Cast Members
The Cast of bare: a pop opera - click on the picture
Jake is a UK champion commercial dancer highly in demand to teach around South Wales and throughout the UK. His previous theatre credits include Paul in ‘A Chorus Line’, Sonny/Doody in ‘Grease’ (for which he also choreographed), Willard in ‘Footloose’, Arthur Seward in ‘Dracula’ and Horton in ‘Seussical’. Jake is currently in his first year studying Musical Theatre in Bristol and ranked 5th in the World in commercial dance. Jake is so grateful to be working with such a great company, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Emily is absolutely thrilled to be playing the part of Ivy along side such an amazing and talented cast. Being great friends with them has really made rehearsals enjoyable. Choreographing the show was a challenge but all the more fun. She played Joanne in RENT twice in 2014 and Fantine in Les Mis as well as choreographing for 3 other companies. Thank you to the cast and team for their hard work!
Selena is age 23 and is currently in the 3rd year of her degree in Musical Theatre at SGS college-Bristol. After completing her degree, Selena hopes to study an MA in Musical Theatre at Drama school. She is thrilled to have the privilege to perform 'Bare' alongside such a talented cast and hopes you love the show as much as she does!
Corey has just finished his BA in Performing Arts at South Gloucestershire and Stroud college, and is hoping to further his training in Musical Theatre. He also teaches and directs Musical Theatre in Cardiff. Previous credits include Darryl Van Horne (Witches of Eastwick), Robbie Hart (The Wedding Singer), Guido (Nine), Paul (A Chorus Line), amongst others. He is delighted to be playing Matt in Penny Productions first show, of many he's sure! He hopes you enjoy the show!
Briana is in her final year at Sixth Form studying Drama, Music and Performing Arts and hopes to go onto study Musical Theatre at Drama School/University in September.
Briana has achieved a Distinction in her Grade 8 LCM Music Theatre exam and a Distinction in her Grade 5 LAMDA Acting Solo Exam.
In the past, she has played Grizabella in CATS, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls and Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
This year, she has performed as Mama Noah in Children of Eden and Louise in Ghost.
Briana is thoroughly excited to be playing the role of Claire (Peter's Mother) in this production and hopes you enjoy the show!.
Since moving to Cardiff in 2013 to study, Jordan was very excited and blessed to be selected amongst the group of elite actors and musicians to join 'penny productions' new theatrical adventure.
Jordan has spent his formative years playing a variety of roles within musicals such as Marius in Les Misérables, 'Chris' in Miss Saigon, 'Jesus' in Jesus-Christ -Superstar, "Link & Corny Collins" in Hairspray and 'Dr Jekyll' in Jekyll and Hyde; along side his ambitious career in dentistry.
Jordan would like to express his thanks to friends and family for the support received and is extremely grateful for the opportunity that has arisen to not only work with the directors but the whole cast of bare. He is very much looking forward to furthering his musical experience, and cannot wait to perform on opening night!
Phil Paisey
"The Priest"
I stumbled across Bare years ago and am absolutely thrilled to have been asked to be a part of this production.
I started out when I was 9 as Oliver, in Oliver Twist moving into older roles such as: French Lieutenant / Sergeant Major in 'Oh What A Lovely War'. Joseph, in 'Joseph and The Technicoloured Dream Coat' and Dr Barnado in 'The Likes of Us'. I was also Abanazar in Neath's 2014/15 Xmas Pantomime 'Aladdin' a new experience and a whole lot of fun and most recently I have been given the privilege of being cast to play Carl in WAWWA's 'Ghost The Musical'.
Hope you enjoy our production!!
Glen Jordan
"Peter Simmonds"
Glen is beyond thrilled to be playing ‘Peter’ in this production of “bare: A Pop Opera”. Some of his previous credits include ‘Angel’ in “RENT” (Cardiff YMCA and Llwynypia College), Hanschen in “Spring Awakening”(Cardiff YMCA), ‘Elephant’s Child’ in Just So (Birmingham REP) and the cast of “Hairspray” (Barry Memo), Orbit Theatre Company’s “A Chorus Line” and “Beauty And The Beast” (New Theatre Cardiff) and ‘Gus/Augustus’ in Tom Stoppard’s “Arcadia” (Llanover Hall). Glen hopes that you love the show as much as he does!
Robbie Burns
"Ensemble"
Robbie is ecstatic to be in the production of 'bare' and couldn't ask to experience it along side such a talented, wonderful cast. In the past Robbie has played Peter in 'Jesus Christ Superstar', Adam in 'Children Of Eden' and has also played many cameo roles in shows such as 'Oliver!' and 'Guys&Dolls'. He knows that 'bare' will be outstanding and would like to thank everyone involved for making this experience so enjoyable.
Scott May
"Jason McConnell"
Scott is extremely privileged to be sharing the stage with such a talented group of friends performing an amazing, touching, groundbreaking show. Scott's previous credits include Rolf in The Sound Of Music, Jesus in Godspell, The Man in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down The Wind, Sam in Ghost and Roger in Rent. All of which have been at the Dolman Theatre Newport. Scott is looking forward to playing Jason and hopes that you enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed rehearsing for it.
