In the 'House Seats'

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Alison is Associate Director on THE BOOK OF MORMON (London and International Tour). In 2021 Alison will direct the UK/International tour of DREAMGIRLS and will be Associate Director on the Broadway transfer of MEAN GIRLS.

Director: CHICAGO (International Tour), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (National Tour), SPAMALOT (Melbourne, Australia and Cologne, Germany), ENGLISH HERITAGE AWARDS (Palace Theatre), SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS - THE MUSICAL (UK Tour), ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD(Palace Theatre, Mansfield) and CHICAGO (Marrakech and Turkey).

Director and Choreographer: Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (5 Year International Tour), SNOW WHITE (Wycombe Swan), SLEEPING BEAUTY, PETER PAN, CINDERELLA, SNOW WHITE (Churchill, Bromley) and WAG! (Charing Cross Theatre). 

Associate Director on DREAMGIRLS (Savoy Theatre), LOVE NEVER DIES (Adelphi Theatre), SPAMALOT (Palace Theatre), CHICAGO (Adelphi and Cambridge Theatre), MY ONE AND ONLY (Piccadilly Theatre), RENT (Prince of Wales Theatre & UK Tour), NAPOLEON (Shaftesbury Theatre),  BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Dominion Theatre and UK Tour), SHOWBOAT (Prince Edward Theatre), TOMMY (Shaftesbury Theatre, and U.K. Tour), AIN'T MISBEHAVIN’ (Lyric Theatre), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – 30th Anniversary Tour, THE NEW ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Victoria Palace), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (UK Tour and European Tour) and BARNUM (UK Tour). 

Alison choreographed EASTENDERS - 3 episodes (BBC1), HIGH SPIRITS (Bridewell Theatre), AFTER THE FAIR (Kings Head Theatre), ME AND MY GIRL, ASPECTS OF LOVE, BOYBAND and CAROUSEL (Palace Theatre, Westcliff). 

Alison is married to director Jon Emmanuel and they have a son, Jack, a daughter, Olivia and a dog, Molly.

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Richard  has enjoyed a great career in hair, make-up and wigs. He has worked on Finding Neverland,  Evita, La Cage Aux Folles, Frost Nixon, Waitress and Priscilla in New York.

London theatre credits include: BIG the MUSICAL, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat,  Fiddler on the Roof, Nine to Five, Uncle Vanya, Guys and Dolls at the Royal Albert Hall, Pack of Lies, Pinter at the Pinter, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Labour of Love, Spamilton, Lazarus the David Bowie Musical, The Libertine, Mrs Henderson Presents, Elf, The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Season, The Ruling Class, Assassins, Urinetown, Forbidden Broadway, Richard the Third, From Here To Eternity, The Commitments, Strangers On A Train, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Merrily We Roll Along, Privates on Parade, South Pacific, Top Hat, Hairspray, Passion, Legally Blonde, End of the Rainbow, Piaf, Sweet Charity, Frost/Nixon, The Producers, Kiss Me Kate, Starlight Express
and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”.

Nationwide productions include: The Madness of King George for Nottingham Playhouse and National Theatre LIVE, CILLA the Musical, White Christmas, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, We Will Rock You, Nine To Five, A Damsel in Distress at Chichester Festival Theatre, Benidorm the Musical, Abigail’s Party and Little Britain Live.

Film credits include: The Ghost Writer, Titanic, It's De-Lovely, Star Wars, Mask of Zorro, Disney's Santa Clause and Richard Harris as Dumbledore in Harry Potter. Television  includes: ITV's CILLA, Vikings, Black Sails, Ripper Street, Mr Selfridge, Little Britain, Catherine Tate Show, French and Saunders, Poirot, Miss Marple, Gavin and Stacey, House of Saddam and Larkrise to Candleford.  

Richard owns London’s Wig Specialities and is personal wig-maker to Sir Sean Connery, Kylie Minogue, Sheridan Smith, Paloma Faith, Jessie J and Dame Edna Everage.

