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A Christmas Carol Programme 2022
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Inspired by the1843 book by Charles Dickens

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Director – Kevin Shaw

Kevin is the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Albany Theatre in Coventry, with a brief to further develop the programme of performance and participatory work and oversee the refurbishment and extension of the beautiful Art Deco Theatre.

He previously spent 17 years as Chief Executive and Artistic Director at Oldham Coliseum Theatre where he directed more than 100 productions, as well as directing and co-writing 15 pantomimes. He also founded the Coliseum’s thriving learning and engagement department giving thousands of participants opportunities to engage with theatre.

Before this he spent 7 years in the New Forest as Artistic Director of Forest Forge, a rural touring theatre company and 4 years as Associate Director at Salisbury Playhouse.

Kevin has a strong commitment to developing creative talent, providing a platform and professional support for work from new and emerging theatre companies and artists.

Set Design & Lighting Design – Dan Tilley

Dan Tilley trained at Stratford upon-Avon and Blackpool and the Fylde collages gaining qualifications within Technical theatre and lighting design. 

Lighting design credits include: Freddy Star Live, The Comedians, Wind in the Willows, Peter Pan, The Snow Queen, A Christmas Carol, Dreadzone and Rock Your Age 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Relight credits include Jurassic Adventures.

Set Design credits include The Snow Queen and A Christmas Carol.

Choreographer – Katie Gavin 

Katie trained at Pattisons Theatre Arts and is a licentiate of the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA). For many years she entertained professionally overseas – her most memorable cruising around South America, as a magician’s assistant!

Previously Katie, was in partnership with Coventry Theatretrain, but now puts all her time into her dance school, KT School of Dance. She now considers herself too old to perform but has had many principal roles over the years with the many Theatre groups Coventry has to offer.

Coventry Youth Operetta Group (YOG) was a huge part of her life and was guided by Choreographer Beryl Thomas, that gained her enough experience to take on the choreographer’s role for many years, ending her time at YOG as artistic director for ‘Loserville’ in 2014.

Musical Director – Claire Tyler

Claire is a fully qualified music teacher and has worked with many musical theatre societies over the years as a performer and musical director.

Most recently “Made in Dagenham” for TSG at the Warwick Arts Centre and Rugby theatre, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, “Acorn Antiques” and “Godspell” at the Priory Theatre and “Barnum”, “Oliver” and “The Full Monty” at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington. 

She has also arranged the vocals for many pantomimes in the area over the years.

 

Scenic Artist – Trudy Rees Marklew

 

Costume Design & Construction – Anna Lewis

 

Sound Design – Michael Molloy

 

Puppet Design & Construction – Sarah-Jane Ash

 

Director – Kevin Shaw

Kevin is the Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Albany Theatre in Coventry, with a brief to further develop the programme of performance and participatory work and oversee the refurbishment and extension of the beautiful Art Deco Theatre.

He previously spent 17 years as Chief Executive and Artistic Director at Oldham Coliseum Theatre where he directed more than 100 productions, as well as directing and co-writing 15 pantomimes. He also founded the Coliseum’s thriving learning and engagement department giving thousands of participants opportunities to engage with theatre.

Before this he spent 7 years in the New Forest as Artistic Director of Forest Forge, a rural touring theatre company and 4 years as Associate Director at Salisbury Playhouse.

Kevin has a strong commitment to developing creative talent, providing a platform and professional support for work from new and emerging theatre companies and artists.

Set Design & Lighting Design – Dan Tilley

Dan Tilley trained at Stratford upon-Avon and Blackpool and the Fylde collages gaining qualifications within Technical theatre and lighting design. 

Lighting design credits include: Freddy Star Live, The Comedians, Wind in the Willows, Peter Pan, The Snow Queen, A Christmas Carol, Dreadzone and Rock Your Age 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Relight credits include Jurassic Adventures.

Set Design credits include The Snow Queen and A Christmas Carol.

Scenic Artist – Trudy Rees Marklew

 

Costume Design & Construction – Anna Lewis

 

Choreographer – Katie Gavin 

Katie trained at Pattisons Theatre Arts and is a licentiate of the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA). For many years she entertained professionally overseas – her most memorable cruising around South America, as a magician’s assistant!

Previously Katie, was in partnership with Coventry Theatretrain, but now puts all her time into her dance school, KT School of Dance. She now considers herself too old to perform but has had many principal roles over the years with the many Theatre groups Coventry has to offer.