Cerith Freeman
"Ensemble"
Cerith is 15 & a pupil at Ysgol Glantaf. In his spare time he takes classes in ballet, tap & modern dance & is learning piano & violin. He attended Stagecoach for 8 years where he played several lead roles including Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. He is now a member of Kinetic Theatre Arts in Cardiff where he has appeared in Rent (ensemble 2013) & as Lumiere in Beauty & the Beast (2014)
Professional Theatre Credits include
Ensemble, Lord of the Flies, Wales Millennium Centre (2014, Mattew Bourne)
Junior Chorus, Cardiff New Theatre Pantomimes (2008/9 -2011/12)
Young Ebby, Scrooge The Musical, Cardiff New Theatre (2010, Bill Kenwright productions)
Lantern Boy, Romeo & Juliet, Wales Millennium Centre (2010, Birmingham Royal Ballet)
Dance, Aida, St Davids Hall Cardiff (2009, Ellen Kent Opera)
Childrens Chorus, Never Forget The Musical, Wales Millennium Centre (2007 & 2009, Ed Curtis)
Childrens Ensemble, Hello Dolly, Cardiff New Theatre (2008, Chris Moreno Ltd)
He has also appered in Gorsaf Hud, a childrens TV series on S4C (Cediog Creations, 2008) & voiced radio ads (Zephyr, 2008/9).
Cerith is delighted to be part of Bare, one of his favourite musicals.
Cari Louise Davies
"Kyra"
Cari Louise Davies is a 22 year old pre-school music teacher from South Wales.
From the age of 14, Cari taught ballet for Gemini School of Dance. She achieved a Distinction in her intermediate teaching grades.
Cari's passion for teaching, and the theatre, lead her to become the choreographer for The Congress Youth Theatre and a teacher of Early Stages for Stagecoach Theatre Company. This lead to many opportunities including working alongside a Russian Operatic Society when she choreographed their opera 'Aida'.
Throughout Cari's teenage years, she reached Grade 8 in Classical Singing alongside of many other instruments.
After leaving school and dance teaching when she had her first child, Cari created 'Wiggle Bugz.' Wiggle Bugz teaches pre-school music classes and entertainment across South Wales.
Cari joined WAWWA musical theatre company in 2014. It was then that she was asked to perform in BARE with Penny-Productions and has loved every minute. She is thankful for the opportunity to work with such an incredible cast.
Cassie Grant
"Rory"
Cassie is beyond excited to be a part of the Bare production with such amazing people and friends. After discovering the musical a few years ago, it has been her absolute dream to be a part of her favourite show. Cassie is currently studying musical theatre and hopes to continue to study it further, after receiving double distinction stars in performing arts. Being part of National Academy of Performing Arts productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, means her confidence is growing and growing as a performer. Cassie is looking forward to performing the show this year and hopes you enjoy the show as much as we all enjoy performing it.
Alice Urrutia
"Nadia McConnell"
Alice has always been a passionate performer and followed her passion to London where she gained a place at the prestigious "Italia Conti Academy of Performing arts" where she trained for 3 years. Whilst there she was lucky enough to appear as a backing dancer on "Let's Dance" for Sports Relief, School for Stars series 1 and 2 and was lucky enough to be selected as a backing singer for one of her idols Tracie Bennet at the academy's centenary gala. Her other credits include the "Miranda Christmas Special" and "Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes 2".
After persuing life as a performer Alice decided to come back to Wales where she opened up her own dance school and was thrilled when asked to direct for the Newport Academy.
As well as directing and teaching dance and drama, Alice is also lead singer in the function band "Function 24" and is a competitive dance and cheerleading athlete.
Thomas David Carron
"Zack"
Thomas is incredibly excited about performing in Bare with an extremely talented cast. He has worked as an actor, musician and choreographer in numerous productions and is looking forward to being a part of this show. His recent acting credits include Ren in 'Footloose', The Engineer in 'Miss Saigon', Jean Valjean in 'Les Miserables' and Uncle Max in 'The Sound of Music'. Thomas was also selected to perform in 'Mametz' with National Theatre Wales and felt privileged in his role. His recent choreography credits also include 'Me and My Girl' and 'Footloose'. Thomas is very thankful to have been included in such a fantastic cast and he hopes that the audience thoroughly enjoy the performances.
Alex Reynolds
"Sister Chantelle"
Alexandria Reynolds is a 31 year old Drama graduate from South Wales.
She first studied performing arts at college before earning her 2:1 BA Hons degree in applied drama at South Wales university. She has been a part of many productions including Bugsy Malone as Velma, The Wiz, as Tin man, Hot Mikado as Katisha, Little Shop of Horrors as Ronnette, Avenue Q as Gary Coleman, Parade as Minnie and Angela and most recently her dream role as Mimi Marquez in Rent. Alex not only has a passion for performing but also writing and directing for stage and screen. 'Romeo and Juliet: from the streets' was recently produced and performed at the riverfront and quickly sold out. This was written and directed by Alex.
She is currently directing a second play that she has written for the Riverfront theatre, as well as teaching Drama at the Dolman theatre. Alex is currently juggling three shows, all of which she has large roles in. Alongside Sister Chantelle Bare she is playing Deloris in Sister act and Oda Mae Brown in Ghost.
"I love to perform. And I'm so lucky to have been given lots of opportunities this year to play such phenomenal parts! I couldn't turn them down! I am so excited to play Sister Chantelle in Bare. She's hilarious! She also has such tender moments with Peter too and I love that. I've worked with this cast before and they are such superb performers. This show is bound to be a success."