Meet the Team

RUTHIE HENSHALL is an English actress, singer and dancer, known for her work in musical theatre and TV. She made her West End debut in Cats in 1987. A five-time Olivier Award nominee, she won the 1995 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Amalia Balash in the London revival of She Loves Me (1994).

Ruthie's other Olivier nominated roles are Polly Baker in the original London production of Crazy for You (1993–1994), Roxie Hart in the revival of Chicago (1997–1998) and the title roles in the original productions of Peggy Sue Got Married (2001) and Marguerite (2008). She made her Broadway debut in 1999 as Velma Kelly in Chicago and returned to the Broadway production to play Roxie Hart in 2010. She also starred as Mrs Wilkinson for two years in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical (2014–2016). She returned to television acting in 2021 by appearing as Miranda Evans in the BBC soap opera Doctors.

PAUL SCHOFIELD works as a Musical Supervisor, Composer, Orchestrator and Arranger. He works with various artists as Musical Director (including Ruthie Henshall & Clarke Peters) and various productions across the UK. Most recently Musical Supervisor on Hair - In Concert at the London Palladium. (Dir. Arlene Phillips). 

He is a managing director of Three Pin Productions Ltd, which was established with Ruthie in 2012. The company have produced both national and international tours, recorded studio albums, produced original book musicals for Cunard and amongst other projects, provide theatrical/musical consultancy for the broader entertainment industry.

ANDREA LOWDE is CEO, and leads the educational programme, at RHCAST. As professional singer who trained at Laines Theatre Arts, Andrea has 20 years experience working in the entertainment industry.

From her role as Cruise Director responsible for passenger entertainment on board luxury liners, through to 5 years working as Principal for Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford, Andrea has a proven track record in education, performance, directing, and management. 

Grace is a BA PGCE-qualified actor, creative practitioner, and theatre director based in Suffolk. She trained at Masters Performing Arts CDMT and the Guildford School of Acting, and has further honed her craft through a range of specialised short courses in diverse styles and practices.

As an actor, Grace has built a diverse portfolio of performances, working across both stage and screen, where she’s taken on a wide range of characters. In 2021, Grace won Best Actress at the BEST Film Award. Following this, she quickly discovered her love for performances designed for children, developing numerous memorable characters for shows with young audiences in mind. Most recently, Grace worked with The Theatre Royal Bury St. Edmunds on their immersive children's show, playing the title role in Rudolph’s Red Nose Rescue. Grace’s acting is known for its bold physicality and emotional honesty, which she seamlessly integrates into her directing work.

As well as being the founder of The Actor’s Training Academy (TATA), Grace has collaborated with some of the East of England’s most renowned theatres including Eastern Angles Theatre Company, New Wolsey Theatre, Theatre Royal Bury St. Edmunds, The Garage, and The Mercury Theatre. With over a decade of experience, her career has evolved from practitioner and theatre maker to actor trainer and director, bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight to every project she undertakes.

With a passion for creating work in an inclusive environment, Grace’s direction focuses on bold, physical choices combined with relevant storytelling. At the heart of her work is a commitment to empowering young actors, helping them use theatre as a platform for self-expression and ensuring their voices remain central to every production. Her aim is to educate and engage audiences of all ages through impactful, thought-provoking theatre.<o:p></o:p>

Mariana trained at Conservatoire EAST in Bury St Edmunds, where she undertook intensive training in theatre, physical theatre, voice training, improvisation, dance and film projects. She also trained at Identity School of Acting IDSA London, where she focused on screen Acting and deep character knowledge. Mariana is now combining her love for the arts with her organisational skills to take on the role of College Manager at RHCast. 

Alison brings her diverse experience in project management, communication and organisational development to this role. Having started her career serving as a medic in the British Army, Alison followed this with five years as a restaurant manager for The Alex in Felixstowe. To connect her work more with her personal life, she went on to lead fundraising for Suffolk Family Carers for eight years. After becoming a mother to twins, Alison retrained as a Swimming Teacher and Aqua Instructor, promoting health and well-being.

Bringing together this wealth of professional skills, a lifelong interest in theatre, and a decade working with Ruthie Henshall, Alison is excited to support young people exploring their creativity and passion for musical theatre in the unique space that is RHCAST.

