will be my 18th pantomime, and I'm looking forward to working at the South West's flagship theatre.

The pantomime runs from Friday 6th December to Tuesday 31st December.

The cast includes Gareth Cooper (Harri Co'Vert), Patrick Dineen (Jack), Freya Karlettis (Jill), Colin Leggo (Goosey), Jessica Manu (Fairy Nuff), Ed Rowe (Maid Trott), Charlotte Rutherford (Smart Simone), Susannah Van Den Berg (Dame Judi Hench), along with Sheen Leng Chow, Aidan Nightingale and Catherine Lake.

The creative team includes Steve Marmon (Writer), Joyce Branagh (Director), Maggie Rawlinson (Choreographer), Musical Director (Steve HIll), Richard Healey (Musical Supervisor), David Howe (Lighting), Ben Harrison (Sound).

LAINE THEATRE ARTS

After a decade at Laine Theatre Arts, I’ve made the very difficult decision to move on from a place that has been such a big part of my life. Ten years ago, I walked into the building filled with excitement, eager to be a part of something special, and over the years, it really has become like a second home.

The students, the staff, the incredible talent, and of course the powerhouse that is Miss Laine - it’s been an amazing journey. I’ve been so fortunate to see so many young artists grow, evolve, and step into their own professional careers, and being part of that has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. However, it’s time for me to explore new challenges and opportunities.

I’m eternally grateful for everything I’ve learned and achieved here, and a big thank you to Sarah Wilson for first asking me to join the family all those years ago, but I’m also excited for the next chapter in my professional journey. I’ll always carry with me the memories of my time at Laines, and I look forward to staying connected with both the staff and the amazing students.