Meet the Team of TYDG

Rachel Bunting 

Acting Principal of the Group

Rachel has been part of Tameside Youth Drama Group since 1993. Firstly performing in many shows as a child and then moving onto the teaching side. Rachel is a qualified and well experienced teacher who has always had a passion for the arts. With over 20 years experience both performing and directing. Rachel is also a certified specialist in Drama Education, and Arts Award Advisor with a wealth of experience working with children of all ages. 

We wanted to know a bit more about Rachel so we asked her the following questions :

Favourite musical - Blood brothers

If you’re not at the drama what are you doing? (Another hobby?) - Spending time with my children, family and dogs. 

 Invite 3 famous people (dead or alive) to dinner – which 3 would it be?

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Julie Andrews

Tom Hanks 

 

Barrie Thorpe

'Honorary' Principal 

Barrie has been part of TYDG since 1993 when he came along to help with the musical side of things. 

Barrie's background is a musical one, he  was a drummer in a band, he used to travel around doing gigs raising funds for charities, he also used to be part of Hurst community drama group. He was a driver for a number of years working for sunlight until he retired. He has spent many years volunteering for Hyde Festival Theatre and any group that uses it, as well as us of course. Barrie will be the first to admit his health isn't as good as it once was, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a few years ago and is now being looked after in a care home, where he is planning on continuing putting on shows and raising funds for charity.  

 

Mrs Janet Butterworth 

Secretary

Meet Janet Butterworth - Janet joined the group when her daughter Rachel joined many years ago. She works quietly behind the scenes organising the finances along with many other jobs.  Janet has always given back to her community and this is just one way  she does that. Over the years Janet has slowly taken over the finance and secretarial role from Jean and we wouldn't be able to run the group without Janet's expertise. She is one of the kindest, most thoughtful volunteers we have. 

 

Carole Levy

Wardrobe Mistress

 

Carole Levy is our wardrobe mistress, Carole joined the group just helping out to start with when her two sons Tom & James joined and then like the rest of us she got more involved and now is in charge of the costumes. She works tirelessly working out who's wearing what and is already planning for our next show. 

We managed to catch up with her during the break this afternoon to find out what's she's really like!!

Her favourite musical - Phantom of the Opera

If she was having a party she'd invite Prince Harry, Victoria Wood and Noel Gallagher  

Julie Walters would be her chosen actress to play her 

Carole's always on the look out for help so if your a dab hand with a sewing machine !

 

Miss Becci Alberti

Volunteer Teacher / Costume Assistant

 

Becci joined the group as a young performer and came back to volunteer as a choreographer . Becci is a qualified teacher with a degree in drama, and a flare for dancing. We caught up with Becci and ask her some questions :

Favorite Musical - Dirty Dancing

If you're not at drama what are you doing? (Another hobby) - Following my beloved football team Manchester City and singing & dancing round the house whilst doing the house work.

If your life was staged as a musical, what would be the title song? - I've had the time of my life.

Who would play you in the musical? - Idena Menzel

Which 3 famous people (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner and what would you serve them?

Adele - because she's amazing

Joe Hart (City's goal keeper) because he's gorgeous

Tom Hardy - he's also gorgeous

We'd have chilli & rice as I love feeding people with big hearty meals, and it's one of the only things I can cook.

 

 

Mrs Victoria Husband

Volunteer Teacher & Props Set design

 

Vicky has been part of the TYDG family for a number of years now since her children joined the group. Vicky has over 20 years experience working with young people, most of which has been spent working with young people with Special Educational Needs. Along with teaching and choreographing at the group, Vicky also co-ordinates the set design and props. 

Here's a little more information about Vicky:

Favorite Musical - Wicked 

If you're not at drama what are you doing? (Another hobby) -  Following my beloved football team Manchester City 

If your life was staged as a musical, what would be the title song? - Defying gravity

Who would play you in the musical? - Jodie Prenger

Which 3 famous people (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner and what would you serve them?

Emmeline Pankhurst

David Silva

Sheridan Smith

We'd have spaghetti bolognese as it's my favorite.

 

 

Miss Katie Hartley

Volunteer Teacher

 

We're very pleased to introduce you to Katie Marie Hartley, Katie is another member of our TYDG family that has been behind the scenes for a number of years as she started as a member of St John Ambulance who slowly became more and more involved within the drama group. Katie is now a respected leader at the group with many years experience, along with working with the chorus, Katie also is in charge of the music and helps out making props and set for the shows.  

We wanted to know a bit more about Katie, so we asked her the following questions:

Favorite Musical - Rocky Horror 

If you're not at drama what are you doing? (Another hobby) I'm part of an adult drama group where I get to Perform on stage, and I love it.

If your life was staged as a musical, what would be the title song? - Another Day Done

Who would play you in the musical? - Rebel Wilson

Which 3 famous people (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner and what would you serve them?

Robin Williams 

Julie Andrews

Walt Disney

I'd have to cook them a full Sunday Roast with all the trimmings

 

 

Miss Hollie Jade Godber

Volunteer Teacher

 

 

Hollie joined TYDG in 2004 as a member and played parts in many productions. Hollie then began volunteering for the group and now helps with the chorus members, Hollie is also involved with making set for the productions. 

Here's what Hollie had to say when I caught up with her!

Favorite Musical - My Favourite musical has to be Matilda, because it's all about having fun.

If you're not at drama what are you doing? (Another hobby) - Camping, Ice Skating, Geocaching, Spending time with my family, I also make jewellery.

Which 3 famous people (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner and what would you serve them?

Lucy Spraggan

Chris Martin

Walt Disney

Probably Sushi or Pizza!!!!

 

 

Stage Crew

Dave Husband, Phil Bunting, James Alberti & Steve Hartley  

 

 

 

 

In Loving Memory of Dennis & Jean Nash - Founders of Tameside Youth Drama Group