Ann Barrows
Cast Representative
Current on stage role: Bookseller/Wolf/Dinner Plate
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Ann:
Ann wishes she could be braver and thinks that she is not very confident. The cast and crew of Barnstormers however disagree and claim that her wild and wacky performances as Haggie Aggie (Dick Patchington), Daphne/Mama (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Mr Tumnus/Hermoine/Voldemort (A Night at the Movies), Duchess Proudfoot (Cinderella), Fruma-Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof), Chastity (Anything Goes), and, her favourite role to-date, Genie of the Lamp (Aladdin) speak for themselves. Ann once caught her foot in a seat belt whilst climbing out of a car at Preston Circus and promptly found herself lying down on the pavement with her foot stuck in the car. She was not amused.
Paul Bridgland
Current on stage role: Hatseller/Wolf/Cutlery
Favourite on stage role: The Stove aka Stovie!!!
Favourite musical / show: Just So, Thoroughly Modern Millie
About Paul:
This year marks an extremely important event in Paul’s life: the opening of the new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion. He was so excited about watching his favourite team playing in the new ground that he considered leaving Barnstormers in the summer to dedicate his time to watching them. However, as performing on stage is only just a narrow second to his love of football he decided that he could not disappoint his many fans. Paul has appeared in: Dick Patchington (Able Seaman Unready), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bun Foo), A Night at the Movies (Sam), Just So (Cooking Stove), Cinderella (Snatch-it/Little Jack Horner) and Fiddler on the Roof (Rabbi).
Sheila Carey
Director and Church Liaison / Fundraising Co-ordinator
Current on stage role: Not this time, too much to think about and do!
Favourite on stage role: Golda in Fiddler on the Roof
Favourite musical / show: Godspell
About Sheila:
<p>Sheila has taken on the role of Director for our Autumn show, "Titanic The Musical" and is excited and a little daunted at the prospect of bringing this great show to life. She also plans and organizes our fund raising events, including our annual, (now legendary,) Jumble Sale in February, which help to cover the cost of producing our shows so that we can maximize our final profit to our church. We have had table top sales, an Open Gardens day and raffles, to name but a few. She also liaises with the church about various things such as our annual Barnstormers' Service. Sheila really enjoys being a part of Barnstormers, and has been in it since the very beginning, singing Alto, loving the dancing, playing baddies, floozies, comedy roles and the occasional serious part and she has even had a go at choreographing and directing. Previous roles include Levi and The Baker (who died) in Joseph, a picnicker and rich man (who died) in Godspell, Aunt Em and Evilline the Wicked Witch of the West, (who also died) in the Wiz, Lowbutt the domestic hen in Honk, Mayzie La Bird in Seussical, Erma the gangster's Moll in Anything Goes, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Zebra in Just So, Mrs Meeres in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mrs Potts in Beauty and the Beast and various other roles in smaller Autumn productions and pantomimes.
Emma Collard
Cast
Current on stage role: Lady with a cane/Cheese grater
Favourite on stage role: Bird girl
Favourite musical / show: Seussical
About Emma:
Beauty and the Beast is Emma’s return to the Barnstormers stage after a long break to take care of her two little darling children. She has of course spent the intervening time dressing them up as all manner of characters. Emma was mildly amused to be cast as a cheese grater and has been doing her best not to rub the cast up the wrong way. She previously appeared in: Honk! (Penny), The Wiz (Addapearle - the Good Witch), Godspell (teenager), Joseph (Judah), and many other Barnstormers shows. Emma makes the best banoffee pie in the world (Ed. my opinion) but hates all vegetables other than carrots and sweetcorn. She hopes that her children will one day follow in her footsteps on the Barnstormers stage.
John Corin
Narrator / Pit Singer
Current on stage role: Not this time
Favourite on stage role: Greylag
Favourite musical / show: Joseph
About John:
John keeps attempting to escape from Barnstormers but somehow never manages to get far! This year he was relieved not to have to memorise any songs and is looking forward to the relaxed life of a Pit Singer after setting the scene in the Prologue. The real reason John is not on stage is nothing to do with his memory but the difficulty of his jet-setting retirement that rarely sees him in the UK for more than a few weeks at a time. He loves every minute. John has performed in many shows including: Dick Patchington (Captain Quentin Queasy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Kenneth/Policeman), A Night at the Movies (Joe/Father), Just So (Eldest Magician), Anything Goes (Rev Henry T Dobson) and Honk! (Greylag).