Sophia Adzoa-Moore is a recent Musical Theatre graduate of Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford, where she also worked as the Equality & Diversity Student Representative. She is a freelance EDI consultant, performer and dance teacher. She has a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion and is able to bring her lived experiences as a black, disabled student and performer to inform her work in EDI roles. Sophia has a variety of experience working with different schools, colleges andorganisations. Sophia’s performing experience includes, Audrey II / Ensemble / Dance, Captain in Little Shop of Horrors at PPA, Kiki in Flashdance at PPA and a Ballet Girl in Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace Theatre. She has recently finished filming for some exciting TV Projects.

I’m a passionate and dedicated BACP registered fully qualified Therapeutic Counsellor with a profound understanding of the unique challenges and pressures faced by performers and creatives. My education at Sylvia Young Theatre School and the London School of Musical Theatre, combined with my professional training as a therapist, has equipped me with a holistic approach to counselling. This blend of mental health expertise and a deep appreciation for creative expression allows me to offer tailored support that addresses both the emotional and professional needs of artists. As a lifelong lover of the arts and a former performer, I empathise deeply with the highs and lows of creative careers. I am committed to empowering artists, helping them navigate their personal and professional challenges to achieve their full creative potential.

Rob trained as an actor at RADA, with extensive experience on stage and screen, including Game ofThrones (HBO) and an award-winning regular role in Holby City (BBC). Author of The Actor’s CareerBible, published by Bloomsbury, and the upcoming The Actor’s Career Companion. As an acting teacher and career-coach, has created and led courses at BA level across London and the South-East.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Music as a Pianist and Vocal Coach and spends much of her time in Theatre and on the concert platform. She has MDed professional panto, appeared as an actress in professional Musical Theatre, as a singer pianist and performer-MD at endless venues on the LondonCabaret circuit, and performed as a conductor, solo/ ensemble singer and concert pianist. She is in demand as a choral workshop leader and writes and arranges music in a variety of genres. Over the years there have been many projects with Sir Richard Stilgoe (of Starlight Express fame) at the Orpheus Centre with Disabled Performers, and multiple projects with sufferers of Parkinsons Disease, Senile Dementia, Complex needs and a Summer School for Young Carers with Ruthie Henshall. In 2010 she was honoured to be presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her work tutoring young people in the Performing Arts (former students include Tom Francis, Robbie Noonan, Matthew Cavendish and Nicholas Sheehan). She established the now-multiple-choirs “The Voice Squad” 35 years ago, which has performed numerous full-scale musicals and concerts, and appeared at venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, the London Palladium, the Royal Opera House, the South Bank, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and at the Edinburgh Fringe. They’ve also featured on Aled Jones’s Radio 2 Programme “The Choir”, and on Blue Peter and BBC TV as Finalists in the massively prestigious Choir of the Year 2008.

Nicholas is a professional musical director, orchestrator, tutor, and musician with a huge passion for musical theatre. After graduating from Royal Holloway, University of London, he has returned to Suffolk to provide musical services throughout the county and further afield. Previous Credits include: ‘The Addams Family’ (SYPT 2024); ‘Les Misérables School Edition’ (Co-op Juniors 2024); ‘Oliver’ (BSEODS 2023), ‘Ghost’ (SYPT 2023), ‘Young Frankenstein’ (NOMADS 2023), ‘Shakespeare In Love’ (BSEODS 2023), ‘Legally Blonde’ (NOMADS 2022), ‘The Lightning Thief’ (SYPT 2022), ‘The Wind In The Willows’ (BSEODS 2022); ‘The Addams Family’ (BSEODS 2021) and ‘The Three Little Pigs’ (Assistant Musical Director, UK Tour 2021, The Unusual Theatre Company). Upcoming Projects Include: ‘Nativity!’ (Cambridge Theatre Company) and ‘Shrek’ (SYPT). Nicholas is also the musical director of ‘The Aquarius Singers’ a Bury-based all-female choir who perform regular concerts in the area, a member of the ‘Eden Theatre Arts’ faculty, a tutor for ‘The Voice Squad’, and conducts a wide range of musical services throughout the area.

