Come From Away and We Will Rock You - Production Teams

SMTC are delighted to announce our production teams for these extremely exciting productions!

Come From Away

SHOW DIRECTOR - Nick Jones

A trained actor and former Head of Drama, Nick brings a wealth of educational and professional expertise to the rehearsal room.

Before joining us, Nick spent several years in the UAE, where he served as Stage Director for a string of ambitious productions at Dubai College, including Chicago, Evita, Les Misérables, and Hairspray. Since returning to the local scene, he has been active with the Abbey Foregate Players, directing the suburban classic Abigail’s Party and currently working on the charming Daisy Pulls It Off.

For Nick, this show is about much more than just the music. He notes:

"I think that Come From Away is about an extraordinary moment in time where the population of Gander opened its doors to the world. It also resonates today as the idea of opening your door to strangers. The project excites me as it is such a stripped-back production, yet it has great power and impact."

Nick’s deep-rooted passion and encyclopaedic knowledge of Come From Away made him the clear choice for this production. He is particularly excited to tackle the show's signature style, a dynamic, fast-paced narrative that relies on slick movement and precision. With his leadership, we are certain this "Welcome to the Rock" will be a truly unforgettable experience.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Sarah Browne

We are incredibly fortunate to have Sarah Browne as the Musical Director for Come From Away. As the Head of Shropshire Music Service, Sarah brings a wealth of professional expertise and a lifelong passion for music education and performance to the SMTC creative team.

Originally trained as a pianist and vocalist, Sarah’s career has seen her work extensively as a conductor, arranger, and educator. Her journey began in the classroom, teaching music across primary and secondary schools, before she moved into successfully managing large performing arts and media departments within the further and higher education sectors.

Sarah is a true creative powerhouse who understands the nuances of storytelling through sound. For Come From Away, she is looking forward to the challenge of crafting the show’s unique, folk-inspired "Gander" sound:

"I’ve always been drawn to the way music can build a community on stage. Come From Away requires a very specific kind of precision and heart, and I’m excited to work with our vocalists to bring those intricate, beautiful harmonies to life."

With her background in leadership and her deep technical knowledge, Sarah is the perfect person to guide our company through this emotionally resonant and musically complex score.

PRODUCER - Richard Taylor

Since joining the SMTC family to perform in our production of Spamalot just last year, Richard has proven himself to be an incredibly helpful, dedicated, and supportive member of the group.

Richard is a true "all-rounder" with a wealth of experience both on and off the stage; he is currently starring in a production of Calendar Girls. He has directed numerous plays and even helmed a unique, one-of-a-kind musical production of ’Allo ’Allo!. His technical expertise is just as impressive; from stage building to prop making, Richard understands exactly what it takes to build a show from the ground up, and, more importantly, how to fix everything that doesn't quite go to plan!

As Producer, Richard will be the "glue" that holds the production together, providing vital leadership and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. An absolute superfan of Come From Away, his passion for the story is matched only by his commitment to the team. With his hands-on approach and deep backstage knowledge, the show truly couldn't be in safer hands.

We Will Rock You

SHOW DIRECTOR - Ben Sheldrick

We are thrilled to introduce Ben as the Director for our high-octane production of We Will Rock You. A natural leader and a self-described "people person," Ben brings a collaborative, trust-based approach to the rehearsal room, focusing on empowering his actors to find their own authentic voices within the story.

Ben is no stranger to the unique demands of the jukebox musical. He previously helmed a full-scale production of All Shook Up, where he mastered the art of balancing iconic songs with clear, character-driven narrative. Beyond the world of existing catalogues, Ben is also a prolific creator in his own right, currently writing and directing an original contemporary musical. This experience of building a show from the ground up gives him a unique edge in refining structure, pacing, and audience engagement.

For Ben, We Will Rock You is the perfect intersection of spectacle and heart:

"Beneath the surface of this bold, crowd-pleasing rock musical is a story about individuality, creative freedom, and the power of live expression in a conformist world. That tension—and how it speaks to modern audiences regarding manufactured culture—is what really draws me to the piece. I want to ground this larger-than-life world in emotional truth so the comedy and the music land even harder."

With a focus on creating bold, entertaining work that fosters a supportive environment, Ben is ready to lead our company in a joyful, unapologetic celebration of the power of Queen.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Richard Fox

Richard is a retired teacher with decades of experience and a classically trained musician with a lifelong love for the music of Queen, making him the perfect person to lead our company through this iconic rock score.

