Honorary President                      Miss Judith Silvester

 

Honorary Vice President              Miss Brenda Scaife

 

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Trustees / Management Committee                                             

                                    

 Joan Bennett                   Chairman   &  Treasurer    

Joan credits her father Jack for her book keeping skills which have been put to good use in her more serious role as Treasurer since 1996. Jack was also the family comedian, and taught her the value of laughter, but it is her pianist mum Edith who she thanks for her stage career. Edith was also the full time dancing school pianist, which paid for dance training for Joan from the age of 3 to her teens. At age 12 she was a principal in the then famous 'Childrens Tower Ballet' at Blackpool, also selected to perform at the Royal Variety Performance that year. As a professional dancer in her teens, she was once a magician's assistant (entombed and knifed). She tells us (with candour) that she was the first dancer to be employed by Mr. Stringfellow at his first nightclub, but insists it was well before his lap dancing days and she kept her kit well and truly on !!!   As a member of Croft House since 1975 Joan has played numerous comedic character roles.   She has devoted 35 years to Croft House as a performer, 14 years as Treasurer,  many years as a member of the management committee, organised the members social events, publicity officer, designed programmes, painted scenery, sewed (once making a muslin curtain the length & height of the City Hall Stage). Now the Chairman, Joan's aims are to encourage the new younger members to feel as passionate as she does, to take the company forward, preserving the foundations so carefully laid in the past, for future generations to enjoy.

 

 

 Martin Peacock           Vice Chairman                      

On the amateur stage for more years than he cares to remember, Martin has played so many leading roles the list is endless. His favourite roles for Croft at the Lyceum have been - Julian Marsh in '42nd St', and Mack Sennett in 'Mack & Mabel'.  In 2009 he appeared as Roger Debris in 'The Producers', wearing high heels and a dress modelled on the Chrysler building, which could not be further removed from our 2010 production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' where he played the leading role of Tevye. He has now been cast as Harold in our 2010 production of 'The Full Monty', which just proves how versatile he can be.  Martin joined Croft Trustees in 2008 as a Members Rep, and became Vice Chairman in 2009.

 

         

    Judi Johnson-Hart          Business Manager

A Trustee for several years Judi became Croft Business Manager in 2008. She has been a member of Croft for over 30 years. Judi's first love is performing on the stage and she has played many leading roles for many companies which include: Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, 42nd Street, Spend-Spend-Spend, Best Little Whorehouse, Witches of Eastwick, and many more supporting roles. She played Golde in the 2010 Croft production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' (having played Yente 20 years ago in our 1990 production). She is presently cast in the role of Jeanette in our 2010 production of 'The Full Monty'. As Business Manager, Judi is committed to the future success of Croft House.

 

 

 

  Shan Bennett                      Secretary     

It was 1983 when a friend asked Shan if she liked singing and suggested she join 'Croft' ... Having no previous experience of musical theatre she had a lot to learn: how to dance, how to apply make-up, how to get herself on to the right side of the stage, and more importantly not fall off it!   She spent many years safely hidden behind palm trees or pirate ships at the back of the chorus but always enjoyed the camaraderie at rehearsals and backstage. Gaining confidence over the years she became a stalwart member of the ensemble, and found herself doing things she had never imagined possible. Shan has raised lots of funds for the members social fund with her games and raffles. In 1997 she was voted on to the Management Committee as a Members Rep, and thus began a new era of learning just how much work goes on behind the scenes to get a show on to the Lyceum or City Hall Stage. In 2009 she took on the added responsibility of Secretary and enjoys working with such a dedicated team. She says she has had the same stick of bright red Leichner lippy throughout her Croft stage career  and plans to retire from performing only when the last slick of it is gone  ...  she's still got 1/4" left!

 

  Melodie Cole                Members Representative

Melodie has been on stage since she was a 'bump' and has appeared in numerous pantomimes and shows, following steadfastly in the steps of her lovely mum Maureen. She started Constance Grants Dance Centre in 1971 and plodded her way through many examinations until becoming a qualified teacher in 1982 and now has her own Dance and Drama School. Melodie is also a member of Equity and appears regularly as a background artist in many TV shows. Since joining Croft House in 1986 she has not looked back; she has appeared in many Croft shows, mainly as a dancer, but has also played many minor parts both at the City Hall and The Lyceum. She has also played leading roles for other societies, but Melodie has also been happy to roll her sleeves up and work backstage too. She was voted on to the Committee in 2009 and is thoroughly enjoying being part of such a fantastic team.

 

 

  Fiona Hannon              Members Representative

Fiona has been on stage with Croft since she was a bump and is second generation members rep. Members of her family have performed with Croft going back as far as the early 50's. Theatre has always been Fiona's passion, and she has fond memories of hiding in costume hampers during wild games of backstage hide & seek as a child. She trained at the June Gill School of Dance and worked briefly as a professional dancer in Portugal. Her first principal role was aged 9 as Ngana in South Pacific and since then she has appeared on stage with many local theatre companies playing many varied roles. Although performing will always be her first love she has also acted as choreographer, ticket secretary, wardrobe supervisor, props and all round general purpose, dogsbody. Fiona has been a Members Rep since 2008 and feels priviledged to be part of such a great team.

