Cast
The Artists Behind the Music
Martin Neely
Vocals
He has appeared in the London production of Les Misérables at the Queens Theatre where he played the role of Grantaire and covered and played the leading role of Enjolras. During this time he was also part of the cast for the Les Misérables 25th Celebration Concert at the O2 Arena and also sang on the Academy Award winning movie.
Martin’s career has seen him cruise the world as a lead vocalist for the Seabourn, sweep chimneys alongside Burt in ‘Mary Poppins’, drive flying cars in ‘Chitty Bang Bang’ and has made a child’s train set come to life in the final London cast of the fastest show on earth, ‘Starlight Express’ and as ‘Lt. Brannigan’ in a production of Guys & Dolls produced by Kilworth House Theatre 2018.
Christian Gibson
Vocals
Christian is a West End/ freelance performer, theatre producer, director, choreographer and writer. His professional career spans 30 years.
As an actor, Christian’s West End /touring credits include: Chess, Saturday Night Fever, KissMe Kate (Tony Award- Best Musical Revival), The Producers (Tony and Olivier awards forBest New Musical), Grease, The Boyfriend, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, My Fair Lady,
Singin’ In The Rain, Anything Goes (Olivier Award- Best Musical Revival), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award- Best New Musical), The Sound Of Music, Calamity Jane and White Christmas.
Christian performed at two Royal Variety performances as part of the award winning WestEnd productions of The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
As a freelance singing artist, Christian has performed at hundreds of events worldwide including celebrity parties, corporate events, awards dinners, private parties, weddings and
concerts. His recent performing work includes entertaining audiences internationally as one quarter of the comedy celebrity act- 4 Poofs And A Piano who featured for 9 years onBBC/ITV’s Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. The show performs regularly for P&O Cruises as well as theatres across the UK and the World famous Glastonbury festival
Jonathan Eiø
Vocals
Manx raised and of Danish origin, Jonathan trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, finishing with a Post Graduate Diploma in Performance, a DipRAM and a Licentiate of The Royal Academy of Music (LRAM). He is a Fellow of the London College of Music (FLCM) and holds a Fellowship to the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA).
He is currently a Vocal Coach at Kingsclere Performing Arts and Wilkes Academy and Acting Through Song Coach/Singing Teacher at Mountview Academy and East 15 Acting School in London
He has also lectured, musically directed and taught music and singing at Arts Ed, Read College (Deep head of Singing), Masters Performing Arts (Head of Music), Emil Dale Academy, London School of Musical Theatre, ROM Theatre Arts and the Guildford Conservatoire. Other colleges include London College of Music, Urdang Academy, Institute of the Arts Barcelona and The Brighton Academy.
As a performer his theatre credits include ’Zach’ in “Love Beyond’ (London), Melchior in Spring Awakening (National UK Tour), Tony in West Side Story (Bridewell Theatre, London), Man 1 in Songs for a New World (New Players Theatre), Jack in Into the Woods (Landor Theatre), Tim Caruthers in Half a Sixpence (No.1 UK tour), Tinman in The Wiz (Gatehouse) and Production Tenor/Kit Kat Boy in Cabaret, (English Theatre, Frankfurt).
His concert and TV credits include: vocalist for the movie soundtrack album Cats, Cinderella movie (Netflix), Good with David Tennant, the Dubai Expo 2022, singer/dancer for San Marino in the new Eurovision movie, vocalist for Elton John’s UK tour, Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up, CBBC Prom in the Park, The Paul O’Grady Show, The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
More recently he has been performing across the globe with The Rockafellas, The Flyboys, the Frankie Valli Tribute group Walk Like a Man and is currently appearing as Bob Gaudio in the UK tour of Oh What A Night! – and as standby Principal Vocalist for the ‘Back to Bacharach’ UK Tour.
He is also concentrating on finishing his third album which is scheduled to be released in Winter 2024.