Plans include: The UK and Ireland tour of Waitress, the return of Hairspray to the Coliseum in 2021 and The Angel of Darkness for Netflix filming in Budapest.

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Neil has been in the arts since the age of 4 and has been lucky enough to follow the dream he had as a child.

Having started dancing locally in Greenford in Middlesex he was lucky enough to be accepted by Arts Educational schools and then the Royal Ballet school.

On leaving Royal Neil became a part of the Bluebells from Paris travelling the world and doing what he likes to think of as his apprenticeship for things to come.

Neil has performed in such shows as Me and My Girl, Time, Cats, Starlight Express, Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon, Jolson and Billy Elliot where he was also a tap coach to many of the talented children that came through the door.

His last performing gig was at the Royal Opera House alongside Edward Watson in the acclaimed production of 'Metamorphosis'.

Since hanging up his jazz shoes Neil has forged a career in the Media both on screen, in print and behind the camera.

He is currently Media and Communications Manager for London Broncos Rugby League team based in Ealing in West London.
 
Likes: Tottenham Hotspurs, Show Tunes, History, Random facts
Dislikes: Ditherers, Injustice, Pushy Mums!
Hobbies: Movies, Golf,
Loves: Family, Fiance, Daughter!
Hates: Arsenal, Vegetables, Fruit!!

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Derby-born actor Andy Coxon trained at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Once graduating Andy landed a role in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, marking his professional debut. In the same year he travelled Europe understudying and playing Brad and Riff Raff to packed audiences in the European tour of the classic cult hit The Rocky Horror Show.

Later he went on to play one of the students in the Oscar winning movie musical version of Les Miserables alongside Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, directed by Tom Hooper. He then joined the West End cast of Les Miserables as Montparnasse and understudied Marius marking his West End debut.

Most recently, Andy played Tony in the sold out production of West Side Story at the Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre. The world’s first version to be staged with brand new choreography and in the round.

Previous to this, Andy originated the role of Edward in brand new British musical Pieces of String at The Mercury Theatre, Colchester. This was straight after playing the iconic role of Berger in the award winning, 50th Anniversary production of Hair at the Vaults Theatre, London. A brand new soundtrack starring Andy is available on all platforms.

Hair began straight after Andy had played struggling soldier Mitch, in the highly acclaimed, heart wrenching Yank! at Charing Cross Theatre. Also, returned to the West End to understudy and play Barry Mann in the original West End cast of the Grammy, Tony and Olivier award winning musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

Throughout his career Andy has performed in many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall as part of Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday celebrations. He has performed in special guest slots for West End leading ladies Julie Atherton and Emma Hatton as well as making his solo debut concert at Pizza Express Live, Holborn and The Pheasantry in London. He has performed alongside Broadway star Eden Espinosa in Christmas In New York at London’s Palace Theatre and Manchester Opera House.

Andy And has twice performed as a lead soloist in the The Knights of Music, a UK concert tour which brought national treasure Phillip Schofield back to the stage.

Other credits include: Jamie in the Frankfurt premiere of Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years. American music mogul Tony Visconti in the U.K. Tour of 20th Century Boy: The Marc Bolan Musical. Pablo in the sell out summer season of Sister Act at Kilworth House Open Air Theatre. For the last few years Andy has been heavily involved in the workshops of new musicals Pieces of String directed by Strictly Come Dancing judge, Craig Revel Horwood, Fanny and Stella, and Defect by Lift composer, Craig Adams.

Form more information see https://www.andycoxon.com

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Nicola grew up in Manchester, England. She became a professional actor at 14 when she performed in The Little Matchgirl with Roger Daltrey (the Who). She started touring with musical theatre companies at 17, performing in Chess, The Sound of Music and Lloyd Webber’s production of Aspects of Love. Nicola’s big break came at 21 when she was picked to play the role of Lola in the West End production of Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. It changed her life. She moved to London and never looked back.

She first visited Canada in 1996 when she was asked to join Cirque du Soleil’s production of Saltimbanco. After the tour, she returned to the UK to continue her stage career, performing roles in musicals such as Fame, Taboo and the Leader of the Pack. She was a finalist in series 3 of The X Factor with the group The Unconventionals. Shortly after she was asked to to re-create her role in Saltimbanco on a world Arena tour in 2007. This time she met her future husband and they toured with the show for another 5 years together!