Caroline Dewar
Anything that I'm chosen for on stage and have directed fiddler on the Roof and Just So and Co Directed Bsarnstorming
Current on stage role: Queen
Favourite on stage role: Evangelina Harcourt in Anything Goes
Favourite musical / show: It has to be Fiddler
About Caroline:
My talents have been totally recognised at Barnstormers for my superb singing voice, my acrobatic dancing and believable acting, and I'm just waiting now for a talent scout to whisk me off.
Bert Etherington
Producer
Current on stage role: Cogsworth
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Bert:
Bert’s relationship with Barnstormers seems to be like that of a strong elastic-band. He pulls away for a year but just can’t help himself from pinging back into the cast for the next show. The choreographer hopes that his recent refreshing break will return him to his former glory days and has planned some exotic dance numbers for him. Bert is not sure whether to be pleased or concerned by his casting as the grumpy, bossy, old clock “Cogsworth” in this year’s show. He has previously appeared as: Policeman/Muzzy’s Boy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Rick/Audrey (A Night at the Movies), Rhino (Just So), Baron Hardup (Cinderella), Lazar Wolf (Fiddler on the Roof), Elisha Whitney (Anything Goes), Drake (Honk!), General Schmitz (Seussical) and Potiphar (Joseph).
Bert is Barnstormers' Producer. He works very hard at keeping everything on track during show time, from directing the Director to making sure the show is widely publicised.
Mandy Etherington
Current on stage role: Madame de la Grande Bouche (Wardrobe)
Favourite on stage role: Ida in Honk
Favourite musical / show: Honk
About Mandy:
The last time Mandy appeared on stage she was forced to play opposite her husband as Ilsa in the Casablanca scene of “A Night at the Movies”. This was not the first time having previously appeared opposite each other as Mr and Mrs Potiphar in Joseph and Ida and Drake in Honk! It was therefore with some trepidation that she accepted the role of the singing wardrobe for tonight’s production playing opposite Bert once more. She promises to do her best to keep her drawers under control. Mandy has performed in many other shows for Barnstormers including: Just So (Eldest Magician), Cinderella (Countess Comelately), Fiddler on the Roof (Yente), Anything Goes (Hope) and Seussical (Mrs Mayor).
Claire Fowler
Current on stage role: Silly Girl/Napkin
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Claire:
If Claire could have one perfect day she would spend it in the Seychelles wearing pyjamas whilst eating a roast dinner and sipping cocktails with Johnny Depp (but only if he stays in character as “Jack Sparrow”) Whilst she loves all chocolate bars and sweets she is of the opinion that Turkish Delight should die (Ed: simple answer – give all the Turkish Delight in the world to me, please). She has previously appeared on stage as: Keith Kindly (Dick Patchington), Alice (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Susan/Rose (A Night at the Movies) and, her favourite role to-date, Charlie (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Claire also performed with the Barnstormers band at the Ghana/Barnstormers Charity Gig earlier this year.
Astrid Fox
Current on stage role: Lady with Baby/Wolf/Salt
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Astrid:
Astrid treats it as an honour to have played the role of the cat, Marmaduke, Dick’s side-kick in Dick Patchington. She considered spending time in the cattery to perform research but decided that curling up on her sofa in front of a warm fire was a much better way of developing the role. Despite this hardship she enjoyed the challenge of bringing such a large puss to life. Astrid took on a new role as Assistant Choreographer for “Beauty” and has enjoyed putting the cast through their paces. She also appeared as Ruth in Thoroughly Modern Millie and performed in many other productions in her dark and distant past which she refuses to disclose.
