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.
GAVIN ASHLEY-COOPER - MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Gavin studied at the University of Oxford and the University of Chichester. He is resident Musical Director at Kindred Drama at the Key Theatre and combines this with freelance work as a pianist, singer, arranger, and conductor. He is also the presenter of ‘Musical Directions’ on local radio station Rutland and Stamford Sound a musical theatre based show on Sunday evenings.
Most recently he has been working with Jumped Up Theatre and Moving Roots Touring Network on the Five Star Production of Darren Pritchard’s ‘Rent Party’. He has undertaken work as Musical Supervisor and Rehearsal Pianist for APL Theatre Ltd for both London productions as well as UK and European Tours. For three years, Gavin was a resident pianist with the highly acclaimed Military Wives Choirs where he played for several choirs and accompanied performances around the country. He is a regular on the cabaret circuit and is often in demand as an accompanist and performer hosting live singing events in various parts
KATE BIDWELL - ACCOMPANIST & VOCAL COACH
Kate has taught piano since 2006 both privately and as a peripatetic teacher. She has been part of Lincoln Music Services for a number of years and currently teaches at Bourne Grammar School, John Clare Primary School and Malcom Sargent Primary School as well as having some private pupils. Beyond teaching, Kate has been the Musical Director for the Grantham Singers and has become a much sought after accompanist in the Stamford & Bourne areas. Regularly called upon at short notice to support local choirs, she also supports students studying for performances or exams and has also provided accompaniment for professional singers at events in the local area. Kate has been a key part of the musical team of the Corby Male Voice Choir and the Stamford Gilbert & Sullivan Players for the last few years and in the latter she is the rehearsal accompanist and supports the Musical Director as a vocal coach, especially for the principals.
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.