In 2012 Nicola immigrated to Quebec, Canada and was soon cast as Trish in Kinky Boots playing at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto. Since then she’s been cultivating her career in her new country, performing at the famous Charlottetown Festival for 3 seasons, The Segal Centre – Montreal, St Lawrence Centre – Toronto and Theatre Calgary in productions such as Bend it Like Beckham, Mamma Mia!, Les Belles Soeurs, Bittergirls and Anne of Green Gables as well as returning to work for Cirque on their resident show, Joyà, in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Nicola is looking forward to getting back to rehearsals after the pandemic. She was about to perform the role of Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot at the Neptune Theatre, Halifax. A bucket list role for her!

“Here’s to the light at the end of the tunnel. Sending all my love to everyone globally during this crazy time”

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Ionica is a British stage and screen Actress. She was born and adopted from Romania at the age of 2 and a half years old. Ionica trained at East 15 Acting School in 2008. Ionica is currently featuring in Documentary, 'The Acting Class', alongside Maxine Peake, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Samuel West & Christopher Eccleston – showing across cinemas now. Ionica has recently wrapped on Feature Film, 'Schadenfreude', produced by Steve Sweeney which is later to be released. Ionica sang at the Closing Ceremony at the Newcastle Film Festival and at 2018’s Festival of Remembrance at York Barbican. 

Ionica was nominated and awarded as 'Best Emerging Actress' at 2018’s International Achievement Recognition Awards (IARA) for her role as 'Genie' in 'Aladdin' in 2018 following with the role of 'Carabosse' in 'Sleeping Beauty' at The Princess Theatre, Torquay, 2019.

Ionica can be seen as a Judge on BBC One’s second series of ‘All Together Now’ (Celebrity Special & Ep 1-6). Ionica is a former Presenter at BBC Radio York presenting the Arts & Culture show every Friday evening, 7-10pm. Ionica hosted at 'MOVE IT', 'Can You Dance?' 2019 and was booked again for 'MOVE IT 2020' – Ionica also hosted the ‘Hospitality Talks Stage’ at BBC Country File Live, Castle Howard, 2019. Ionica finished her run as 'Fairy Godmother' in 2019/2020 ‘Cinderella’ at The Elgiva, Chesham.

Ionica can be currently seen in commercials on Ideal World and Beth Macari’s Charity video, 'I Am'. During lock down Ionica has been a judge for several 'Bake Offs' after The launch of the 'Singing Baker That Can’t Really Bake' during lock down. 

Due to Ionica’s history she is a Guest Speaker/Motivational Speaker at events and graduations. During lock down Ionica spoke at the Lancet Webinar supporting the 'ForEveryChildAHome' talk.

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Cassidy Janson is a British actress, best known for her work in musical theatre.

In 2005 Janson appeared in Tick, Tick... Boom! at the Menier Chocolate Factory. She played Susan, alongside Neil Patrick Harris as Jonathan and Tee Jaye Susan as Michael. In 2006 she joined the original West End cast of Wicked as part of the ensemble, later moving to be standby for the role of Elphaba. Following this, she joined the final West End cast of Avenue Q as Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut. In 2011 she originated the role of Maggie Saunders in the musical version of Lend me a Tenor. She appears on the original cast recording.

Janson has appeared in several shows Off-West End, including Company at the Southwark Playhouse (as Amy), Rooms: A Rock Romance at the Finborough Theatre (as Monica), and Blood Wedding at the Courtyard Theatre.

In 2013 she returned to the Menier Chocolate Factory in Candide, playing the role of Paquette. Following this, she played Ruth in Dessa Rose at the Trafalgar Studios, alongside Cynthia Erivo as Dessa.

In November 2015 Janson took over the role of Carole King in the West End production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. She joined Carole King at the British Summer Time concerts to perform I Feel The Earth Move. She remained with the production until it closed in August 2017.