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About :
Paula Gerard
Current on stage role: Aristocratic Lady / Pepper / Wolf
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Paula:
Paula’s favourite musical is Beauty and the Beast and she is very excited to be appearing in this classic Disney show. She looks forward to shaking her stuff as a Pepper Pot. She hopes that her on-stage exuberance and extra “seasoning” doesn’t make the audience sneeze. Paula recently appeared as Petit Chou (Dick Patchington), Cora (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and as the Prompt for A Night at the Movies. Off the stage she delights in watching “Larkrise to Candleford” whilst wearing slippers and cuddling up to her beautiful Golden Retriever. Paula would love the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
Roni Graham
Current on stage role: Pit Singer
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Roni:
Roni only signed up for Beauty and the Beast when she was sure that she would still be able to watch the on-stage action from the pit. She was slightly offended that the score seemed to refer to them as BOG singers, but it then became clear the reference was to “Be Our Guest Singers”! Roni has previously been a Pit singer for Thoroughly Modern Millie and A Night at the Movies. She has also appeared in: Seussical, The Baker’s Wife, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, Autumn Colours, An Evening with Schwartz & Sondheim, Sing-a-long Joseph & Godspell, Winter Warmer and various concerts with Brighton Orpheus Choir and Brighton Voices.
Seb Harrington
Webmaster / Programme Co-producer
Current on stage role: Joesph
Favourite on stage role: Leopard - Just So
Favourite musical / show: Just So
About Seb:
Seb’s second love of his life is learning languages so it was without any trepidation that he set about perfecting his knowledge of the French language for Beauty and the Beast. The first love of his life may disagree. It has been a difficult rehearsal period for Seb as he got used to the difficulty of keeping his hands above shoulder height with giant cardboard tubes attached for hour after hour. Nevertheless he maintains that this is favourite role to-date and loves the cheeky candelabra. His previous roles include: Able Seaman Strange (Dick Patchington), Jimmy Smith (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Ballet Jack, K and Robbie Williams (A Night at the Movies) and Leopard (Just So). Seb has also performed in a Shadows Tribute Band, Rock Concert for Ghana and “Want to Dance?” for Ghana and Barnstormers.
Seb is Barnstormers' Webmaster, also helps by co-producing the main show programme he is also a keen singer and musician.
Sue Harrington
Pit Singer & Make-up
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Sue:
Much to Sue’s surprise she found that she had once again signed up as a Pit Singer for Beauty and the Beast. She has however had a good time in rehearsal knitting a whole variety of items. If you hear any unusual clicking noises during the show it will probably be Sue. Despite her penchant for knitting, she is nothing like Charles Dickens’ evil character Madame Defarge and will normally only be found using a guillotine in her craft activities. Sue has sung in the pit for: Thoroughly Modern Millie, A Night at the Movies, Trouble in Pantoland and Jesus Christ Superstar. She is also helping out in make up.
Nick Herriott
Cast
Current on stage role: Lank Hawkins
Favourite on stage role: Gad,John Ismay
Favourite musical / show: Just So/Joseph
About Nick:
Hi my name is Nick, I have been in Barnstormers for four years. Since joining i have had many great opportunities to act as a variety of different characters. To add to this I have made some great friends, And hope to continue being in shows with Barnstormers for the foreseeable future.
Even though in real-life Nick might give the appearance of being a genuine “Mr Nice Guy”, his casting in recent shows arguably calls this into question. As the aptly named Monsieur D’Arque he is unlikely to be able to shake this vicious slur on his character. His recent roles include: Sidney Sniveler (Dick Patchington) – his favourite role, Mugger/Letch/Rodney (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Minister/Uhura (A Night at the Movies) and Pau Amma (Just So). Nick particularly enjoyed spending time with his Thoroughly Modern Millie dancing partner, Orlando Broom, and is disappointed that Orlando cannot be with him anymore. His favourite song is Y.M.C.A.
Bob Hinton
Consultant Director
Current on stage role: Maurice
Favourite on stage role: Ko Ko (The Mikado)
Favourite musical / show: Candide (Bernstein)
About Bob:
Retired solicitor. Methodist Local Preacher since 1958. Started performing on stage around 1950 and do not seem to know when to stop. Married to Sheila (met through Gilbert & Sullivan at school) since 1962. 3 children and 8 grandchildren. Singing and acting has gone on down these generations!