I am a professional actor with 7 years of consistent experience in the industry, bringing dedication and versatility to every role I take on. Alongside my acting career, I have over 20 years of choral expertise, having performed with semi-professional choirs since the age of 7. I am also passionate about nurturing vocal talent, with 9 years of experience providing one-on-one musical coaching to singers of all ages. Personable and approachable, I thrive in collaborative environments but am equally comfortable working independently. With strong interpersonal skills, I connect easily with people of all ages, and I am known for my polite, diplomatic approach. I adapt quickly to new challenges, always ensuring my work is completed to a high standard and within timeframes.

KELLY HAMPSON trained at the Guildford School of Acting and graduated in 2015 with a BA (hons) in Musical Theatre.

Kelly has worked as an actor in the West End and has toured with production both in the UK and internationally. Additionally, Kelly has recently completely her singing teacher training, and acquired her Vocal Coach qualification with Vocal Balance. Kelly teaches private singing lessons in central London and online. Stage Credits Include: Azzura in Stilletto (Charing Cross Theatre); Rhonda Graam in Tina (Aldwych Thetare); Dancer in National Lottery Big Night of Musicals (BBC); Simone in Night Flight (Concert); Ensemble/First Cover Rhonda in Tina (Aldwych Theatre); Ensemble/Cover Rosalie Mullins/Cover Patty in School of Rock (Gillian Lynne Theatre); Suzie in Perfectly Ordinary (The Hope Mill Theatre); Ensemble/Cover Queen Matilda/Hannah/Emily in Knights of the Rose (The Arts Theatre); Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Leicester Curve/Monaco); Alternate Molly Jenson in Ghost the Musical (UK Tour); Soloist in A Night of Modern Musical Theatre (Battersea Barge); Angelica in Classic Ghost Stories: The Waiting Room (UK Tour). Television Credits Include: Lorraine in Man vs Baby (Netflix)

Nicci started dancing at the age of 3 going on to train in Ballet, Tap and Modern dance. As well as completing ISTD examinations in these genres, Nicci had regular performing opportunities including shows at Snape Maltings and an appearance on Saturday Night Live at the London Palladium in 2001.
At the age of 18, Nicci went on to train at The Centre Performing Arts college on an accelerated two year course, where she completed Advanced 2 level in Ballet, Tap and Modern and gained full ISTD teaching qualifications in all three genres. After graduation, Nicci embarked on a career with Carnival Cruise Line, performing and travelling the world. Over the course of nine years she progressed from Dancer to Dance Captain and on to Cast Supervisor, teaching shows to new performers and cast members in state of the art, purpose built studios in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
Throughout the last 20 years, Nicci has taught a variety of different styles in various locations and over the last seven years has taught in schools and colleges across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and London.  
In 2022, Nicci graduated with the ISTD Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy and is currently studying a Masters degree in Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

Catherine trained in Sydney with Barrebody and qualified as a Barre instructor. Catherine’s business LoveBarre was founded in 2023.

Shortly after Catherine worked as an instructor with fitness company, RWL founded by Cecilia Harris and Lucy Mecklenburg and created Barre programs for the platform and also taught at the RWL retreats in Portugal. Catherine has worked with the dance & drama department at Northgate High School to support the students in their exam preparation. Catherine currently has classes in the Suffolk area and in 2025 is looking to grow and continue her personal development with pre & post natal training, stretch courses and a diploma in wellbeing. Catherine’s passion to support people and offer encouragement and understanding of why in the arts industry it’s so important to look after yourself. Your body is what you rely on to do your job and the benefits of barre as low impact strength training to build technique and injury prevention is a great class to complement students training. Catherine’s background is in dance and musical theatre and trained at the Linda Shiptons School of dancing and Suzie Lowes School of Performing Arts. Catherine has performed in local Suffolk theatre productions and regularly performs with the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company.

Quinn began his professional career by forming his own Theatre-in-Education company called Body2Body. The company enjoyed three successful years touring Schools and Colleges. Quinn subsequently won a scholarship to Mountview Theatre School where he graduated with a BA Honours Degree.

His first job following graduation was a national tour of The Wind In The Willows playing Toad. Further theatre credits include Teddy in Arsenic And Old Lace, Judd in Bouncers, Norman in Lucky Sods, Det Sgt Davenport in Funny Money, George in I'll Be Back Before Midnight, Hooper in Kindly Keep It Covered

Musicals include Leonard in Plastered with Jerry Zaks, Les in Strictly Ballroom, Chief O’Reilly in Bananaman The Musical, Bill in We’ll Live and Die in these Towns and Mr Mushnik in Little Shop Of Horrors

Television credits include Pennyworth (Amazon Prime); Emmerdale (ITV), Casualty, Moving On and Shakespeare and Hathaway (BBC) Without Motive (ITV), Castoffs ( Channel 4) and most recently a special one off episode of Trollied for Sky One. He also appeared in BAFTA winning children’s TV shows Grandpa In My Pocket and global hit HaHa Hairies.