In 2018 she appeared in a revival of Chess as Florence at the London Colosseum, alongside Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke and Tim Howar.

In April 2019 she appeared in Man of La Mancha at the London Colosseum, sharing the roles of Aldonza and Dulcinea with Danielle de Niese. The production played a limited run to 8 June 2019. Following this, she has been cast in the new musical & Juliet, which is currently showing on the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre. She stars as Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare's love, Shakespeare being portrayed by Oliver Tompsett. Janson has been nominated for an Olivier Award in the category of Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her performance of Anne Hathaway.

In 2017 Janson teamed up with Beverley Knight and Amber Riley to form a musical theatre supergroup, known collectively as the "Leading Ladies". Their debut album, Songs from the Stage, was released on 17 November 2017 and features covers songs from Cats, Beautiful and Rent among others.

Cassidy Janson announced via her Twitter in late 2018 that she had signed a record deal with BMG. In April 2019 Janson announced that her debut album Cassidy would be released on 14 June. It features 14 new songs, 12 co-written by Janson herself, and new song written for her by legend and friend Carole King.

For more information about her and to purchase her album go to her website at http://www.cassidyjanson.com

Bio courtesy of Wikipedia

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Rachel Stanley is a British actress and singer.

She has had an amazing career in musical theatre playing Mum in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve); lead vocalist in The Song Book of Judy Garland (UK Tour); Betty Haynes in White Christmas (Dominion 2014 and seasons in Edinburgh, Manchester, Plymouth & Southampton); Grace Farell in Annie (New Zealand Tour & UK Tour); Gill in Jackie the Musical (Gardyne Theatre, Dundee); Tess in Crazy for You (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Novello Theatre); Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour); Velma Kelly in Chicago (Adelphi Theatre & World Tour); Edna the Spectacle (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Erma in Anything Goes (National Theatre & Theatre Royal Drury Lane); Miss Dinsmore/Dora Baily in Singin’ in the Rain (National Theatre); Chess (UK tour); Me and My Girl (UK tour); My Fair Lady (UK Tour); and 42nd Street (Dominion Theatre & UK Tour).

She has recently finished playing Mrs Brice, in Funny Girl (Théâtre Marigny, Paris) and is about to play the part of Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris).

Her career also includes theatre, concerts, video, workshops, film and TV work. For a complete resumé see https://www.spotlight.com/5164-9084-2838.

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Kate hails originally from the North East. She qualified with BAHons in History from Durham University before moving to London to pursue her dream of becoming a performer, beginning with a postgraduate course in Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music. She was awarded the DipRAM for her study year, gained a teaching qualification (LRAM) and has since been made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) for excellence in her field. Kate continues to explore aspects of vocal technique (including Estill method to advanced level) and is currently studying for a PGCert in Performance teaching at the Guildhall Schools of Music and Drama.

Kate is currently playing Diane in Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre, London. Theatre credits include Tanya in Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre) Cherry Sunday in the Original London Cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Tanya in Mamma Mia! (International tour), Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot the Musical (Victoria Palace theatre), Hold Me Touch Me in the Original London Cast of The Producers (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Babette in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Dominion Theatre London and National Tour), A Bowl of Cherries (Charing Cross Theatre), Lucy in The Thing About Men (Landor Theatre), Miranda in A Comedy of Arias (King’s Head and Jermyn St), Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd (Derby Playhouse), Stepmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Bristol Old Vic), Elvira in High Spirits (Bridewell), Original Cast of Dick Barton Special Agent (Croydon Warehouse and National tours), Dick Barton and the Curse of the Pharaoh’s Tomb (Greenwich), Jerry Springer The Opera (BAC),  No Way to Treat a Lady (Art’s Theatre), Les Miserables (German Tour), Three Lost Souls (BAC and King’s Head).