Bob’s most recent performance was as the noble Bosun Bowsprit in Dick Patchington, a role he feels deserves an Olivier Award for his outstanding contribution to acting, particularly with those intimate on-stage moments with the Queen of Arabie Island. He still has dreams about those wonderful moments. Bob is looking forward to playing Belle’s slightly eccentric father, Maurice, and denies that this will require little acting on his part. Bob has appeared in over 50 shows and concerts including: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Dexter/Muzzy’s Boy), The Mikado (Ko Ko), Orpheus in the Underworld (John Styx), Jane Eyre (Mr Brocklehurst/Robert) and HMS Pinafore (The Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter).
Clare Jaap
Director (Snow White and The Seven Little Men)
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role: Maureen (Honk)
Favourite musical / show: Godspell, Honk
About Clare:
Mother to two delightful girls, Rachel and Hannah (also Barnstormers performers), currently working at Plumpton College as County Administrator for Sussex Young Farmers Club and volunteering in the English department at Varndean School. I joined Barnstormers many, many years ago when I was Will Scarlet in Robin Hood. Since then I have taken part in several shows including: pit singer in Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Gloria), A Night at the Movies (Captain Kirk/Mother), Aladdin (title role can you believe it!), Honk! (Maureen), The Wiz (Glinda), A Woman in Godspell and Butler/Brother in Joseph. Most recently I wrote and directed Snow White and the Seven Little Men. Would I do it again? Yes I would!
Rachel Jaap
Current on stage role: Silly Girl/Napkin
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Rachel:
Rachel was thrilled to have had the opportunity to play the title role of Dick Patchington last year even though she pretends not to have enjoyed singing solo. Despite her protestations the cast know differently. When not dancing or teaching dance Rachel can be found snacking on strawberry laces and French fries whilst reading “The Life and Death of Charlie St Cloud” or “P.S. I Love You”. Rachel has also appeared as Ethel Peas/Maid (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Edmund/Bond girl (A Night at the Movies), Elephant/Wildebeest (Just So), Spider (Cinderella), Barman (Fiddler) and a Who (Seussical). She also choreographed Rumplstiltzkin and Hansel & Gretel for the Church’s JMA group.
Margaret Jones
Wardrobe Mistress
Current on stage role: Pit Singer
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Margaret:
Margaret often hides away backstage armed with all manner of pins, needles, threads, clips etc. The cast has always been secretly afraid of her reputation as the Mistress of the Wardrobe. At least on stage she has relinquished that role to Mandy. This year she has been working hard with her team behind the scenes in fitting the extremely large costumes for the castle inhabitants. She is delighted to be able to join in singing the beautiful Disney melodies and excessively high soprano notes. Margaret has designed and fitted the costumes for many shows including: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dick Patchington, Just So & Cinderella.
Hyder Khalil
On-stage
Current on stage role: Fishman/Cutlery
Favourite on stage role: Crocodile
Favourite musical / show: Fiddler on the Roof
About Hyder:
Joined Barnstormers in 2008. Previous on-stage experience was at school, aged 16.Now semi-retired, but do work as freelance copywriter and producing marketing content. Most other activities are musical - play flute in 3 orchestras locally + other odd bits and pieces.
Hyder’s one wish is to be able to instantly teleport himself anywhere whenever he wanted to. The cast are hoping that his wish is not answered during the show. His favourite Disney film is The Jungle Book and he looks forward to being able to perform in it with Barnstormers one day. Hyder has previously appeared as: Marvello/Harold Hardheart (Dick Patchington), George Gershwin/Policeman (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Captain Renault/Z (A Night at the Movies), King (Cinderella), Crocodile (Just So) – his favourite role to date, and Mordcha (Fiddler on the Roof). He considers that he is most like the character Yoda from Star Wars.
Matt Lott
Thesphan.
Current on stage role: Gaston.
Favourite on stage role: Gaston.
Favourite musical / show: Just So, Fiddler on the roof.