 

 

  Andrew Stansall             Members Representative

As a member of Croft since 1988, Andrew has played  many leading and supporting roles. His most memorable ones are: Billy in '42nd Street' : Don Lockwood in 'Singin' in the Rain' : Tom Thumb in 'Barnum' : The Tin Man in 'The Wiz' : and Carmen Ghia in 'The Producers'.  Andrew has been a member of the Croft Trustees Management Committee since 1996.  He is well known for his artistic flair and enthusiasm, and is responsible for uploading all the gallery photos on the website which he is constantly adding to. Married to Alison, who is also a member of Croft, their daughter Abigail is fast following in the family footsteps. Footsteps being the appropriate word as Andrew has also been appointed Dance Captain for the 2010 production of 'The Full Monty'

 

 

   Louise Walker                Members Representative   

Louise's career in Musical Theatre began at a very young age - in her carry cot to be exact. She attended rehearsals and dancing class from being 3 weeks old and has had the bug ever since. She first attended Croft at the age of 11 when her uncle (the company's pianist at the time) brought her along to watch and help him turn pages of music. Louise loved this job and remembers vividly saying to 'Miss Judy' - "I want to be in your shows when I'm old enough" and sure enough she was. Louise is in several Sheffield Am Dram Societies where she has performed in countless shows from ensemble to leading roles. Off stage she enjoys choreographing and especially likes working with children, "after all,  they are the future and should be nurtured."   Louise became a Trustee in 2009 and her enthusiasm has been a welcome asset to the Management team, especially as she has also taken on responsibility of the social events for the members.

 

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Production Team

 

   Adrian Allsopp                            Director/Choreographer    The Full Monty 2010

Adrian was taught to dance at The Constance Grant's Dance Centre and was also a member of Croft in his much younger days.

With over 20 years experience in the business, Adrian has had a varied and very successful, professional TV and stage career. He has Choreographed & Directed for Theatre, The West End, National Tours, Panto, Television, Video's, Fashion Shows, & Corporate Functions, working with a host of celebrities. Check out his website to view his outstanding contributions to the entertainments industry.                      www.adrian-allsopp.com

 

 

   Andrew J. Booth                      Musical Director

Andy Booth is a professional musician hailing from Chesterfield who is the founder and principal conductor of FONO Productions, a professional entertainments management company with in house full symphonic orchestra and bands. When not in this role, Andy can be found as a professional freelance MD/Conductor and has recently worked with Evolution Pantomimes(Sheffield 2009-'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs') Sheffield Theatres (The Crucible Re: Opening Night-'The Crucible Awakes') USO Productions ( Blackburn2009-'The Last Night of the Proms'). As a pianist Andy can be found playing for Orchestras, Bands, Groups and Soloists. His more notable work includes The Isle of Man Promenade Concerts 2005, The Rightful Owners of the Song Project, and regularly plays for 'Inspiration' the superb Leeds/Newcastle based choir, the contesting UK teams in the Waterford International Light Opera Festival, and for many jazz artists. Besides all this, Andrew still finds time to be the Chair and MD of the Barlow Annual Promenade Concerts, runs his own mini jazz club (Mister B'S), conducts, accompanies and consults for a number of choirs, music groups and festivals, and still continues the family tradition as MD of the Carolare Choir (Chesterfield).                                                     

 

    Kath Kenyon                      Assistant Director

At the age of 14 Kath was cajoled into joining the theatre to be in a youthful chorus of 'No No Nanette' and that was it ... she was hooked!  Since then she has sung, danced, and acted in numerous musicals, umpteen pantomimes and many, many plays. She enjoys all aspects of theatre both backstage and on stage, and has done props, publicity, dresser, programme, tickets and FOH...... She does like a challenge !   She has taken part in many One Act Play festivals and has represented Sheffield in the Inter City Competition. She was awarded the Adjudicators Award for her performance in 'A Respectable Funeral' and more recently was nominated for the award again for 'The Allotment', both with Denys Edwards Players.   For several years she was a Drama Adjudicator for S.A.D.A.T.A. In 2008 Kath directed a new musical, 'Act Your Age', to help raise funds for the Abbeydale Picture House. Since then she has enjoyed performances in 'Relatively Speaking', 'The Anastasia File', & 'When We Are Married', all with New Venture Players. She has been a member of Croft House for over 20 years and feels it a great honour to be part of such a talented production team.

 

     Andrew Stansall                           Dance Captain

As an experienced dancer, Andrew has played many leading musical roles, including the famous 'Singin' & Dancin' in the Rain' number where he got drenched every performance from the rain machine, and '42nd Street' which required tap dancing skills. Andrew has also choreographed for local societies.