Arabella Rodrigo
Vocals
This girl loves to sing! Arabella’s first solo performance was at the age of 6, at a Christmas Carol concert in Northampton. With a taste for the limelight, Arabella went on to join choirs and enter competitions throughout her school years.
At the age of 18, she moved to London to study music at the London College of Music where she studied jazz, musical theatre and opera. She was invited by Eddie Harvey to sing at the Ealing Jazz Festival in 2003, which marked her professional debut.
Arabella went on to complete her training in musical theatre at the Royal Academy of Music. During her year at the Academy, Arabella joined Jason Robert Brown on stage at the New Players Theatre as part of his choir and played the roles of Maria in Nine and Thaisa in Shakespeare’s Pericles.
In the summer of 2010, Arabella took a break from musical theatre and moved to Macau in China to be a singing entertainer at the prestigious Venetian Hotel. Whilst there, Arabella performed in many different styles and to audiences from all over the world. She fulfilled one of her lifetime goals of performing to an audience of around 15000 when she took to the stage in the Venetians’ Arena in her first week and even learnt how to row a gondola!
Arabella returned to London in 2011 and has been quietly making a name for herself as a session singer. She may, one day, return to the world of musical theatre..
Arabella made her professional singing debut at the prestigious Ealing Jazz Festival in 2003. She trained at both the London College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music.
After training, Arabella pursued a career in musical theatre and opera and has worked at the iconic Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau ,China.
Arabella’s career as been more varied than ever continuing in musical theatre, opera and live performance with bands and tribute artists.
Chloe Du Pre
Vocals
Chloe was awarded “The Stage” scholarship to Brighton Institute of Modern Music, gaining double distinction vocal diploma.
Played Cello on Plan B’s Single “Love goes down” Recorded backing vocals and cello solo on Status Quo’s latest album “In Search of the Fourth Chord” working with Pip Williams (Elton John) Backing Vocals for Nicole Sherzinger on “The Graham
Norton Show” and “Daybreak” Live,and recorded backing vocals for I.T.V. “Madonna Mania” for Liberty “X”.
Chloe is also a RnB/Pop songwriter and was chosen to attend BBC radio 2 new talent songwriting academy. Having had extensive experience as a solo artist, working with producer
Pip Williams in the studio.
Lead vocalist for many well regarded London based Function bands. Accomplished pianist and cellist to grade 8 standard.
Janine Johnson
Vocals
“Janine can SING……go see her” David Arnold (Film Composer, James Bond)
As well as being a rising solo artist her collaborations include: Ian Shaw, Paloma Faith, Bobby McFerrin, Take That, George Michael, Ray Davies, The Who, Kaiser Chiefs, David Arnold, Sarah Jane Morris.
Janine is adventurous and passionate about life in general.
She trained in Musical Theatre at Guildford School of Acting and has played a number of roles in Theatre and TV, the most recent being; The Harder They Come, Blues Brothers and Midnight Beast (E4).
Rachel Matthews
Vocals
Rachel is a UK based singer, songwriter and actress. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London (The Stage Scholarship).
Rachel wrote and is featured on the latest ‘Cool Million’ Album “Stronger” with her track “Skintight” which went to number 1 on The UK Soul Chart. Her live solo work includes performances at the Isle of Wight Festival, Ronnie Scotts, 606 club, The Royal Albert Hall and The Barbican.
Rachel has worked extensively in Theatre and TV. Theatre credits include: “Daisy” in ‘The Secret Garden’ for The Royal Shakespeare company (Stratford-upon-avon and West End). “Sheridan” in ‘Kombat’ for The National Theatre studio.”. “Geminae” in ‘A funny thing happened on the way to the forum’ (Regents Park).
Rachel has performed internationally in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Uruguay, including a tour of Stars and Clouds The Musical /Ode to the Triple Gem.
Her TV and film credits include guest lead appearances in Doctors (BBC) The Bill, All about me, Downing Street Siege, and appears in Monumental Pictures feature “How to build a girl” where she also co-composed a vocal arrangement for Johanna’s dream-Day Making Girl.
