Trish Akroyd’s first major role was Rose Maybud (Ruddigore) in1967 with the Leicester Operatic Society. She continued to play many Gilbert & Sullivan parts with them and her favorite non G&S role was Suzanne (Bless the Bride). In 1968 she played Cinderella with the Leicester Drama Society at The Little Theatre. Trish has played many leading roles with the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society at the DeMontfort Hall and Haymarket Theatre. Favourite roles include Laurey (Oklahoma), Tuptim (The King and I), Katie Brown (Calamity Jane), Irene (Crazy for You) Dorothy Brock (42nd Street) and Maria (Me and My Girl).

Vaughan Ashcroft graduated from De Montfort University with BA (Hons) Media Studies and Music Technology. His first experience in musical theatre was as Lamar in Godspell at Bosworth College. Since then he has been involved in a number of shows including  Mack and Mabel and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with the IDOLS. Also Jolson, Guys and Dolls (Benny Southstreet) and played the part of Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar), Bill (Carousel) and Tony (West Side Story) with LAOS. Vaughan Joined Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society in 2004 and has since played the role of Danny Gilmartin in (Calamity Jane) Bert Barry (42nd Street) Steve (Summer Holiday) and Mr Sowerberry (Oliver).

Liz Backes Liz began dancing at the age of nine and received her early training from Rosalea Houghton in Leicester. She was involved in many dance productions, plays and musicals in and around Leicester including a happy summer in ‘Kips War’ at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre which included a guest appearance on ITV’s ‘Wide Awake Club’ with Timmy Mallet! Liz went on to train professionally at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom, where she passed major exams in dance and drama and became a qualified teacher. Whilst at Laine’s Liz performed in their annual musical theatre productions and college showcases at the Epsom Playhouse and was the winner of the Jean Stokes Award for drama. Liz performed at the 1994 Brit Awards at the Alexandra Palace and also as a ‘Sky Stiker’ for Sky Sports pre-match entertainment. Liz is a member of LAOS where she has taken part in Carousel and played the part of Consuela (West Side Story). Liz joined KPAOS in 204 and has since played the role of Peggy Sawyer (42nd Street) and Mimsie (Summer Holiday).

Luke Baumber first appeared with Knighton Park in 2003 playing the role of Lun Tha (The King and I). He has also appeared at The Haymarket Theatre with the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society playing Annas (Jesus Christ Superstar). Most of Lukes previous stage experience has been at the Newark Palace Theatre and has included Anything Goes, 42nd Street and My Fair Lady where he played the part of Freddie. Luke also enjoys performing in his band ‘Bandzai’ who play in and around Leicester.

Peter Bennett started his acting career with the Wigston Amateur Operatic Society playing roles such as Harry Ritchie (Brigadoon) and Mr Snow (Carousel). He then became a member of Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society playing such roles as Motel the tailor (Fiddler on the Roof), Charles the Butler (Me and My Girl), Francis Fryer (Calamity Jane) and the Kralaholme (The King and I). Peter was also a member of Newark Amateur Operatic Society for a few years, here he played a number of roles including Nicely Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls) and a reprise of Motel the tailor. Peter is also a member of Leicester Amateur Operatic Society and has performed roles in many of their productions including South Pacific, 42nd Street, Oklahoma and Barnum.

Mark Bools has been involved with a number of local Amateur Societies from the age of 9. He played the title role in ‘Oliver’ at the DeMontfort Hall. He then appeared in ‘Carousel’ at the Haymarket Theatre. After this he found himself in the West End in ‘Les Miserables’ at the Palace Theatre. He has also been part of the National Youth Theatre’s production of ‘Whistle Down The Wind’ at the Edingburgh Festival Theatre. Mark has also performed the role of Rolf (Sound of Music) at the Melton Theatre.  Mark has since trained for a performing career in London and has had success recently appearing in the national tour of ‘My Fair Lady’ with Russ Abbott. His professional stage name is Mark Christopher!!! Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cassie Bonnar has enjoyed singing and dancing for as long as she can remember and comes from a family of talented entertainers. She has performed in many pantomimes in Leicester and a lot of variety shows, sometimes singing with her twin sister. She has also been lucky to perform on the BBC television show ‘Steps to the Stars’ meeting Steps in the process.Cassie has played the part of Minnie Fay (Hello Dolly) with Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society.