Quinn has a wealth of pantomime experience and for many years has performed as the traditional pantomime Dame, in theatres across the UK. 

Film includes: Young Woman and the Sea for Disney; Elevator Gods for Happy Our Films; Mariachi for Diamond Dogs and Danny and the Human Zoo for BBC film and Red productions.

 

Chloe grew up in Australia before moving to the UK to study at Laine Theatre Arts, graduating with a First-Class Honours Degree in Musical Theatre. She earned her Comdance teaching qualification at 18 and has loved sharing her passion for dance ever since.<o:p></o:p>

In her final year at Laine, Chloe played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Kathryn Howard in Six, as well as performing in a special concert conducted by Stephen Brooker. She’s now excited to keep building her career as both a performer and teacher.<o:p></o:p>
 

Craig Mather is a Grammy-nominated vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and one of the longest-running actors to play Marius in Les Misérables worldwide. A graduate of Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts (First Class BA Acting), Craig has performed across the West End and internationally, with credits including Les Misérables (Queen’s, Gielgud), The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium), Pieces of String (Mercury Colchester), and Sweeney Todd (Harrington’s Pie Shop). Screen work includes Netflix’s Matilda, Disney’s Cinderella and Alice Through the Looking Glass, and BBC/Netflix’s Pompidou. 

His recordings include Les Misérables: The All-Star Concert (Grammy-nominated), The Wind in the Willows (Sony), Spring Awakening, and his own In Motion EP. Alongside performing, Craig is a dedicated vocal coach and the founder of Rocktop Studios, an art collectible company creating one-of-a-kind pieces from upcycled drums, blending craftsmanship with music heritage.<o:p></o:p>
 

Graham “Gaz” Brown was a military musician and studied trumpet & orchestration at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, playing for the Royal family on a number of occasions. He also holds a Masters in Film & TV composition from Kingston University and wrote a musical based on Frankenstein, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe festival. Over the years he has played in the pit across Cambridgeshire and been Musical Director for dozens of shows across the region. These include:

Annie, Oliver, Whistle Down the Wind, Joined at the Heart – Sky Blue Theatre Company, Cambridge Corn ExchangeLes Miserables, West Side Story, Shrek, The LittleMermaid – The Leys Theatre, Cambridge Theatre Company

Tell Me on a Sunday – Ely College, Ely ADS

Bugsy, Spamalot, The Full Monty, Spend Spend Spend – The Maltings, Campaign Amateur Theatre Group

Sweeney Todd, Avenue Q, Gypsy, Fame – The Brook, Soham, Viva Theatre Company

Guys & Dolls – The Kings Theatre, Newmarket, NOMADS

The Wizard of Oz – Witchford College, WADS

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Jesus Christ Superstar (2026) – The Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, BESODS

 He has studied the Estill Vocal Technique with Anne-Marie Speed at the Royal Academy of music since 2019 and prepared many young performers for drama school. 

 

Matt is a professional actor, producer and theatre director. Back in 2012 he studied at East 15 Acting School in an MA in Acting. He's been previously Artistic Director to then TWAS Theatre LTD an educational theatre company in the east from 2015-2020. He's toured international theatre, new writing and TIE productions within his 13 year experience as an actor.<o:p></o:p>

As a producer he's previously worked as the Engagement Producer at Mercury Theatre Colchester during it's 11 million pound redevelopment phase and continues to work as a freelance practitioner and creative at the theatre. He's recently worked briliant companies such as Limbik Theatre, Norwich Theatre Royal and Fresh Air Festvial. Matt works as neurodiverse advocate for theatre makers and has previously worked on projects that explores developing creatives practices made and for dyslexic theatre makers supported by Arts Council England. He's currently working on a project called "Dyslexia and Me" supported by Essex County Council that looks at dyslexic identity for young people/creatives.  Matt's previously taught at University Centre Colchester & Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. <o:p></o:p>