Richard’s recent CV is impressive; for the last four years, he has served as the Musical Director for the professional pantomime at Tenbury Wells Theatre. In that role, he not only taught complex harmonies to professional casts and youth companies but also wrote original music and managed the technical side of the pit, including programming and triggering backing tracks. This blend of traditional keyboard skill and modern tech (using Logic and workstations) is exactly what a high-energy show like We Will Rock You requires.

Having previously directed We Will Rock You in an educational setting, Richard returns to the show with a deep familiarity with the music. He is a veteran of the "pit," having directed numerous bands and orchestras for Sussex Musical Theatre in the past.

Richard is a firm believer in the power of the creative team:

"I realise that the music is just one element of the overall performance. I’m always happy to compromise and find solutions that produce the best effect for the audience and performers. My goal is to be the type of MD who builds true confidence in my vocalists."

Richard was drawn to SMTC by our reputation for excellence, and we are equally excited to have his steady hand and expert ear guiding our "Bohemians" to vocal greatness.

CHOREOGRAPHER - Laura Thompson

Laura is currently the resident choreographer at Theatre On The Steps in Bridgnorth, her recent portfolio includes Beauty and the Beast, the annual Ghost Walk, and the pantomime Hansel and Gretel.

Laura joins us with a deep-rooted passion for this specific show, citing We Will Rock You as one of her all-time favourites. She is currently training at the Conservatoire in Applied Theatre, a programme that emphasises the power of the arts in supporting and building communities. This ethos is at the heart of her teaching style; while she is highly trained in ballet, tap, and jazz, her focus is on creating an inclusive, high-energy environment.

Looking to expand her horizons beyond her local town of Bridgnorth, Laura is keen to build new creative connections:

"I’m really looking to build new networks and work on a variety of musicals. SMTC has a fantastic reputation, and I feel this is a brilliant step toward my ambitions. I love to build trust with my dancers and find ways to ensure everyone produces amazing results, even if they think they have two left feet! I teach through trust, laughter, and repetition."

With her performance experience and infectious energy, Laura is ready to transform our ensemble into a powerhouse of movement. We can’t wait to see her bring the music of Queen to life through bold, rock-and-roll choreography!

COSTUME WIGS & MAKE UP - Caroline Howells

We are honoured to have the exceptionally talented Caroline leading our Costume, Make-up, and Wig department for We Will Rock You. Caroline first joined the SMTC family during our production of Spamalot, where her specialist expertise in historical costuming and wigs proved invaluable. Since then, she has stepped up as our Head Costumier for our current production, Calendar Girls.

Caroline is an absolute professional in her field with a truly exciting career in film and television. Her stellar industry credits include working on the iconic BBC drama Peaky Blinders. Her eye for detail and high-level technical skill bring a professional "screen-ready" quality to everything she touches.

For We Will Rock You, Caroline is ready to let her creativity run wild:

"I absolutely love the music of Queen, but from a design perspective, I just couldn't resist the rebellion-style clothing and the opportunity to create some truly 'crazy' headgear. It’s a world that allows for so much visual expression."

We know the cast will look spectacular under Caroline’s expert guidance. Her presence on the creative team ensures that the "Bohemians" and the "Globalsoft" empire alike will be styled with world-class precision.

PRODUCER - Scott Sutherland

Scott has been a cornerstone of the SMTC family since 2019, an ever-present force in our backroom and onstage teams and hasn't missed a single production since he re-joined us.

Scott is a true but quiet leader; he understands the delicate balance of putting on a high-quality, professional-standard production while ensuring the company remains inclusive and supportive for everyone involved. His producing portfolio is extensive, having successfully managed (and starred in) hits such as Sunshine on Leith, School of Rock, Beautiful, Nativity!, Stepping Out, and Spamalot.

Often referred to as the "glue" that holds everything together, Scott’s work is the vital engine behind the scenes that frequently goes unnoticed but is essential to the show's success. Despite his experience, Scott’s philosophy is one of constant growth; he never stops learning how to make our next production even better than the last. Choosing between our upcoming shows was a tough decision, but We Will Rock You holds a very special place in his heart:

"I first performed in this show as an ensemble member in 2007 with Stourbridge Operatic Society, it was actually my return to the stage as an adult after performing in many shows as a child. At the time, I just didn’t quite feel ready to get the most from it, so I’ve been itching to give it another shot ever since. Aside from Sunshine on Leith, this is right at the top of the list of musicals I’ve always wished to be a part of."

With his deep practical knowledge and his genuine passion for the material, Scott is dedicated to making this production a "Kind of Magic" for both the cast and the audience.

WANT TO JOIN IN THE FUN? - Register your interest as a performer here!!