Kate's first professional work upon leaving college was a concert with the Stephen Hill Singers for Radio 2. From then she became a regular member of 'Capital Voices' run by Annie Skates and has enjoyed an extremely wide variety of work with them. Solo concert work includes Christmas Singalong (Glasgow Royal Concert Halls), Friday Night is Music Night (Radio 2), Abba Symphonic (BSO), Cole Porter Classics (RFH and Bridgewater Hall), Concert tour with the RAF Central Band. Backing vocals for numerous artists including Westlife, Kylie and The Feeling at Proms in the Park, Russell Watson, Lesley Garrett, Cliff Richard, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, KD Lang, John Wilson Orchestra and soundtracks including Galavant, Nine, Cats and Jesus Christ Superstar. Kate also appeared in Fiddler on the Roof (as Chava), Guys and Dolls (as Mimi) and Sweet Charity for BBC Radio 2.

Alongside her professional work Kate has always enjoyed working with private students at home and has taken masterclasses and private lessons at several colleges including Momentum Performing Arts Academy, Performers College, LSMT, Millennium and RSAMD. She was also the Assistant Children’s Director at Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and thoroughly enjoyed working with the extremely talented mini cast on their performances.

http://www.kategraham.info

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Nick Winston is an international Director and Choreographer working in Theatre, Opera & Television.

Nick's theatre credits includes, as Director & Choreographer: the first UK revival of MAME, starring Tracie Bennett (Hope Mill Theatre – 7 Whatsonstage nominations including Best Musical Revival and Best Choreography); the 30th anniversary production of FAME (West End, UK tour & International tour – Broadway World nomination for Best Choreographer); CHESS starring Ramin Karimloo and Samantha Barks (Tokyo and Osaka); the first original UK revival of CATS (Kilworth House Theatre – Broadway World Award nomination for Best Director); ROCK OF AGES (UK tour and Berlin); THE WEDDING SINGER (Troubadour; UK tour and South Korea - DIMF Award for Best Musical); AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (National Theatre, Linz – 8 Broadway World nominations including Best Director, Best Choreographer & Best Musical); FLASH MOB (Peacock Theatre and UK tour); GUYS AND DOLLS (Kilworth House Theatre); CLUB TROPICANA (UK Tour); BUGSY MALONE (Leicester Curve – Broadway World Award nomination for Best Director and Best Choreographer); A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM (Leicester Curve) and TOMORROW MORNING (New End Theatre).

As Choreographer: WAITING FOR GODOT (Lincoln Center, New York); ANNIE (Piccadilly Theatre, UK Tour, South Africa and Toronto - Broadway World Award nomination for Best Choreographer); LOSERVILLE (Garrick Theatre - Olivier nomination for Best New Musical, Broadway World nomination for Best Choreographer); HORRID HENRY: LIVE AND HORRID (Trafalgar Studios); THE WIZARD OF OZ (Royal Festival Hall); KISS ME, KATE (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, Grand Théâtre, Luxembourg; Graz Opera); SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (Leeds Playhouse, The Royal Exchange, Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie and Royal Danish Opera); LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Salisbury Playhouse - Broadway World Award nomination: Best Choreographer); WHITE CHRISTMAS (Leeds Playhouse – Broadway World Award nomination: Best Choreographer) CALAMITY JANE starring Jodie Prenger (Watermill Theatre & UK Tour – Broadway World Award nomination: Best Choreographer); LOVE STORY (Minerva Theatre, Chichester).

Opera: THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO (Opera North, Sadler’s Wells, Moscow State Opera, Bonn Opera and Minnesota Opera – RPS Award for Best Opera); IL TURCO IN ITALIA (Garsington Opera); FORTUNIO (Grange Park Opera); BENZIN (Chemnitz Opera).

TV/Film: director & choreographer of THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE in the presence of HRH Prince William (London Palladium and ITV); FAME: LIVE FROM THE WEST END (Broadway HD); Choreographer for: MIRANDA: MY SUCH FUN CELEBRATION (London Palladium and BBC); SONDHEIM AT 80 starring Dame Judi Dench (Royal Albert Hall and BBC); SHAKESPEARE LIVE! FROM THE RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company and BBC - BAFTA nomination for Live Entertainment) and music videos for BOB THE BUILDER (Universal).