About Matt:
Hello, my name is Matt and i am very pleased to meet you. I like Barnstormer's and Barnstormer's likes me. I am currently the best Barnstormer but don't tell anyone else otherwise they will become more jealous of me. I am a fellow co-founder of Barnstormer's outreach programme in which we aim to bring joy to the nation through excercising our footballing capabilities whitin the confines of the church car park. I am also a keen Hyder enthusiast, this began after whitnessing his destructive path mid-show. Since then i spend my time Hyderwatching/Hyderstalking/Hyderimpersinating/Hyderracing and Hyderlistening.I like Hyder.Thank you for taking the time to read this! :)
Heather Lythgoe
Current on stage role: Pit Singer
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Heather:
This is Heather’s debut performance with Barnstormers and she is both excited and petrified in equal measure by the thought of it. Many a person has said that she may be actually a little bit mad. She totally agrees. Heather is a whizz-kid at playing the game “Buzz” and loves partying with her friends in Brighton. Heather can also be found singing at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church’s Café services or partying out of hours whenever possible. She is currently on a placement as part of her degree in Maths and is looking forward to doing something really exciting with her life.
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About :
Hannah Mitchell
Current on stage role: Lefou
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Hannah:
The role of Lefou is an unusual challenge for Hannah and she is not sure whether she is really pleased to be playing a man. Having played the roles of Jack (Dick Patchington) and Nachum/Sasha (Fiddler) she accepts that perhaps she should now be used to it by now. She is more upset at the thought of all the bruising she expects to sustain from her scenes and dance routines with Gaston. Hannah loves performing and has appeared in many productions with Barnstormers including roles as: Miss Dorothy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Ballet Rose/Dance Captain – Men In Black (A Night at the Movies), Giraffe (Just So) and Widow Sharpeye (Cinderella).
Jean Porter
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Jean:
Gary Robertson
Actor/Singer/Director
Current on stage role: I prefer acting and singing to dancing
Favourite on stage role: Tevye (the Topol part) - Fiddler on the Roof
Favourite musical / show: Fiddler on the Roof
About Gary:
Well, I love acting, singing and I am without doubt the best dancer in the group(Believe that and you will believe anything), added to that I am now a director, I have produced 1 show and very often help out with set and prop construction so I have done a lot of the jobs within "Barnstormers"I love my fellow barnstormers, they are a great bunch and given time some of them may aspire to my lofty heights of excellence (I live in hope) - Hope you realise I am joking here - lol. Anyway, Barnstormers are a very diverse group of all ages and backgrounds (although the core is Church based it it very inclusive - all welcome) who seem to manage to make each show better than the last one, there is always plenty to do and rehearsals can be real fun at times - and the social side is equally rewarding (not least the trip to the pub after most rehearsals).
Ruth Scott Connolly
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Ruth:
James Smith
Current on stage role: Prince/The Beast
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About James:
James still tries to maintain that he cannot act or dance but with the ever-growing list of lead roles to his name we are becoming slightly less likely to agree with him. It was decided that his performance in Dick Patchington as the ever-so-slightly-effeminate Able Seaman Snitch was a little too realistic and perhaps a more “manly” role would be a bigger challenge. However, his early “roars” as the Beast were not as scary as they could have been and had the cast rolling around in fits of giggles. James’ other recent roles include: Trevor Graydon III (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Viktor Lazlo/Robbie (A Night at the Movies), Elephant’s Child (Just So), Big Elf (Cinderella), Motel (Fiddler on the Roof), Billy (Anything Goes), Horton (Seussical), Jesus (Godspell) and Joseph (Joseph).
Natalie Steel
Current on stage role: Silly Girl
Favourite on stage role: Silly Girl
Favourite musical / show: Millie
About Natalie:
hello my name is Natalie. I have been in barnstormers for some time. My first was HONK. I enjoy dance, drama, singing, photography and art.
Paula Steel
Current on stage role: Babette
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Paula:
Paula took to the role of the cheeky French maid, Babette, like a duck to water and has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of developing the French accent required for the role. She promises not to ruffle too many feathers. She also loved playing the talkative Aunt Bee Kindly in Dick Patchington even though the audience spent rather too much time “shushing” her. Paula has been performing with Barnstormers for many years, including: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Muzzy Van Hossmere), Shirley Valentine (A Night at the Movies), Fairy Muddle (Cinderella), Mendel (Fiddler on the Roof) and Purser (Anything Goes).