Matt Brown musical performances include Les Miserables, West Side Story , Blood Brothers, Me and My Girl, and Little Shop of Horrors. Theatre performances include Hamlet Machine, Loves Labours Lost, The Importance Of Being Ernest, Two and Metamorphosis. He has a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts,, and has also stage managed a show called Babies and was part of Youth Find a Voice who performed Carmina Burana at De Monfrt Hall. With KPAOS he has played the part of Bill Sykes (Oliver).

Keziah Caldwell was bitten by the acting bug at the age of 4 when she played the part of Mary in the School Nativity. When Keziah was 6 years old she won her first trophy for Irish dancing. Since then she has joined various theatre companies, choirs and dance troupes, performing in many shows such as Joseph and theAmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat, A Christmas Carol (The Ghost of Christmas Past), Julius Caesar (Mark Anthony), The Visit (The Butler) and many more. Joining KPAOS has been a wonderful experience and Keziah has enjoyed being a part of Me & My Girl and The King & I. She is looking forward to what the future brings.

Anne Collopy has taken part in numerous musicals with several societies including the YMCA, Concordia AOS, the Guild at Hinckley, KRR, LAOS and KPAOS who she joined in 2004. She has played parts including Nancy (The Boyfriend), Boylan Sister (Annie), Liu Ma (Flower Drum Song), Edith (Pirates of PenzanceBroadway Version), General Cartwright (Guys and Dolls). For KPAOS she has played Sandra, WPC and Sentry Guard (Summer Holiday) and Widow Corney (OLiver).

Colin Cook started acting at the age of 14 with the YMCA drama group, Colin went on to enjoy semi-professional work in his 20s as a Dinner Cabaret performer. The lead role in the 1968 YMCA production of Me and my Girl was his first taste of musicals. He has performed many times with the Leicester Drama Society at the Little Theatre. Other roles include Curley (Oklahoma), Professor Higgins (My Fair Lady), Frank Abe (State Fair) and Andrew Carnes (Oklahoma). Roles with Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society are Madame Lucy (Irene) and Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls).

Rachel Cornish Rachel first appeared on stage at the age of 5 with her local dancing school. Her love for the stage took her to the YMCA where she performed in pantomime and musical variety shows. She then went on to join Leicester Amateur Operatic Society and also became a member of Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society in 1992. She has performed in many shows at the Haymarket Theatre and The Little Theatre. Rachel has also entertained in Majorca as Entertainment Rep for a large holiday company. For KPAOS she has played the role of Lily St Regis (Annie) and Maggie Jones (42nd Street).

Richard Daniels

Andrew Gilbert has played roles recently such as Bella Zangler (Crazy for You),Frank Butler (Annie Get Your Gun), Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (Anything Goes) and Herbert Parchester (Me and My Girl) with various local Amateur societies. He has been a soloist in ‘Idolisation’ a musical review and has taken part in many other musicals including Fiddler on the Roof, Me and My Girl, Oliver, Music Man, Little Shop of Horrors, Chase Me Comrade, Sweet Charity, The Tempest, La Cage aux Folles, The Boyfriend, Mack and Mabel, Barnum and Cabaret.

Debbie Goodall began acting at the age of four when she appeared as the Angel Gabriel in the school nativity play! Since then she has always had a love of amateur dramatics and musical theatre in particular. She has taken part in many musicals, favourite roles being Sandy (Grease), Frauline Kost (Cabaret) and Snow White in Pantomime. Other productions she has taken part in include Oliver at the DeMonfort Hall, also West Side Story. She was very proud to have made her debut with KPAOS in The King and I.

Christine Hall has been smitten with the acting bug since the age of 12 when she played the part of Mrs Bagwash in Cinderella the school pantomime. During her nursing career she took part in hospital pantomime and reviews. She has a long history of acting in both plays and musicals, some of which were entered in the Leicestershire One Act play festivals with some success. Being a member of KPAOS since 1979 has enabled her to fill her lifelong ambition to entertain and fully enjoy herself. Roles she has played include Widow Corney (Oliver), Mrs O’Dare (Irene), Mrs Harcourt (Anything Goes), Bloody Mary (South Pacific), Aunt Eller (Oklahoma) and Lady Battersby (Me and My Girl).