Coventry Youth Operetta Group (YOG) was a huge part of her life and was guided by Choreographer Beryl Thomas, that gained her enough experience to take on the choreographer’s role for many years, ending her time at YOG as artistic director for ‘Loserville’ in 2014.

Musical Director – Claire Tyler

Claire is a fully qualified music teacher and has worked with many musical theatre societies over the years as a performer and musical director.

Most recently “Made in Dagenham” for TSG at the Warwick Arts Centre and Rugby theatre, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, “Acorn Antiques” and “Godspell” at the Priory Theatre and “Barnum”, “Oliver” and “The Full Monty” at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington. 

She has also arranged the vocals for many pantomimes in the area over the years. 

Sound Design – Michael Molloy


Puppet Design & Construction – Sarah-Jane Ash

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

Production Manager: Dan Tilley

Production Electrician: Oliver Dixon

Deputy Stage Manager: Abbie Drudge

Flyman: Phil Anthony 

 

 Crew: Adrain ‘FEBS’ Fairbarn

Production Carpenters: Andy, Ben, Ewart, Hillary, Karl, Keith, Neil, Pete, Sue, Steve, Terry, Tracy

Video: Chris Gernon

CAST

Paul Nolan Headshot - Scrooge

Paul Nolan

Ebenezer Scrooge

It’s been a busy 2022 for Paul in Coventry based productions; EGO’s – Pirates of the Canal Basin, Imagineers – Queens Jubilee Pageant and Talking Birds – The Whale.

He is elated to be invited back by Kevin Shaw to be part of the ensemble cast for the Albany’s 2022 edition of Dickens’ timeless classic.

He sincerely hopes that this Christmastime we all share that ‘peculiar flavour’ to make our world a better place. He warmly wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Tina Barnes - Headshot

Tina Barnes

Belle Fezziwig, Clara, Tiny Tim, Charwoman

Tina is a professional theatre, film and television actress who has worked with many high-profile actors and creatives since graduating from The Birmingham School of Acting.

Theatre includes: Lady Macbeth and Her Servants, The Darlaston Dog Fight (Arena Theatre), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream – UK Tour.

Television includes: ITV Emmerdale, BBC Doctors, and Sky One drama, Intergalactic.

Film includes: 400 Bullets, Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins, and Testament: The Parables Retold.

Tina is also an experienced voice-over artist and motion capture performer and is currently working as the Lead Player Voice/Motion Capture for Baldur’s Gate III.

Andrea Crewe Headshot

Andrea Crewe

Ghost of Christmas Present, Mrs Fezziwig, Charity Gentlewoman

Andrea studied at City Acting Studio. Recent theatre work includes Athena for Red Bobble Arts and Beauty and the Beast for The Dukes Theatre Lancaster.

Andrea’s recent television roles include the Neonatal Nurse on Coronation Street, Dr Elaine Harris in Doctors and the Nurse in ITV drama Significant Other. She has also just recorded the BBC radio 4 play RISE.  

Other tv credits include Two Pints of Lager, Sinchronicity, Waterloo Road, Line of Duty and Blue Murder. You may also recognise Andrea from her role as Emma the Fundraiser in the BBC Comic Relief advert!

Aidan Cutler Headshot

Aidan Cutler

Jacob Marley, Peter Cratchit, Dick Wilkins, Fred, Tut

Aidan studied at the Guildford School of Acting.

Recent theatre work includes: Biff in Back to the Future: The Musical (Adelphi Theatre & Manchester Opera House); Showtune (Union Theatre); Christopher Wiseman in Unfolding Tales (Stockwell Playhouse).

Whilst training Aidan was Shrek in Shrek the Musical; Professor Bhaer in Little Women; Mr Tinsworthy in 9 to 5; Louis the Tenor in Pal Joey.

Recording work includes Back to the Future: The Musical – Original Cast Recording (Sony Masterworks Broadway).

Other credits:  Vocalist in Josh Groban UK Tour: Stages (Birmingham Symphony Hall); Vocalist in A Little Bit of Lerner: BBC Concert Orchestra (Royal Festival Hall)

Aizah Khan

Mrs Cratchit, Party Guest, Fan, Intelligent Fine Girl, Charity Gentlewoman

Aizah is a local Coventry based actress. A versatile performer, working from Theatre to Screen to Circus and Voiceover; she is a passionate character artist who loves to explore new ways to tell a story.  

Recent credits include Milesians with Imagineer/ Circolumbia, Phoenix Rise BBC and touring COME BOWL WITH ME as part of Birmingham’s 2022 Festival.