Louisa Taylor
Director - Joseph
Current on stage role: N/a
Favourite on stage role: Belle, Millie, Jane Eyre & Kolokolo Bird
Favourite musical / show: Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jane Eyre & Just So
About Louisa:
Louisa is very much looking forward to the challenge of directing Barnstormers anniversary production of "Joseph" in 2012. The show is one that is very close to her heart and she is expecting it to take over most of her non-working life for the next few months. That is apart from the time she is likely to spend reading more books, listening to more musicals, walking the dog and sleeping. Louisa’s previous roles include: Amy Pond (Snow White), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Princess Petit Pearl (Dick Patchington), Millie (Thoroughly Modern Millie), the title roles of Jane Eyre and The Baker’s Wife, Kolokolo Bird (Just So), Brenda (Storage the Musical - World Premiere), Hodel (Fiddler on the Roof), Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes) and Dorothy (The Wiz). Follow the progress of the show on www.hugmore.wordpress.com
Hannah Trott
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Hannah:
Beth Whittaker
Current on stage role:
Favourite on stage role:
Favourite musical / show:
About Beth:
After appearing as a Pit Singer for Barnstormers in A Night at the Movies and Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beth stepped up into the main on-stage cast for Dick Patchington as Jean and hasn’t looked back. She is delighted to be appearing in this classic Disney show and looks forward to the day when Disney creates a stage show of her favourite Disney film, Bambi. When not performing with Barnstormers, the Brighton Orpheus Choir or Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Beth can be found watching C.S.I. or skiing. She is also Circuit Steward for the Brighton & Hove Methodist Church Circuit.
About Ann:
Ann wishes she could be braver and thinks that she is not very confident. The cast and crew of Barnstormers however disagree and claim that her wild and wacky performances as Haggie Aggie (Dick Patchington), Daphne/Mama (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Mr Tumnus/Hermoine/Voldemort (A Night at the Movies), Duchess Proudfoot (Cinderella), Fruma-Sarah (Fiddler on the Roof), Chastity (Anything Goes), and, her favourite role to-date, Genie of the Lamp (Aladdin) speak for themselves. Ann once caught her foot in a seat belt whilst climbing out of a car at Preston Circus and promptly found herself lying down on the pavement with her foot stuck in the car. She was not amused.
About Paul:
This year marks an extremely important event in Paul’s life: the opening of the new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion. He was so excited about watching his favourite team playing in the new ground that he considered leaving Barnstormers in the summer to dedicate his time to watching them. However, as performing on stage is only just a narrow second to his love of football he decided that he could not disappoint his many fans. Paul has appeared in: Dick Patchington (Able Seaman Unready), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bun Foo), A Night at the Movies (Sam), Just So (Cooking Stove), Cinderella (Snatch-it/Little Jack Horner) and Fiddler on the Roof (Rabbi).
About Sheila:
About Emma:
Beauty and the Beast is Emma’s return to the Barnstormers stage after a long break to take care of her two little darling children. She has of course spent the intervening time dressing them up as all manner of characters. Emma was mildly amused to be cast as a cheese grater and has been doing her best not to rub the cast up the wrong way. She previously appeared in: Honk! (Penny), The Wiz (Addapearle - the Good Witch), Godspell (teenager), Joseph (Judah), and many other Barnstormers shows. Emma makes the best banoffee pie in the world (Ed. my opinion) but hates all vegetables other than carrots and sweetcorn. She hopes that her children will one day follow in her footsteps on the Barnstormers stage.
About John:
John keeps attempting to escape from Barnstormers but somehow never manages to get far! This year he was relieved not to have to memorise any songs and is looking forward to the relaxed life of a Pit Singer after setting the scene in the Prologue. The real reason John is not on stage is nothing to do with his memory but the difficulty of his jet-setting retirement that rarely sees him in the UK for more than a few weeks at a time. He loves every minute. John has performed in many shows including: Dick Patchington (Captain Quentin Queasy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Kenneth/Policeman), A Night at the Movies (Joe/Father), Just So (Eldest Magician), Anything Goes (Rev Henry T Dobson) and Honk! (Greylag).
