Meet the Team

Natalie trained on the Musical Theatre pathway at the Birmingham school of Acting, where her roles included Mistress Overdone in ‘Measure for Measure,’ Gabrielle Jodoin in ‘The Guid Sisters’ and Laura/Emma in ‘Half a Sixpence.’

Upon graduating Natalie went straight into a musical adaptation of ‘Pinocchio’ for Image Musical Theatre, playing Cricket, Harlequin and Green Fairy; and since then she has performed in the premiere of the new musical ‘Blaze’ and created the roles of Susan and Miss Tweedie in the new musical ‘En-Suite Charity’ for the 2008 Edinburgh Festival.  Natalie has also sung on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Haymarket, when she was a Principal Cast member for “Sunday Night Live.’

Natalie understudied Maggie, Mae and Big Mama on the national tour of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and both understudied and played Actor 5 in the UK tour of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” opposite Peter Egan and Philip Franks.  Film roles include Natalie in ‘Non Compos,’ Nina in ‘Crossroads’ and Charlotte in ‘Guy’s Mannequin.’

For more information visit www.nataliebarker.co.uk.

Natalie is delighted to be playing the role of 'Nettie' in 'VaVoom! The Story of a Showgirl'

Sarah Blakemore, RQE is a writer from New York City. Prior to VaVoom!, she produced and directed an original work, A Starry Night, in NYC. Currently living in Cairo, she spends her time freelancing, writing for theater and working as an Editor for Arab Radio and Television. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in NYC in 2002.

Anne Freier is a composer, originally from Germany but currently living in London. Her work has encompassed a wide range of musical genres. Some of her favorite productions have been "About Blindness" at the Royal Opera House, Linbury Studios and “Madame Bovary” at the Gatehouse, in London. Anne is a graduate of City University, Bmus, where she studied music.

John has been performing and directing one way or another since around 1980, playing, amongst others, the title roles in Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus” and Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”, Dionysus in “The Bacchae”, Ed Kemp in Joe Orton’s “Entertaining Mr. Sloane”, Farmer Bunce for Brentwood Theatre’s recent “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, and a stint here at the Courtyard, as Leo Hawley in Jason Charles’ “Counterfeit Skin”.  

John has also acquired some recent credits as a voice artist, producing work for Osram, an audiobook for the RNIB, and is in the process of recording character voices for a videogame version of Wilkie Collins’ “The Woman in White”

Audrey Doklan graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelors of Arts, Major in Dance, Minor in Business Administrations in the summer of 2008. She has been performing and competing in dance since the age of eight. In 2007 she studied dance at Middlesex University where she choreographed and danced in multiple performances at the Trent Park Theatre. Audrey has worked as an actress/dancer for Cyrus Art Productions in North Carolina. She choreographed and performed for Steve Clarkeʼs production of Multiple Exposures based at Elon University Centre for the Arts in 2008. She has taught dance at various locations in the United States and in London. Audrey is also involved in modelling for dance photography and has worked with photographers in both the U.S. and the U.K. In the past year, Audrey has played the roles of both Nancy and Lolita-the specialist tango dancer in the Risley Musical Theatre production of the Boy Friend and plans to choreograph the company's next production in the Spring of 2010. She teaches Cheerleading and Dance at schools and clubs in Edmonton, London. She has become a dancer for Scarlett Perdereau's Contemporary Dance Company involving an upcoming performance at Cloud Dance Festival in London. And is currently the choreographer for the brand new musical production of VaVoom for Musas Theatre Company.

Kristen trained at Arts Educational London and received her BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre.  Previous credits include: Follies in-concert (London Palladium), Oh No It Isn’t! (Union Theatre), Stefano Forever Cabaret (St. Tropez); Adverts for Tango (Dubai), BlackBerry (Spain), SKY Sports; Launches for Trinity by Cartier, Dirty Stop Out, Adidas by Stella McCartney (London Fashion Week), Sanrizz Salons; Music Videos for Tinie Tempah, Fugative, Sway feat. Akon; and several short films.  Whilst at college Kristen was in The Pirates of Penzance, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Carousel.  Kristen sends her love to her family across the pond.  www.kristen-w.com

Jeff graduated from drama school in 2000 and has since then worked in both theatre and television. Recent theatre credits include Dromio in ‘The Comedy of Errors’ (Italian tour), Bottom in ‘A Midsummer-Night’s dream’ (The Broadway Theatre), Fernando in ‘Mariana Pineda’ (Union Chapel Theatre) and the Street-singing Narrator in the International tour of ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ as well as the obligatory Panto or two. Recent TV credits include several short films shown at both Cannes and other international festivals, an NHS corporate training video and an Ident for Cobra beer (ITV 1+2 Movies). He can currently be seen in the ‘Paddy Power’ ad for C4 racing.

Jeff is delighted to be a part of this exciting production.

 For more information go to www.jeffchandler.co.uk

Having completed a drama degree at Queen Mary, University of London, Natalie has spent a year saving for a Postgraduate course in acting. In between ‘real work’ she has also found time to grace the stage, performing the gamut of genres from panto to performance art, theme park characters and Shakespeare for kids at Glastonbury. Professional musical theatre being new to Natalie (don’t ask about the am-dram ones where she sang The Beatles in a cardboard cut-out octopus…), she is eager to embrace the challenge of learning to sing, dance, act, smile and not fall over all at once.

