Who's Who ?
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Mark Adams - Director/Producer Mark is Assistant Head Teacher at Ratton School and teaches drama full time. He formed The Rattonians in 1984 with his wife Melanie to provide an opportunity for ex-pupils of Ratton School to perform. Since that time he has directed and produced over 30 musicals for The Rattonians and over 50 musicals in the last 20 years. As well as directing, Mark has always enjoyed the opportunity to perform and has played many roles, including Emcee in “Cabaret”, Fagin in “Oliver!”, Billy Flynn in “Chicago”, Dexter in “High Society”, Bella Zangler in “Crazy for You” and Sky Masterson in “Guys and Dolls”. He had a lot of fun working on the role of Joe/Josephine in “Some Like it Hot”, one of his favourite films. As Director of Performing Arts at Ratton School, Mark, with his team, teaches in a purpose-built music and drama block and many of the school’s pupils come on to perform with The Rattonians with some going into professional theatre. Mark is committed to helping young people develop their communication and confidence through drama and performing. |
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Melanie Adams - Producer Melanie has been performing in Rattonians productions since the group was started in 1984 playing many lead roles. Her favourites include Maisie in “The Boy Friend”, Mabel Normand in “Mack and Mabel”, Sally Bowles in “Cabaret”, Maria in “The Sound of Music”, Reno in “Anything Goes”, Velma Kelly in “Chicago”, Nancy in “Oliver!”, Tracey Lord in “High Society”, The Witch in “Into the Woods” and Charity in “Sweet Charity”. She particularly enjoys playing comedy roles and is producer of Rattonians’ shows with her husband, Mark Adams, also designing the costumes. In 2007 Melanie enjoyed her directing debut, co-directing “Fame” with Peter Gurr and it is a challenge she would take on again should the opportunity arise. She made her professional debut in pantomime for Kevin Wood in “Snow White” with Ted Rogers and, as a result, Ted asked her to form a singing trio called The Ryan Sisters who toured with Ted in “Danny and Me”, a tribute to Danny Kaye. Melanie enjoys performing as well as undertaking all her other commitments for The Rattonians! |
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Jan Lynton - Choreographer Jan has been a professional
choreographer for over 20 years. Her love for dance began at a very
early age. She started dancing when she was two years old and completed
training in Ballet, American Tap, Modern and Jazz. Her work both as
a professional dancer and choreographer has taken her all around the
world. Jan has choreographed many pantomimes, working with Frankie
Howard,
Larry Grayson, Dilys Watling, Norman Wisdom, Alvin Stardust, Tom O'Connor,
Jimmy Tarbuck and Ken Dodd, to name but a few. She has worked at the
Devonshire Park Theatre where she choreographed "Snow White"
with Ted Rogers and "Aladdin" with Christopher Timothy. Jan
first choreographed for the Rattonians in 1986 and since then has
choreographed
the last 21 shows! Her involvement with the group over the last 15 years
has been special and she calls the Rattonians her 'extended family'. |
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Nicola Brazier - Musical Director Nicola first worked
with the Rattonians on their production of "The Boy Friend"
at The Devonshire Park Theatre in 1992, where she assisted David Cane-
Hardy.
Since that time she has taken over the role of M.D. She has been musical
director for "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", 'Anything
Goes", "Company", "42nd Street", "Cabaret",
"High Society", "Singin in the Rain", "Some
Like It Hot", "Crazy For You", "Oliver!" and
"Mack and Mabel". Mark , Jan and Nicola also worked together
on "The Sound of Music" at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre in
1992. This will be their 14th show as a team. |
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