Cerys Lee Headshot

Cerys Lee-Jones

Ghost of Christmas Past, Martha Cratchit, Laundress

Cerys Lee-Jones studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is absolutely delighted to be making her professional stage debut in the cast of a Christmas Carol.

Conor Nolan

Bob Cratchit, Mr Fezziwig, Poulterer

Conor is a professional actor from Coventry. Starting with Ego Performance Company when he was 13, he trained at Arts University Bournemouth and the National Youth Theatre. 

Graduating in 2015, his stage work includes the Belgrade Theatre, Imagineer, the Birmingham Rep, Big Brum, Live & Local, Wise Owl Theatre, the Old Joint Stock and Alter Ego. He previously performed at The Albany appearing in ‘Whistle in the Dark’, directed by Paul Nolan. He is represented by and is also an agent for Red Talent Management. 

‘Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a cup of good cheer’


*All other characters played by company.

Tina Barnes

Belle Fezziwig, Clara, Tiny Tim, Charwoman

Tina is a professional theatre, film and television actress who has worked with many high-profile actors and creatives since graduating from The Birmingham School of Acting.

Theatre includes: Lady Macbeth and Her Servants, The Darlaston Dog Fight (Arena Theatre), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream – UK Tour.

Television includes: ITV Emmerdale, BBC Doctors, and Sky One drama, Intergalactic.

Film includes: 400 Bullets, Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins, and Testament: The Parables Retold.

Tina is also an experienced voice-over artist and motion capture performer and is currently working as the Lead Player Voice/Motion Capture for Baldur’s Gate III.

Andrea Crewe

Mrs Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Present, Charity Gentlewomen

Andrea studied at City Acting Studio. Recent theatre work includes Athena for Red Bobble Arts and Beauty and the Beast for The Dukes Theatre Lancaster.

 

Andrea’s recent television roles include the Neonatal Nurse on Coronation Street, Dr Elaine Harris in Doctors and the Nurse in ITV drama Significant Other. She has also just recorded the BBC radio 4 play RISE.  Other tv credits include Two Pints of Lager, Sinchronicity, Waterloo Road, Line of Duty and Blue Murder. You may also recognise Andrea from her role as Emma the Fundraiser in the BBC Comic Relief advert!

Aidan Cutler Headshot

Aidan Cutler

Jacob Marley, Fred, Dick Wilkins, Tut, Peter Cratchit

Aidan studied at the Guildford School of Acting.

Recent theatre work includes: Biff in Back to the Future: The Musical (Adelphi Theatre & Manchester Opera House); Showtune (Union Theatre); Christopher Wiseman in Unfolding Tales (Stockwell Playhouse).

Whilst training Aidan was Shrek in Shrek the Musical; Professor Bhaer in Little Women; Mr Tinsworthy in 9 to 5; Louis the Tenor in Pal Joey.

Recording work includes Back to the Future: The Musical – Original Cast Recording (Sony Masterworks Broadway).

Other credits:  Vocalist in Josh Groban UK Tour: Stages (Birmingham Symphony Hall); Vocalist in A Little Bit of Lerner: BBC Concert Orchestra (Royal Festival Hall)

Aizah Khan

Mrs Cratchit, Charity Gentlewoman, Party Guest, Fan, Intelligent Fine Girl

Aizah is a local Coventry based actress. A versatile performer, working from Theatre to Screen to Circus and Voiceover; she is a passionate character artist who loves to explore new ways to tell a story.  

Recent credits include Milesians with Imagineer/ Circolumbia, Phoenix Rise BBC and touring COME BOWL WITH ME as part of Birmingham’s 2022 Festival.

Cerys Lee Headshot

Cerys Lee-Jones

Ghost of Christmas Past, Martha Cratchit, Laundress

Cerys Lee-Jones studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is absolutely delighted to be making her professional stage debut in the cast of a Christmas Carol.

Conor Nolan

Bob Cratchit, Mr Fezziwig, Poulterer

Conor is a professional actor from Coventry. Starting with Ego Performance Company when he was 13, he trained at Arts University Bournemouth and the National Youth Theatre. 

Graduating in 2015, his stage work includes the Belgrade Theatre, Imagineer, the Birmingham Rep, Big Brum, Live & Local, Wise Owl Theatre, the Old Joint Stock and Alter Ego. He previously performed at The Albany appearing in ‘Whistle in the Dark’, directed by Paul Nolan. He is represented by and is also an agent for Red Talent Management. 

‘Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a cup of good cheer’

*All other characters played by company.

With special thanks to...

The Volunteer Team – the life and blood of the theatre

 

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