Rachel is an experienced session vocalist and a member of Urban Voices Collective performing at prestigious events including the 2012 Olympic Closing ceremony and BAFTA’s.
Her studio and live work includes sessions/performances with George Michael, Paloma Faith, Muse, Demi Lovato, Sam Smith, Barry Manilow, Elbow, Andrea Bocelli, Rita Ora, Sigma, Brenda Russel, Angela Winbush, Mika.
Jenessa Qua
Vocals
Jenessa is an Olivier Award winning actress and a first class vocalist.
She’s Worked with Queen, George Michael, Leee John, the world renowned London Community Gospel Choir and worked alongside Jessie J.
Frequently touring Europe as a featured Bluette with the official tribute, Blues Brothers (Approved) performing as Aretha Franklin.
Also as Fontella Bass & Erma Franklin in the original cast of Sweet Soul Music.
Jenessa is now delighted to join the wonderful touring show performing some of her favourites penned by the legendary composer.
Tess Burrstone
Vocals
Tess is a highly skilled, versatile vocalist with a background in dance training.
She has over 10 years of experience touring internationally, performing on radio, in studio sessions, on live TV and in many prestigious venues including Strictly Come Dancing, the Radio 1 Live Lounge, Abbey Road Studios, Maida Vale, RAK Studios, Metropolis, The Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium, The Kings Coronation at Windsor as well as festivals, stadiums and arenas around the world.
Tess’ powerful pop sound, impressive vocal range and warm soulful tones in combination with her vibrant stage presence and versatility has no doubt led to her performing with some of the biggest bands, groups and touring shows across the globe
Lauren Potter
Vocals
Lauren trained in acting at The Court Theatre Training Company in London but ever since graduation her professional path has been centred in music and singing.
Lauren appears as a vocalist in vocal harmony trio Timeless Singers who have performed nationally and internationally for the last decade and were finalists on SKY TV’s singing show ‘Sing: Ultimate Acapella’.
Musically, Lauren has sung in many bands from orchestras to brass bands to party bands, performed on cruise ships and large festivals around the UK. Lauren’s acting career has been wonderfully varied from musicals to plays, from pantomimes to improvised comedy.
Pierce Tee
Piano/M.D.
Pierce started playing the piano at a young age, learning the classical repertoire until leaving home for university to study electronics engineering at the age of 18.
After graduating from university, Pierce took up music professionally, working in residencies up and down the UK.
Realising that a life in music was a better fit than a job in electronics and having a love for travel, Pierce left the UK to sail the seas as a Musical Director for Holland America.
Once the travel bug was sated, he returned to the UK and has since Musically Directed many tours and in the West End for such shows as SWEET SOUL MUSIC, DANCING IN THE STREET,
LAUGHTER IN THE RAIN, BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY and 4 years in Brighton as MD for their Christmas shows at the Theatre Royal.
Steve Turner
Piano/M.D. & Keyboards
Driven by a passion for music, Keyboard player, musical director and composer Steve Turner’s career has taken him round the world with many leading artists such as Sugababes, All saints, Anastasia and 4 tours with Kylie Minogue.
He also joined the band for the London leg of Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come tour accompanying special guest Beyoncé, a career highlight!
He’s also had some memorable live TV performances including The Tonight Show (Jay Leno), The Late Show (David Letterman), and Later with Jools Holland.
Recent events include world tours with Jeff Wayne’s ‘The War Of The Worlds’ & Clannad and in the TV house band for BBC’s The Voice UK.
Dan Dibdin
Piano/MD
Dan first professional gig was at the tender age of 14 with a young farmer who sang and did impressions and ventriloquism.
By the time Dan went to college he had played in duos, the school big band, a function band and a blues band. While at school Dan had been part of a quartet that reached the finals of the National Festival Of Music For Youth, where they were soundly beaten by the Wigan Youth Big Band.