He has now taken on the added responsibility of Dance Captain for this years 'The Full Monty'

Andrew is also on the Trustees/Management Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

     Geoff Allanach                       Pianist

Since turning professional in 1999 as a freelance musician and music teacher Geoff can be found, on about 200 nights a year, working as a rehearsal pianist or as a live musician; either solo or with many amateur and professional groups in South Yorkshire and beyond. During the day his work includes regular piano playing at various schools in the Barnsley area as part of the Performing Arts Development Service (P.A.D.S.). ~ In addition Geoff is constantly in demand as a teacher of Piano, Keyboards and Guitar, and also as an accompanist for singers and instrumentalists. Working from his home studio "The Shed!!!" he also records and produces anything from backing tracks to full albums for both himself and other artists in the area. He especially looks forward to the show week when he gets to meet up and work with some great musicians and good friends in the orchestra, which he finds a welcome change from playing solo.

 

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     Barry Northall                 Stage co-ordinator  / Production Manager - The Full Monty   

Barry's first taste of the stage was in a St.Aidens Gang show called 'Sputnik' in 1956, followed by several Church Hall Panto's.   Involved with the Stringfellow brothers in the 60's and the start of their club life, this era still plays a big part in his life;  since 2007 Barry has presented a 60's featured artist spot on "Diana Luke Loves the 60's" on BBC Radio Sheff on Sat evenings. He has also had many years experience with numerous societies, both as Stage Crew & Management, and for many years has 'run the book' for endless shows. Croft invited Barry to work for them on their 1994 production of 'Irene' and as the saying goes  "He's still here"
 

   

   Paul Minott               Stage Manager 

 

 

   Neil Kenyon              Properties Manager

Neil has been performing since the age of 8 when he was a boy soprano. Over the years  he has played many leading roles for numerous operatic societies. He joined Croft in 1965 and since then he has been involved both on stage, back stage and on the management committee. The last role Neil played for Croft was as Captain Smith in 'Titanic'. He has now returned to manage the Props Team, a role he enjoys organising, especially with his interest and knowledge in the antiques business.

  

      

  Janet Sanders           Wardrobe Superviser

 Janet started performing at the age of 8 on local pantomimes and shows. She joined Croft in 1963 and was very happy as a chorus member for 10 years. She took over as Wardrobe Supervisor in 2004; a job she loves and hoped to do when she could no longer be on stage.  

   

       

 

 

 

  Sandra Houldsworth     Ticket Secretary

A qualified dancing teacher and former professional dancer, Sandra has performed as principal dancer, dance captain and chorus member in over 40 years with Croft House. Not wishing to relinquish her involvement with the society, in 2002 she took on the role of Ticket Secretary which she finds far more demanding than performing on stage. Both of her daughters were also dancers, and members of the ensemble for a number of years. Husband Keith still helps with the stage crew. Sandra was also a committee member and trustee until 2009.

 

 

Make Up Superviser            Pat Bunting

Registrar                              Margaret Brown

Assistant to Treasurer         Dorothy Moore

Publicity Officer                   Philip Strafford

Photograhers                       Adrian Egglestone  (programme)

                                             Alan Turner  (gallery show photos)

 

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http://www.jeremytustin.com

 Jeremy Tustin                 Director/Choreographer      2003  to  March 2010

Jeremy is a professional director and choreographer who was trained at the Mountview Theatre School, successfully completing a 3 year Acting/Musical Theatre Course (B.A. Hons)  Since graduating, he has appeared in numerous West End, touring and rep seasons. These include Raoul in 'Phantom of the Opera', UK tour of 'Evita' with Marti Webb, UK tour of 'City of Angels' and 'A Little Night Music' with Rula Lenska.  He now travels all over the UK directing and choreographing shows and has received great praise and critical acclaim for his productions.  He has continued to develop his own unique style which has challenged the many societies he has worked with and  thoroughly entertained audiences and critics alike. The 2010 production of 'Fiddler On The Roof' was his 7th production with Croft House.

 

  Claire Harriott              Assistant Choreographer    2003 to March 2010

Claire is no stranger to amateur stage having performed in over 80 productions. She started dancing at the age of 3 and made her stage debut at the age of 5 in the “Babes Chorus” in panto. She went on to play many roles from Buttons (age 12) to Sleeping Beauty (age 16). At the age of 10 she joined Granville Operatic Society, alongside her father Brian, for their production of “White Horse Inn”. She went on to work with other local societies as a dancer and in lead roles including ‘Ado Annie’, ’Irene’, ‘Katie Brown’, ‘Ann Pornick’, and ‘Velma’, as well as backstage doing properties, make up and wardrobe. Whilst at college, Claire attended workshops with an array of world-renowned dance companies including London Contemporary Dance Theatre, Ballet Rambert and The Royal Ballet, as well as studying the techniques of Stanislavsky and Brecht. In 1987 she attained a Diploma in Performance Arts and an ‘A’ Level in Theatre Studies. She has since choreographed for several Amateur productions at the University Drama Studio, Crucible & Lyceum Theatres.  Claire Joined Croft House in 1993 and has assisted production since 2003, a roll which she enjoys, but one that keeps her on her toes…