Cast
Martin Neely - VocalsMartin Neely is a versatile English actor & singer best known for his many roles in musical theatre productions both in the West End and around the world.
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.
Chloe Du Pre - VocalsChloe 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.
Arabella Rodrigo - VocalsArabella 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.
She performs regularly worldwide with her solo show, Back To Bacharach and a variety of other acts, including: Ultimate Divas (Tribute), Funcnation (Pop and Funk), Incognito Artists (Surprise Act), Midnight Soul Sisters (Motown and soul), the Adora Gals (Burlesque).
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).
Christian Gibson - VocalsChristian trained at the London Studio Centre. West End performing credits include Saturday Night Fever (London Palladium) and the Broadway transfers of Kiss Me Kate (Victoria Palace), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftesbury) and The Producers (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane).Overseas and UK tours include Chess (UK, Ireland & Italy) Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, Grease and My Fair Lady.
Christian’s other roles include Tony in The Boyfriend, Cosmo in Singing In the Rain and Sheldrake in White Christmas.
On TV Christian has appeared in various commercials, was featured in Kiss Me Kate filmed for television, The Royal Variety Performance (2003 & 2004) and more recently, Seasons 1 & 2 of the US TV comedy Galavant for ABC/ Disney.
Christian has also performed as Richie Valens/Dion Dimucci in the UK touring production of Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party,
Director/choreographer/ Producer on 4Ever Hollywood .
Kirsty Hoiles - VocalsKirsty has appeared in CALL THE MIDWIFE for the BBC/Neal Street and REMEMBER ME for Mammoth/BBC.
She has filmed a role in THE SCANDELOUS LADY W for Wall to Wall, directed by Sheree Folkson and CLOSE TO THE ENEMY, directed by Stephen Poliakoff.
She’s also appeared in the feature LES MISERABLES directed by Tom Hooper and on stage in BETTY BLUE EYES at the Novello Theatre, West End playing Mrs Allardyce.
She won the 2009 TMA award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for her performance as Young Viv in SPEND SPEND SPEND at The Watermill Theatre directed by Craig Revel Horwood. She also reprised her performance in the 2010 UK Tour. Other credits include THE THREE MUSKETEERS at the Rose Theatre; ARTHUR & GEORGE at Birmingham Rep and Nottingham Playhouse and LES MISERABLES in the West End.
Jenessa Qua - VocalsJenessa 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 showperforming some of her favourites penned by the legendary
composer.
Pierce Tee - Piano/M.D. & KeyboardsPierce started playing the piano at a young age, learning the classical repertoire until leaving home for university to study electronic engineering at the age of 18.
After graduating, Pierce took up music professionaly,working in residencies across the U.K..Pierece left the U.K. to sail with Holland America as Musical Director.
Once the travel bug was sated, he returned to the U.K. and has since worked as the Musical Director of many tours and in the West End for shows such as SWEET SOUL MUSIC, DANCING IN THE STREET, LAUGHTER IN THE RAIN, BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY, OH CAROL, and 4 years in brighton as the MD for their Christmas shows at the Theatre Royal.
Steve Turner - Piano/M.D. & KeyboardsDriven 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, Allsaints, Anastacia 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.
Bernie Smith - KeyboardsBorn 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 synthesizers 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 Bacharachs’s music so is most happy to be playing in this show!
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, Engleburt Humperdink, 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.
Loren Hignall - Saxophone/FluteGained 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.Venues include Royal Albert Hall, QEH, Royal Festival Hall, The Radio Theatre at BBC Broadcasting House, The Savoy Theatre, Buckingham Palace and the Palladium.
Session work has included work in many major London recording studios including Metropolis, Pinewood, Angel and Triple X for many bands including Gloworm, Code Red and Ouch!.Currently plays regularly with Syd Lawrence Orchestra, after a four year stint in the band, and many smaller groups, jazz and pop for public and private performances.
Adam Brown - TrumpetAdam Brown has performed with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Dame Shirley Bassey, Dionne Warwick, Amy Winehouse, Rose Royce, Rumer ,Jamie Cullum and for many West-End productions (amongst others) “Evita”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “The Wizard of Oz”, “Wicked”, “Sister Act’, “Oliver” and “Jersey Boys”.
Adam has also performed with Sir John Dankworth, Dame Cleo Laine, Stan Tracey and Guy Barker .
Adam was a soloist in the John Barry Memorial Concert at the Royal Albert Hall and has broadcast live on Classic FM. Adam is the brass specialist for the Thomas London Day Schools in Clapham and Battersea and is in great demand as a private teacher.
Adam Smith - TromboneAdam 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.
Zane Maertens - Bass GuitarZane is a multi instrumentalist who performs upright/electric bass on the Back to Bacharach show,an amazing 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, Big 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.
Dominic Goundar - DrumsDom is overjoyed to be getting the opportunity to bring this music to life on British stages.
Currently based in London Dominic remains an in demand drummer for shows, bands, solo artists and artistic groups up and down the country and around the world.
The rest of the time he can most likely be found on a beach somewhere back in the southern hemisphere teaching his second love, scuba diving. He is still searching for the perfect way to combine both in one!
Chris Burgess - DrumsChris is an Essex-based drummer/arranger/composer and has over 15 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.
Darren Bazzoni - DrumsDarren 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 Rollers 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.
Andy Meredith - Guitar / ProducerAndy has been playing guitar since the age of 13 and is influenced by all styles of music and has worked professionally since the age of 17.
“Back to Bacharach was something I always wanted to do for many years and now I can finally bring these amazing songs to audiences across the U.K. and abroad.”
As well as many corporate /private events theatre credits include The Eddie Cochran Story,Buddy Holly & The Cricketers, The Beatels, ABBA & Hello Again...The Neil Diamond Story.