Where are they now?

If you’re lucky enough to get the chance to see professional theatre from time to time, look out for some familiar faces. It’s striking how many young Parish Players members from recent productions have gone on to work professionally in theatre, whether as actors or creatives. Comedian and regular at the Edinburgh Fringe, Henry Perryment (Wizard of Oz), has also appeared on BBC Three. His brother Max (for PPs, everything from a Dwarf in Snow White to Benedict in Much Ado about Nothing) is a busy Sound Designer and Composer, most recently for One Woman Show at the Ambassadors Theatre and the BBC Podcast People Who Knew Me. Will Alder (PP's Seymour in Little Shop Of Horrors as well as sound and lighting on several productions) is a producer and lighting designer and has worked on a wide range of projects, including lighting productions at Reigate Grammar School, where the Head of Drama is Hugh Edwards, another past PP member. Will's work as Lighting Designer for In Other Words at the Arcola Theatre has been rated highly in The Stage. Jack Pallister (PP’s Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Private Pike in Dad’s Army) co-choreographed and appeared in Aladdin starring Anita Dobson in Brighton this Christmas, as well as writing and directing the very successful Elf Express for children. He is currently choreographing the Brick Lane Music Hall pantomime and touring in the Classic Ballet production of Cinderella and has also toured in Teddy Bear’s Picnic for Let’s All Dance. Charlie Swift (PP’s Prince Florizel in Sleeping Beauty, and Musical Director for several pantos) has worked for a major pantomime production company, and now runs the Esher Theatre and recently directed Bobby Crush, Peter Straker and Jan Hunt in Aladdin. Emily Vaughan-Barratt (PP’s Slave of the Ring in Aladdin, Gnawbone in Dick Whittington) is now a West End producer running Wessex Grove, which was profiled in an article in The Stage in September 2023.  In 2022, she was listed in The Stage Top 100 people in the theatre. And Katie Matsell (PP’s Prince Louis in Beauty and the Beast, Principal Boy in Aladdin) was in Othello at the National Theatre, cast in the ensemble but also appearing as Bianca. So when you come along to see our pantomime next Christmas, try to spot the stars of the future. See them before they become famous… 

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Original article by Chris Abbott from the 2023 Spring issue of Parish Matters