About Caroline:
About Bert:
Bert’s relationship with Barnstormers seems to be like that of a strong elastic-band. He pulls away for a year but just can’t help himself from pinging back into the cast for the next show. The choreographer hopes that his recent refreshing break will return him to his former glory days and has planned some exotic dance numbers for him. Bert is not sure whether to be pleased or concerned by his casting as the grumpy, bossy, old clock “Cogsworth” in this year’s show. He has previously appeared as: Policeman/Muzzy’s Boy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Rick/Audrey (A Night at the Movies), Rhino (Just So), Baron Hardup (Cinderella), Lazar Wolf (Fiddler on the Roof), Elisha Whitney (Anything Goes), Drake (Honk!), General Schmitz (Seussical) and Potiphar (Joseph).
Bert is Barnstormers' Producer. He works very hard at keeping everything on track during show time, from directing the Director to making sure the show is widely publicised.
About Mandy:
The last time Mandy appeared on stage she was forced to play opposite her husband as Ilsa in the Casablanca scene of “A Night at the Movies”. This was not the first time having previously appeared opposite each other as Mr and Mrs Potiphar in Joseph and Ida and Drake in Honk! It was therefore with some trepidation that she accepted the role of the singing wardrobe for tonight’s production playing opposite Bert once more. She promises to do her best to keep her drawers under control. Mandy has performed in many other shows for Barnstormers including: Just So (Eldest Magician), Cinderella (Countess Comelately), Fiddler on the Roof (Yente), Anything Goes (Hope) and Seussical (Mrs Mayor).
About Claire:
If Claire could have one perfect day she would spend it in the Seychelles wearing pyjamas whilst eating a roast dinner and sipping cocktails with Johnny Depp (but only if he stays in character as “Jack Sparrow”) Whilst she loves all chocolate bars and sweets she is of the opinion that Turkish Delight should die (Ed: simple answer – give all the Turkish Delight in the world to me, please). She has previously appeared on stage as: Keith Kindly (Dick Patchington), Alice (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Susan/Rose (A Night at the Movies) and, her favourite role to-date, Charlie (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Claire also performed with the Barnstormers band at the Ghana/Barnstormers Charity Gig earlier this year.
About Astrid:
About :
About Paula:
About Roni:
Roni only signed up for Beauty and the Beast when she was sure that she would still be able to watch the on-stage action from the pit. She was slightly offended that the score seemed to refer to them as BOG singers, but it then became clear the reference was to “Be Our Guest Singers”! Roni has previously been a Pit singer for Thoroughly Modern Millie and A Night at the Movies. She has also appeared in: Seussical, The Baker’s Wife, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, Autumn Colours, An Evening with Schwartz & Sondheim, Sing-a-long Joseph & Godspell, Winter Warmer and various concerts with Brighton Orpheus Choir and Brighton Voices.
About Seb:
About Sue:
Much to Sue’s surprise she found that she had once again signed up as a Pit Singer for Beauty and the Beast. She has however had a good time in rehearsal knitting a whole variety of items. If you hear any unusual clicking noises during the show it will probably be Sue. Despite her penchant for knitting, she is nothing like Charles Dickens’ evil character Madame Defarge and will normally only be found using a guillotine in her craft activities. Sue has sung in the pit for: Thoroughly Modern Millie, A Night at the Movies, Trouble in Pantoland and Jesus Christ Superstar. She is also helping out in make up.
About Nick:
Hi my name is Nick, I have been in Barnstormers for four years. Since joining i have had many great opportunities to act as a variety of different characters. To add to this I have made some great friends, And hope to continue being in shows with Barnstormers for the foreseeable future.
Even though in real-life Nick might give the appearance of being a genuine “Mr Nice Guy”, his casting in recent shows arguably calls this into question. As the aptly named Monsieur D’Arque he is unlikely to be able to shake this vicious slur on his character. His recent roles include: Sidney Sniveler (Dick Patchington) – his favourite role, Mugger/Letch/Rodney (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Minister/Uhura (A Night at the Movies) and Pau Amma (Just So). Nick particularly enjoyed spending time with his Thoroughly Modern Millie dancing partner, Orlando Broom, and is disappointed that Orlando cannot be with him anymore. His favourite song is Y.M.C.A.