Louise Ann Munro graduated from ALRA in 2007. Her roles during  training at ALRA included Rosaline in ‘Loves Labours Lost’, Gower in ‘Pericles’ & Dolly Pickles in ‘Cloudstreet’.

Louise’s professional credits include: Aladdin in ‘Aladdin’ (UK Tour); Nurse in ‘Romeo And Juliet Docklands’ (Space Theatre, London);  Mistress Overdone in ‘Measure for Measure’ (Courtyard Theatre, London), Sue in ‘A Slice of Saturday Night ‘(Queens Theatre, Hornchurch);  ‘Unscripted’ (Cockpit Theatre, London) ; Katherine in ‘Taming of the Shrew’ and Trish in ‘Boogie Nights The Hit Musical’. 

She is now thrilled to now be playing ‘Melody’ in 'VaVoom! The Story of a Showgirl'.

Victoria originally trained at The London School of Musical Theatre where she played Darcy in the premier of Brenda Bly: Teen Detective (Cochrane Theatre.)   Theatre credits include: The title role in Goldilocks (Sherringham Little Theatre,) Nancy in Bye Bye Birdie (Landor Theatre), April in Company (Catford Broadway Theatre,) Good Fairy in Sleeping Beauty (Colour House Children’s Theatre,) Lily in A City Club (The Pleasance, Edinburgh,) and Doll Tearsheet in Shakespeare’s Henry the IV, Parts 1 and 2 (The Principal Theatre Company, Forty Hall.)    Other work includes: Barbie Wannabe in short film Dear Ana, LWT Talent Show, music video and online promotions.   Victoria recently graduated from Laban Conservatoire of Contemporary Dance but is delighted to be returning to her ‘jazz hands’ roots!  

Christopher is originally from Dublin, Ireland. He has trained with Bull Alley Theatre Training Company, Dublin, and Mountview Theatre Academy, London, gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Musical Theatre. Credits include; "U/S Robbie Rotten" and "Mayor Meanswell", Lazytown Live! UK Tour; "Man 2 / Ensemble, Closer Than Ever, Chelsea Theatre; "Young Man" / "Special Burns Victim", Stardust, Brackside / Merlin Films; "Molokov" in Chess, Draiocht Theatre, Dublin; "Ensemble" in the Dublin Fringe Festival nominated "See No Evil", Focus Theatre, Dublin; "MV Normandy Entertainment", Irish Ferries / Dial M For Music. Christopher would like to thank his family and friends for all their continued love and support.

In the past year Leigh has enjoyed working primarily in film and screen projects such as feature film 'Pub Crawl', two-act film 'Fartherland', 'Toby's Odessey' and many shorts, corporate and varied shoots.  He has previously enjoyed roles such as Hamlet in 'Hamlet', Jesus in 'Son of Man', Oberon in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and Deeley in 'Old Times'.  Other roles include Marco in 'A View From A Bridge', Elyott Chase in 'Private Lives', Richard in 'The Lover', Father in 'Rabbit', Oz in 'Me and My Friend' and Pozzo in 'Waiting for Godot'.    Having enjoyed the Brighton run of this musical, Leigh is very pleased to join in London cast of 'Va Voom!'.

Leejay trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and graduated in 2008. Since graduation Leejay has built up a credible CV of plays and musicals. He played the part of David in the European premiere of The Choir at the Stag theatre in Victoria, He played the part of Ralph in the London premiere of Reefer Madness at the Bridewell Theatre, Strepsiades in Clouds also at The Bridewell, Matt Lucas in Election Idol at the Brighthelm Centre in Brighton. He received great reviews for his performance as the Cat in Honk! at last years Edinburgh fringe festival. Next up for Leejay is the Remains of the day at the Union theatre which he will be performing in this September. For more information check out www.leejay.co.uk.

Olivia has just graduated from the Acting course at East 15 Acting school, where she thoroughly enjoyed playing a wide range of roles and learning new skills.

With her curly hair, big smile and unfailing enthusiasm, Olivia was perfect for Lilotta. Olivia joined us fresh from Drama School having just completed her training at East 15 Acting School. She is a versatile actor and singer with experience across the board in modelling, Cabaret, film and stage acting, Music Hall, Burlesque, Opera and presenting. Olivia has a beautiful ‘songbird’ voice, with a clear tone and enchanting sound. For as long as she can remember, Olivia has enjoyed singing and performing and has thoroughly enjoyed herself whilst working on this production.

Olivia is a hardworking and good humoured company member with an excellent ensemble attitude. With an abundance of energy, she is a dynamic performer and always endeavours to make exciting choices.

www.oliviafrances.co.uk

David has played many roles including; Fagin in ‘Oliver!’, Bill in 'Me and My Girl' and Troy in ‘High School Musical’, for the New Theatre, Oxford.