Dan studied at the Leeds College Of Music on the Jazz and Contemporary Music course for three years and subsequently at the Guildhall School of Music on the post graduate jazz course.
Since then his career has encompassed pantomimes, holiday camps, and playing in a hostess club in Taiwan. He has played on shows as the assistant MD on ‘Five Guys Named Mo’ and ‘The Ratpack, Live From Las Vegas’ tours.
He was a member of the house band on the ‘Light Lunch’ Channel 4 show as well as working with an ABBA tribute band, Abbamania, and a Rolling Stones act, The Counterfeit Stones, and now this fine Bacharach show. teaching is also a major part of his musical life.
Steve Price
Piano/M.D.
Steve Price is a professional Music Director/Pianist/Arranger.
During his career he has performed, recorded and toured with many great artistes, notably;
The Bee Gees, Englebert Humperdinck, The Three Degrees, Neil Sedaka, Joe Longthorne, Roy Castle, Freddie Starr, PP Arnold,The London Community Gospel Choir, The Nolans, Richard Fleeshman, Peter Grant, Tony Christie, Bobby Rydal, Ronan Keating, The Drifters, The Platters, Rick Astley, Jane Macdonald, The Temptations.
Stuart Collingwood
Piano/MD
Stuart has worked as a professional pianist/ keyboardist/ vocalist for over 35 years.
He has worked with Sir Ken Dodd, Sir Norman Wisdom, The Nolans, Joe Longthorne, John Miles, Claire Sweeney, Faye Tozer (Steps), Anita Harris, Brian Johnson, Tim Healy, Little & Large among many other well known names.
Tours and recording with Tony Christie (2004-2007) many festivals and prestige venues, including Royal Albert Hall, V Festival main stage and Top of the pops, GMTV and BBC.
Playing keyboards for the official theatre tours “Cats”and “Fame” and pantomimes with Linda Nolan, Little and Large and Denise Welch.
Shows with many tribute acts including :-
Back to Bacharach, Neil Diamond, Elvis, Rat pack, 60s shows, Motown, Dolly Parton etc,
A Musical Director and pianist for P&O Cruises (1990-2000)
Performing with The British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (pianist)
Royal TV awards 1996 – 2008 (North east region) playing and programming.
Bernie Smith
Keyboards
Born into a musical family, Bernie began playing piano ‘by ear’ at the tender age of four. He later received classical training from a Royal Academy professor.
In his teens he became somewhat obsessed by synthesisers and music technology, and started playing keyboards with local bands.
He went on to enjoy a diverse and star-studded career as a keyboard player. Highlights include many tours with Annie Lennox and Take That, playing in the house band for the Queen’s diamond jubilee concert (watched live by some 17 million TV viewers!), touring with Jeff Lynne’s ELO and now playing with Back To Bacharach!
Bernie has always enjoyed Burt Bacharach’s music so is most happy to be playing in this show!
Chris Malkinson
Keyboards
Loren Hignall
Saxophone / Flute
Loren gained a First in Music from Anglia Polytechnic University in 1994 and went on to take a one year postgraduate course in Jazz and Studio Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Work has included touring Europe many times with big bands such as Ray McVay’s Glenn Miller UK, GMMO, BBC Big Band and in the backing band for many Jamaican Reggae Artists; primarily Max Romeo but also Big Youth, Gregory Isaacs, Mikey Dread and Little Roy.
Always in demand as a session player he regularly performs with The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and many smaller groups, jazz and pop for public and private performances.
Julian Tucker
Saxophone / Flute
Julian often played as an orchestral and jazz musician for BBC TV Wales and S4C and is also a published songwriter and composer.
Adam Smith
Trombone
Adam Smith is Principal Bass Trombone for the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the prestigious Royal Air Force Squadroniaires.
Previous engagements have seen Adam perform at Westminster Abbey for the Wedding of HRH Prince William of Wales to Catherine Middleton, the London Olympics 2012, Classic FM Live and on BBC Radio 2 for Friday Night is Music Night Live Broadcasts.
