Production Team

Director – Philip Beeson

Philip has been involved in amateur theatre for many years. As a performer, he played a number of leading roles in his home town of Derby, including appearances in Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot and Man of La Mancha, before moving to live in Warwickshire, where he played the leads in South Pacific and Kiss Me Kate with our Company. As a director, his works include many plays and musicals ranging from G & S to Hello Dolly! and from The Sound of Music to The Merchant of Venice. He has directed more than a dozen of our shows, including West Side Story and Chess, both of which received the NODA Regional Best Production Award.

Choreographer – Julie Bedlow-Howard

Julie has been involved with Dancing and Theatre since childhood, winning numerous competitions and becoming All-England Tap Champion at the age of 17. She has played principal roles in many shows including The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady, Me and My Girl, Salad Days and Cinderella. In 1989, Julie’s attention turned to choreography and with a string of successful credits, including several award winning shows, she finds herself in great demand. Julie is also a member of Coventry's Three Spires Musical Society, who recently beat thousands of hopefuls to make it to the final of Channel 5's Don't Stop Believing.

Musical Director – James Suckling

James studied Music and Drama at Warwick University and subsequently taught at primary schools in Coventry and Warwickshire. He is also the Principal of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools in Bromsgrove and Edgbaston. James has worked as Musical Director, Director or Producer on many shows, including A Little Night Music, Anything Goes, Barnum, Cabaret, Camelot, Crazy For You, Fiddler on the Roof, 42nd Street, Godspell, Guys & Dolls, Hello Dolly!, Into the Woods, Kiss Me Kate, La Cage aux Folles, Little Shop of Horrors, Mame, Me and My Girl, Oliver, The Pirates of Penzance, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, and The Wizard of Oz, and as Musical Director on our own productions of West Side Story, Best of Broadway, Chess and Company.

Assistant Musical Director – Maddy Evans

Maddy studied violin and piano at Birmingham Junior Conservatoire and Manchester University. Since graduating in 2002, she has enjoyed a varied career as performer, director and teacher in Stratford and the surrounding area. With a strong classical background, Maddy has performed extensively as a soloist, ensemble player and orchestral member. She is also organist and Director of Music at St George’s Church in Brailes and is in great demand as an accompanist. Maddy has been variously involved with our Company as accompanist, pit musician, and Assistant Musical Director. She was also our Musical Director for The Boyfriend and Guys & Dolls and is Musical Director for our choir. 

Stage Manager – Chris Biddle

Chris has a wealth of experience as a freelance Stage Manager and Lighting and Set Designer. Having worked in the technical disciplines of Theatre for over 20 years, including a stint as Chief Electrician at Coventry’s Butts Theatre, Chris has been involved with numerous amateur and professional events across the region, including our productions of Crazy For You, West Side Story, The Boyfriend, Guys & Dolls, Chess and Company.