Other roles include; Jesus in ‘Godspell’, Bat Boy in ‘Bat Boy the Musical’ for Full Tilt, Stanley Kowalski in ‘a Streetcar Named Desire’ at the Bath Theatre Royal, Edward in ‘Heresies’ at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, Major Domo in 'Me and My Girl' at the London Palladium, Prince Valentine in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Borges in ‘Borges and I’ for Idle Motion; and the national tour of Mozart’s ‘Zaide’ under the direction of Melly Still. Venues included Sadlers Wells and the Buxton Opera House.
David is also a keen singer/songwriter, having sung at many venues including the Ascot Race Course and for Brian May and Roger Taylor among others.

Cathryn's theatre work includes the UK National Tour of The Sound Of Music as Swing / Understudy Sister Berthe (1991/92), Les Miserables as Ensemble / Understudy Mme Thenardier (The Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) Cecily Farr in 84 Charing Cross Road at 84 Charing Cross Road.
 
She has recorded voice overs for Greenwich Council.
 
Television work includes The Great Plague - a drama documentary, and Eastenders.
 
She has sung in the vocal booth at Starlight Express (The Apollo Theatre, Victoria), The Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert at The Royal Albert Hall and backing vocals for Lesley Garrett’s Travelling Light Tour.

Alistair is still currently training at East 15 Acting School on the Acting course and is about to enter his third and final year in September. Most recent roles have been Berowne in Love's Labour's Lost, Astrov in Uncle Vanya and Frank Lubey in All My Sons. Alistair is also a trumpet player and has enjoyed playing with various bands and orchestras which has taken him to France and the Czech Republic as well as Birmingham Symphony Hall and the National Festival Hall on London's South Bank.

Janine graduated from Mountview Academy with a Masters in Musical Theatre.

Credits include: Ensemble in ‘Me and My Girl’ at the London Palladium, Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ at Buxton Opera House, Angel in ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ at The Landor Theatre, Lead Vocalist in ‘Closer Than Ever’ at The Chelsea Theatre as well as, Anita in ‘West Side Story’, Carmen in ‘Fame’ and Conchita in ‘Copacabana’ all for the Wyvern Theatre.

She has also appeared in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Georgian Theatre Royal Richmond, Alice in the tour of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and Beauty in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, all for PMA Productions.

Film/TV: Flamenco dancer for Ant and Dec’s ‘Push the Button’ (ITV), Dancer in King Jacks ‘Heroes’ music video feat Danny Dyer and Rachel in a pilot sitcom for the US entitled ‘A Man Walks into a Bar’.

Janine is excited to be joining Paul Holman Associates later this year in Mother Goose having worked with them previously.

www.janinepardo.com

Clare Nagarajan is a Theatre Director and actress residing in North West london. Having been trained at the University of Kent at Canterbury, it was here under the leadership of Alan Raphael Pearlman that she realised her passion and inspiration for directing and writing thought provoking plays. Clare says she 'likes dealing with political and hard hitting plays which fall under the spectrum of 'in yer face' theatre', however she also enjoys directing more entertaining material from musical theatre, to comedies, to hard hitting drama. She is an extremely driven and hard working theatre professional, striving for her passion of directing theatre which 'challenges the wayin which an audience thinks, after the show is over'. Her foremost passion is to work as a Theatre Director full time, although she also enjoys acting and she feels that having seen the production process first-hand from 'both angles of director and performer' has been invaluble. Clare has a Masters degree specialising in Theatre Directing. She was trained by the Theatre Melange Company. Clare has gone on to direct and assistant direct a number of plays including 'Yard Gal' By Rebecca Prichard, 'Year of the Family' By Anthony Neilson and 'Night Songs' by John Fosse.

Eloise Nagarajan is a Theatre designer and Set builder residing in North West London. She has always been a creative person, and combined her love of the theatre with her passion to create inspiring and innovative designs for the stage. She was trained at the University of Kent under the very successful and well established theatre designer Gary McCann, who taught her the processes of designing for the stage. Here, Eloise was pushed to produce inspiring and original stage designs, where she worked mainly on plays which fall under the spectrum of 'In Yer Face' theatre and new writing plays. Eloise trained at the University of Kent, completing her masters degree specialising in Theatre design. Eloise has designed the set for 'Year of the Family' which went on at the Gulbenkian theatre in Kent, and for 'Yard Gal' which went on at the Lumley studio space.
Eloise has also commanded her own theatre design exhibition at the University of Kent which was open to the public. She is a passionate and hard-wroking theatre designer, and describes designing for the stage as 'a beautiful way in transporting an audience visually to the world of a play, to be a fly on the wall within the character's lives.'

Mark Massett is originally from Greater Manchester where he trained at The Laine Johnson Theatre School. Since then he starred in a variety of short films such as ‘The Girl From El Paranzo’, ‘Tunnel Monkeys’ , and ‘Pillow Talk’. Early this year Mark filmed his first feature film ‘ Never Enough Thunder which is due to screen in film festivals across Europe in 2011.

Vavoom is a debut on a London stage for the Northern actor and hopes for many more to follow. Mark is also a singer/songwriter and is currently working on his first album due to be released early next year on Itunes.