In demand as a Bass Trombone player, Adam has performed with the Royal Philharmonic, London Concert, National Symphony, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestras, Lesley Garrett (UK Tour), Russell Watson, Sir Cliff Richard, Rod Stewart, Katherine Jenkins, Brian May and the Overtones.
Ian Bateman
Trombone
Back in January 1977 Ian made his stage debut at his local theatre in Swindon, England (where he still lives) when he joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Great Britain (NYJO). Ian went on to make numerous European tours with NYJO and played in nearly every theatre in the UK. It was NYJO’s heyday during Ian’s tenure – having performed in the 1977 Royal Command Performance for HRH the Queen Mother. This show was transmitted to the biggest worldwide live television audience ever at that time and no sooner had the curtains gone down, then NYJO were in massive demand and Ian was in there throughout.
Chris Fidler
Trombone
Chris studied Trombone at the London Royal College of Music gaining an ARCM and Dip RCM (Performance) before spending some 17 years as a freelance musician in and around London playing in the pit for many West End shows such as Five guys named Moe, Grease and Fame. He also played concerts and toured with a variety of well-known pop groups such as Jamiroquai, Style Council and Wet Wet Wet. He then spent time working in Hamburg, Germany with NDR big band, and holding a full time position for 8 years at the Hamburg Operettenhaus before returning to the UK in 2015 where he has been performing with Back to Bacharach, Jack Jones 2015 tour, Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Elvis tribute artist world tour, Manchester Concert Orchestra, Four Tops and Temptations 2022 UK tour, a season at Dorset Opera and 5 seasons at Kilworth House Open Air Theatre
Christoper Cotter
Trumpet
Chris is no stranger to The West End and Royal Philharmonia.
Chris to went The Trinity College of Music to study a music degree, and then attended London’s Royal Acade
Prizes & Scholarships
- Concerto Competition – RAM
- Scholarship to Royal Academy of Music
- Scholarship to Trinity College of Music
Orchestral
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- BBC Symphony Orchestra
- BBC Concert Orchestra
- English National Opera
- Philharmonia Orchestra
- Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
- Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Royal Scottish National Orchestra
- Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
- Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra
- London Contemporary Orchestra
- London Concert Orchestra
- Esbjerg Ensemble
- English National Orchestra
Commercial
- BBC Symphony Orchestra Sessions
- Back to The Future
- West End Production Jersey Boys
- West End Production Phantom
- West End Production Guys and Dolls
- Bridge Theatre Follies –
- National Theatre Trumpet Annie
- West End Production Top Hat –
- West End Production Singing In The Rain
- West End Production Scottsboro Boys
- West End Production Wicked UK Tour
- Les Miserable UK Tour
- The Third Man Menier Chocolate Factory Dream Girls UK tour
- Sweet Smell of Success Everyone’s talking about Jamie
- West End Production and UK tour
- Sting Symphonicities – Deutsche Grammophon
- Sting DVD Live in Berlin – Deutsche Grammophon
- Sting Symphonicity world tour
- Star Wars in concert world tour
Benny Lee
trumpet
Benny is also a composer, arranger, band leader, vocalist and music teacher.
As a trumpeter and singer, Benny has enjoyed performing and recording with many top artists and orchestras as well as the Back To Bacharach show including Syd Lawrence Orchestra, Glenn Miller Orchestra UK, Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra, Jimmy James and The Vagabonds, The Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Clem Curtis and The Foundations, Echoes of Ellington, The Empress Orchestra, Peter Kay, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Ant & Dec, John Miller, Andy Prior, Tony Christie, Si Cranstoun, Clare Teal, Jacqui Dankworth. He has also performed for many West End and touring shows including The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas, Chicago, Sinatra Live at The Sands, The Simon and Garfunkel Story, Macca, One Night Of Elvis, Magic of Motown.
John Moakes
Trumpet
He has worked extensively around the world fronting numerous big bands including the Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra, the New Squadronaires and the Rat Pack Show, in addition to sharing a stage with the fantastic Mr Buddy Greco.
