PRODUCTION TEAM
RUTH PALMER - DIRECTOR
Ruth has a wealth of experience in all things Gilbert and Sullivan having sung all the main Principal soprano roles in the canon with Oundle, Peterborough and Stamford G&S, Nene Opera and The Wandering Minstrels. She has performed on numerous occasions at the Buxton Opera House as part of the International G&S Festival and was honoured with nominations for Best Female Voice (Aline) and Best Female Performer (Patience) during that time.
After taking lead roles in Stamford G&S Players for several years, she became our Director in 2018 and has been passionate about producing award winning, traditional and fun shows for us since.
She is passionate about using her experience to support, nurture and mentor our talented growing youth membership to ensure a future for the Players, whilst also appreciating the long standing and experienced members who are the back bone of the society.
DUNCAN BALCON - MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Duncan is an experienced Musical Theatre Performer and Musical Director with a range of experience both locally, and further afield. Currently the resident Musical Director for Stamford College Players, as well as for the Stamford Gilbert &Sullivan Players, he is also the current vocal coach for Seaton Starlights; keeping him nice and busy singing with lots of different groups. As a performer, his leading credits include Rock of Ages (Drew), Footloose (Ren), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Adam/Felicia) and Rent (Tom Collins.) He has also taken on non-musical leading roles with Stamford Shoestring. As an MD, his recent credits include My Fair Lady, The Sound Of Music, Calamity Jane and Sister Act. He has also spent a large proportion of 2025 involved with the UK Amateur Premiere of Les Miserables in Nottingham.
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TREVOR FRENCH - STAGE MANAGER
Trevor has been involved with theatre for over fifty years and has been Stage Manager for Stamford G&S Players for 18 years. He first became interested in backstage work after helping out at the Peterborough Gang Show, when he offered to help the Stage Manager at the Embassy Theatre.
Trevor has worked on every genre of live show, from rock bands to variety shows, including Kent Opera and Welsh National Opera, not to mention Buxton Opera House, during the G&S International Festival.
KATE BIDWELL - REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST
Kate has taught piano since 2006, both privately and as a peripatetic. Since 2018 she has enjoyed taking on various accompanying roles, including School Accompanist at Copthill Independent Day School, Corby Male Voice Choir and The Grantham Singers.