Iain Hamilton first appeared on stage at the age of 9 in pantomime which he continued for many years before joining his local operatic society at the age of 14. Since then Iain has performed in shows throughout the East Midlands including musicals, operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan and several plays. He has been lucky enough to perform in some great shows. Favourite with KPAOS include Bill Sykes (Oliver), Sid (Half a Sixpence), Daddy Warbucks (Annie), Horace Vandergelder (Hello Dolly), Gerald (Me and My Girl),Pete (Calamity Jane) The King (The King and I) and Jerry (Summer Holiday). With the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society Iain’s performances include Gerald (Me and My Girl), Lank Hawkins (Crazy for You), Judd Fry (Oklahoma) and Big Jule (Guys and Dolls).

Karen Hamilton has been a member of Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society since1998, she has taken the roles of Grace Farrall (Annie), Irene Molloy (Hello Dolly), Tuptim (The King and I) Ethel (42nd Street) and Alma (Summer Holiday). She has also performed several shows with the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society. Karen has also played the roles of Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors) and Maisie ((The Boyfriend).

Natalie Handford first appeared on stage at the age of 5 in a local dance competition, she continued to dance from then on and has been a pupil of the Dupont Dance school for 13 years where she has taken part in many productions, shows, exams and festivals throughout the country. In 1977 at the Loughborough Charnwood Theatre she played a chorus dancer in Dick Whittington and soon after was involved in a production of ‘Thursdays Child’ for Unicef. This was performed on Blue Peter and again starring Gary Wilmot at the Common Wealth Theatre in London. With LAOS she has been in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ ‘Guys and Dolls’ and played Juile Jordan (Carousel). With IDOLS she has been in ‘’Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ Her first producton for KPAOS was the title role in ‘Calamity Jane’ she has since gone on to play Lorraine in ‘42nd Street’.She is currently singing profesionally in Portugal.

Frances Harris has had singing and dancing a part of her life since the age of three. Her father ran the country dance groups in the Cotswold villages where they lived. She was a member of Burford Grammar School Choir, the Madrigal Group and played Mistress Quickly in Henry V before moving to Leicester when she was 16. In the 1960s she joined the Leicester Co-operative Choir (mostly competition work) and later Melody Sound and Jesters Variety Group where she [performed her own comedy work along with routines , sketches, duets and group numbers. She trained and displayed the Merry Folk traditional country dance team and morris side. A new variety group called The Madhatters invited her to join them and through this new contact she was asked to form the Lansdowne Majorettes. For several years she wrote and produced pantomimes for the scout, guide and brownie groups at the St Albans Church Centre. She has been with Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society since 2001 and has played Mrs Brown in Me and My Girl. As well as being an author and publisher she works as a speaker and is a tv/film extra. She has filmed on Peak Practice, Crossroads, Sweet Medicine, Dalziel and Pascoe, In Denial of Murder and Doctors. She is a member of Equity and Mensa.

Graham Harvison began in theatrical performances over 40 years ago, playing various parts in a variety of shows. He started with a series of Brian Rix Farces- comedy roles he particularly enjoys, then into musicals. He is involved in many societies including Braunstone and Wycliffe, IDOLS, Leicester Opera, LAOS and Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society where parts have included The Mad Dentist (Bells Are Ringing), Ali Hakim (Oklahoma), Horace Vandergelder (Hello Dolly), Spazanzani (Tales of Hoffman), Henry Miller (Calamity Jane), Chitterlow (Half a Sixpence) and Abner Dillon (42nd Street). His favourite roles include Nicely Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls), Sir John (Me and My Girl), Mr Bumble (Oliver), these last three he has played many times over, the last being at Bowen Wert Theatre, Bradford for the ‘Hopes and Dreams’ Dance Club. His most demanding role to date has been the Ringmaster (Barnum) at the DeMontfort Hall where climbing to the high wire and sliding down were all part of the act!