John regularly travels all over the UK and worldwide playing with various bands.
Zane Maertens
Bass Guitar
Zane is a multi instrumentalist who performs upright/electric bass on the Back to Bacharach show, a musician who is as amazing on guitar as he is on bass.
Zane has worked in many different positions within music industry from Function Bands, Solo Acoustic/Classical, Cabaret Shows, touring Shows including The Blues Brothers show, Tony Hadley, Jersey Boys and many more across the world.
We are very lucky to have such an amazing musician working on this show holding it al together with his beautiful selection on bass guitars.
Phil Williams
Bass Guitar
Phil has worked as a musician within most areas of the music business including live performance with major artists. Session work, teaching, production/journalism and endorsement of musical equipment. Some of the artists worked for include:
Tony Hadley, H.N.K. (Spandau Ballet) , Go West, Rick Astley, Squeeze, Keith Emerson (Keith Emerson band), ABC (Martin Fry) Pete Cox (Go West) We Will Rock You (West End), Rock Of Ages (west End), Midge Ure – Birmingham symphony orc. Rick Wakeman, Curtis Stiger, Mica Paris, T’Pau, Jane Macdonald, Paul Young, Vonda Shepherd, Gary Barlow, Roger Daltry, Kim, Wilde, Los Del Rio (The Macarena) Limahl, Bernie Marsden, Secret Affair, Nick Heyward, Belinda Carlisle, Toyah, Roland Gift, Jimmy Somerville, Heather small.
Russell Swift
Bass Guitar
T.V. credits includes playing signature tunes & incidental music to shows including: The Upper Hand, Pebble Mill, Peak Practice, This Morning, Boon, Come Dancing & Torvill & Dean Dance Spectacular.
Chris Burgess
Drums
Chris is an Essex-based drummer/arranger/composer and has over 20 years experience working in theatre, bands, recording studios and cruise ships and is very happy to be a part of Back to Bacharach.
Credits include: Fame – Cambridge Theatre, London, Dancing in the Streets – Playhouse Theatre, London, Forever in Blue Jeans, Voice of the Heart Karen Carpenter – UK Tour, Dominic Kirwan – UK/Ireland Tour.
As a composer/arranger clients include: Hal Leonard, Harrods, Spirit Productions, Millfield Theatre Edmonton, Dugdale Centre, Enfield.
Charlie Smith
Drums
Charlie is a freelance drummer and percussionist from the North East of England. Having played and taken lessons with Teesside session drummer Paul Smith since the age of 3, he started his professional career aged 15, and has been working in the industry ever since.
Studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in London, Charlie graduated in 2021 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Music Industry Practice.
Credits include: Martin Stephenson & The Daintees (Touring & Recording), Islands in the Stream (UK Tour), Country Roads (UK Tour), and the last 4 years of pantomimes at The Gala Theatre (Durham). Away from the shows, you can find Charlie teaching, recording in his home studio or co-hosting Groovecast, the rhythm section podcast.
Darren Bazzoni
Drums
Darren Bazzoni has spent his entire life on stage touring the
Globe, recording, performing and appearing on drums with a plethora of household names and Multi-Platinum selling artists. From the legendary Bay City to boy band Blue, Zoot Money, Charli XCX, Chris Farlowe, Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers and Richie Valance, Johnny Cash Roadshow and Hello Again.. The story of Neil Diamond.
Household names including Freddie Starr, Gary Wilmot & the late, great Sir Norman Wisdom.
Jimi Howell
Production
Jimi is our Front of House engineer who has 20 years of experience touring throughout the UK including the West End and Europe.
As well as Back to Bacharach Jimi, for the last two years toured with The Searchers as part of their Thank You tour. He’s also toured with Chesney Hawkes, Marmalade, Hermans Hermitts, Denise Nolan and Come What May staring the late Robin Windsor. Whilst not working he enjoys training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.