About Bob:
About Clare:
About Rachel:
About Margaret:
Margaret often hides away backstage armed with all manner of pins, needles, threads, clips etc. The cast has always been secretly afraid of her reputation as the Mistress of the Wardrobe. At least on stage she has relinquished that role to Mandy. This year she has been working hard with her team behind the scenes in fitting the extremely large costumes for the castle inhabitants. She is delighted to be able to join in singing the beautiful Disney melodies and excessively high soprano notes. Margaret has designed and fitted the costumes for many shows including: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dick Patchington, Just So & Cinderella.
About Hyder:
Joined Barnstormers in 2008. Previous on-stage experience was at school, aged 16.Now semi-retired, but do work as freelance copywriter and producing marketing content. Most other activities are musical - play flute in 3 orchestras locally + other odd bits and pieces.
Hyder’s one wish is to be able to instantly teleport himself anywhere whenever he wanted to. The cast are hoping that his wish is not answered during the show. His favourite Disney film is The Jungle Book and he looks forward to being able to perform in it with Barnstormers one day. Hyder has previously appeared as: Marvello/Harold Hardheart (Dick Patchington), George Gershwin/Policeman (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Captain Renault/Z (A Night at the Movies), King (Cinderella), Crocodile (Just So) – his favourite role to date, and Mordcha (Fiddler on the Roof). He considers that he is most like the character Yoda from Star Wars.
About Matt:
About Heather:
This is Heather’s debut performance with Barnstormers and she is both excited and petrified in equal measure by the thought of it. Many a person has said that she may be actually a little bit mad. She totally agrees. Heather is a whizz-kid at playing the game “Buzz” and loves partying with her friends in Brighton. Heather can also be found singing at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church’s Café services or partying out of hours whenever possible. She is currently on a placement as part of her degree in Maths and is looking forward to doing something really exciting with her life.
About :
About Hannah:
The role of Lefou is an unusual challenge for Hannah and she is not sure whether she is really pleased to be playing a man. Having played the roles of Jack (Dick Patchington) and Nachum/Sasha (Fiddler) she accepts that perhaps she should now be used to it by now. She is more upset at the thought of all the bruising she expects to sustain from her scenes and dance routines with Gaston. Hannah loves performing and has appeared in many productions with Barnstormers including roles as: Miss Dorothy (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Ballet Rose/Dance Captain – Men In Black (A Night at the Movies), Giraffe (Just So) and Widow Sharpeye (Cinderella).
About Jean:
About Gary:
About Ruth:
About James:
James still tries to maintain that he cannot act or dance but with the ever-growing list of lead roles to his name we are becoming slightly less likely to agree with him. It was decided that his performance in Dick Patchington as the ever-so-slightly-effeminate Able Seaman Snitch was a little too realistic and perhaps a more “manly” role would be a bigger challenge. However, his early “roars” as the Beast were not as scary as they could have been and had the cast rolling around in fits of giggles. James’ other recent roles include: Trevor Graydon III (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Viktor Lazlo/Robbie (A Night at the Movies), Elephant’s Child (Just So), Big Elf (Cinderella), Motel (Fiddler on the Roof), Billy (Anything Goes), Horton (Seussical), Jesus (Godspell) and Joseph (Joseph).
About Natalie:
hello my name is Natalie. I have been in barnstormers for some time. My first was HONK. I enjoy dance, drama, singing, photography and art.
About Paula:
About Louisa:
About Hannah:
About Beth:
After appearing as a Pit Singer for Barnstormers in A Night at the Movies and Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beth stepped up into the main on-stage cast for Dick Patchington as Jean and hasn’t looked back. She is delighted to be appearing in this classic Disney show and looks forward to the day when Disney creates a stage show of her favourite Disney film, Bambi. When not performing with Barnstormers, the Brighton Orpheus Choir or Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Beth can be found watching C.S.I. or skiing. She is also Circuit Steward for the Brighton & Hove Methodist Church Circuit.