Angela Hill first started performing over 20 years ago at the YMCA, where early roles included Carrie (Carousel), Maisie (The Boyfriend) and almost every character known to pantomime. She went on to join Leicester Amateur Operatic Society and has played many leading roles for them at the Leicester Haymarket including Lorelei (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), Polly (Crazy for You), Lady Jacqueline (Me and My Girl), Laurey (Oklahoma) and Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady). Angela has been a member of Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society since 1994 and favourite roles with them include Miss Adelaide (Guys and Dolls), Miss Hannigan (Annie), Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly), Adalaide Adams (Calamity Jane), Lady Jacqueline (Me and My Girl), Dorothy Brock (42nd Street) and Mrs Sowerberry (Oliver).

Sarah-Jane Hussey began her theatre training at the Coppolla Stage School and graduated in 2004 with BA (Hons) in Performing Arts. She has appeared in many musicals taking principal roles as Anne (Half A Sixpence), Isabella (Jekyll and Hyde) and Yvonne (The Last Demain) at the Plymouth Theatre Royal. She has also toured with the premier of ‘Korczak’ which went to London and Poland, as well as making a television documentary of the show. Other credits include Bugsy Malone, Scrooge, 42nd Street and Sunday Night at the London Palladium. Sarah is a member of LAOS where she has played the part of Anita (West Side Story) and most recently with KPAOS Angie (Summer Holiday).

Adrian March made his singing debut at the age of 9 in the role of Mad March Hare in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and drama continued to be his overriding interest throughout school. Other amateur groups he has been involved in have given him the opportunity  to appear in such shows as State Fair, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma and Little Shop of Horrors.A member of LAOS Adrian played the part of Glad Hand (West Side Story). With Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society he has enjoyed the roles of Ambrose Kemper (Hello Dolly) and Bob Barking (Me and My Girl).

Tom Mottram has always been interested in music, although has only started performing relatively recently after undertaking a music course at college. During this time he played guitar and sang in a three piece acoustic band and sang solo and ensemble pieces in showcase performances. It was the latter of which developed his enthusiasm for musical theatre and lead him to join Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society in 2005. Tom performed as part of the chorus in 42nd Street and played Cyril (Summer Holiday) also Fagin (Oliver), Jigger Craigin (Carousel) and Bernado (West Side Story) for LAOS.

Jackie Oddy has been a member of KPAOS since Music Man in 1995. When not performing in the annual shows she has volunteered to chaperone the children in the cast for Annie and The King and I. Jackie is also a long standing member of LAOS for whom her favourite roles have been one of the trio of the Rooney Sisters (Jolson) and Chava (Fiddler on the Roof). With KPAOS Jackie played the part of Barbera (Summer Holiday) in 2006

Sean Rafael has been a member of KPAOS since 2003 when he played the part of Prince Chululongkorn (The King and I) and more recently The Artful Dodger (Oliver). He has also played the part of Baby John (West Side Story) for LAOS.

Tristan Roy-Tarry was very happy to play the part of Oliver in KPAOS’s production in 2007

Rex Staddon’s first show was ‘Ruddigore’ in 1960 with Banbury Amateur Operatic Society. Since then he has taken part in one or two shows a year including most of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas and many of the well known musicals. Now after 40 years in amateur dramatics, gone are the days of dashing male leads and acrobatic chorus numbers. Rex has played many roles with Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society, most recently being Lord Battersby (Me and My Girl) and Mac (42nd Street).

Christine Tarry has been involved in amateur theatre for more years, she says, than she really cares to recall. Her first venture onto the stage was with Sunday school concerts at a very early age. After leaving school and, as she thought, reaching maturity, she appeared with the Syston Operatic Society in their production of ‘The Gondoliers’ by Gilbert and Sullivan. She has also taken part in productions with King Richards Road, Knighton Park and the Leicester Amateur Operatic Society. She has enjoyed the challenge of performing in many principal roles including Eliza (My Fair Lady), Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly), Kate (Kiss me Kate) and Golde (Fiddler on the Roof).

Chris Teagle’s singing interests started with the choir at Highcliff Junier School, Birstall. His first involvement with operatics was in Syston Operatics production of South Pacific in 1977. Since then he has been involved in over fifty shows with different groups, ranging from panto to opera. He has taken many principle parts including Kipps (Half a Sixpence), Billy Bigelow (Carousel) Escimilio (Carmen), King Herod (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls). For Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society he  has played the parts of Sky Masterson (Guys and Dolls), Bill Hickock (Calamity Jane), Curley (Oklahoma) and Julian Marsh (42nd Street).

Scott Tomkins started training as a Tap Dancer and Classical Singer in 1999. After finding he had a natural flair for both skills, he soon found himself performing at Loughborough Town Hall where he appeared in several shows including 'South Pacific' 'Camelot' 'Me & My Girl' and 'Annie', He also played the part of Mac (Annie Get Your Gun) and Marcel (The Boyfriend) at the Little Theatre. His last several shows have been with Leicester Amateur Operatic Society for which he performed as a dancer in 'Jolson' 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Guys & Dolls'. Scott’s first principle role with KPAOS was Andy Lee (42nd Street) and most recently Edwin (Summer Holiday).

Sarah Warnsby has been lucky enough to play many roles in musicals & plays at theatres around the East Midlands for the last 15 years and was delighted in 2003 to make her debut with Knighton Park as Mrs Anna (the King and I). Other favourite roles with other companies include Mabel (Mack and Mabel), Ado Annie (Oklahoma), Sally (Cabaret), Hodel (Fiddler on the Roof), Polly (The Boyfriend), Sandy (Grease), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Euridice (Orpheus in the Underworld), both Gianetta andCasilda (The Gondoliers) and Adelaide (Guys and Dolls). Sarah has also turned her hand to directing the national premiere of ‘Parade’ in Nottingham and starred in ‘Songs for a New World’.

John Wilson joined Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society in 1981 in ‘Guys and Dolls’. He has been involved in every production since, mainly on-stage or assisting back stage. His most recent role is that of Sir Jasper Tring (Me and My Girl).

Sarah Woodcock-Tarry first appeared onstage at the Little Theatre in ‘The King and I’ aged 2 and continued to perform in many shows and pantomimes as a child at The Haymarket Theatre, DeMontfort Hall and many local theatres. More recently with Leicester Amateur Operatic Society at the Haymarket Theatre roles include Peggy Sawyer (42nd Street), Sally Smith (Me and My Girl), Tessie (Crazy for You) and Ruby Keeler (Jolson). At Newark Palace Theatre Sarah again played ‘Peggy Sawyer’, Hodel (Fiddler on the Roof), and the title role in ‘Charlie Girl’. Favourite roles with Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society include ‘Calamity Jane’, Ado Annie (Oklahoma), Nancy (Oliver), Anne Pornick (Half a Sixpence , Sally Smith (Me and My Girl), Lady Thiang (The King and I) Anytime Annie (42nd Street) and Stella (Summer Holiday). Sarah also sings with her husband Jason in their duo ‘Risky Business’

Jason Woodcock started onstage in sketch and song-based reviews and at college played Oscar (Sweet Charity). After leaving school he joined Headcase Theatre Company and played Kenickie (Grease), The Dentist (Little Shop of Horrors), The Scarecrow (The Wiz) and Nathan (Guys and Dolls). At the Haymarket Theatre with Leicester Amateur Operatic Society he has played the part of Bill Snibson (Me and My Girl) and the title role in ‘Jolson’.  With Knighton Park Amateur Operatic Society Jason has played the roles of Kipps (Half a Sixpence), Cornelius Hackl (Hello Dolly), Rooster (Annie), Francis Fryer (Calamity Jane) Bill Sibson (Me and My Girl ) and Don (Summer Holiday.

Beverley Hewitt began dance training locally at the age of nine and continued to train until her late teens, when she started dancing professionally. She has worked in Pantomime and Summer Season, appearing alongside well-known names such as Freddie Starr and Richard Briers and one of her fondest memories of this time is the six months she spent dancing in Italy. Beverley joined KPAOS in 1994 and has since taken lead roles in ‘Sweet Charity’, ‘South Pacific’, Eliza ‘The King and I’ Katie Brown ‘Calamity Jane’ Gladys ‘42nd Street’ and Nancy ‘Oliver’. Also ‘State Fair’ with LAOS.