JONAH THOMPSON
Leader, Director and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Jonah has been performing performing in shows since 2001 across South Yorkshire.
Starting out at the age of 4 at Stagecoach Performing Arts School gaining his Level 6 in Drama from Trinity Collage London he has gone on to perform in many groups, theatres and shows.
Jonah attended Wath Comprehensive School for 7 years where he gained A Level in Drama as well as taking part in every School Panto and Show during his time.
During his time at Wombwell Operatic Society he took on many principle roles like Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof and Pablo in Sister Act as well as being on the committee and acting as assistant director. He has also been a member of The Little Theatre (Thurnscoe), Phoenix Theatre Company Doncaster and most Recently DSP.
in 2018 he joined Wickersley Youngstars and has taken on the roles of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Rev Shaw Moore in Footloose as well as being on the committee for publicity. in 2022 he was invited back as Director for Sound of Music and has continued in this role for Sister Act and Rock of Ages.
Jonah also taught 1-2-1 drama lessons at The Voice Academy which is run by Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Hans (D-Day Darlings)
Jonah joined Bawtry Phoenix Theatre in 2019 when he met Chloe (The previous Leader) at Hall Cross Academy, the school where he worked at the time. When Chloe left for China, Jonah jumped into her shoes and has quickly established his way of hard working, dedication and enthusiasm to the whole group. As well as leading the Youth Group he regularly takes part in our Productions.
Nell Stroughair
Assistant Director
Nell joined the team in 2022 for our show One Act Plays and has been a valued member of our team since.
Her previous theatre credits include Mother Superior in Sister Act, Prudy Pingleton in Hairspray and Rosie in The Wedding Singer.
EMMA SPENCER
Mini Players Director, Choreographer & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Emma has had a passion for singing, dancing and musical theatre from a very young age. Throughout her time at The Hayfield School, Emma aimed to build her confidence through acting and singing, and she was given the opportunity to play the lead roles in The Sound of Music and The Crucible.
After school, Emma attended The University of Central Lancashire where she achieved a BA Honours degree in Music Theatre. Throughout her time at university, she was given several amazing opportunities to perform in musicals such as Children of Eden and a new adaptation of the classic novel ‘The Queens Nose’. Emma was also lucky enough to perform in a London showcase at a West-End theatre in front of different agencies.
Emma has been a part of professional shows such as ‘Dancehall’ at CAST Doncaster, ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Billingham Forum Theatre and ‘Peter Pan’ at Malvern theatre.
Emma is now a qualified primary school teacher and has a passion for helping young children to have a platform to perform and showcase their talents. She feels extremely privileged to be a part of Bawtry Young Players and she aims to help young people grow in confidence through the art of musical theatre.
ALAN CROPLEY
Musical Director
Alan earned a degree of G.R.S.M. (Graduate of the Royal Schools of Music) at Royal Manchester College of Music which eventually amalgamated with the Northern College of Music to become the Royal Northern College of Music. He became a music teacher at Campsmount School, later becoming Head of Music at St. Peter’s High School. It eventually became part of the McAuley School. Although offered the Head of Music position there, he instead joined Hayfield School and spent the last 30 years of his career, initially as Head of Music, but later as Head of Creative Arts (Music, Art, Drama).
He has always been interested in working with young people in the fields of Music and the Performing Arts and over the years he has been Musical Director on over 50 different productions, including Grease, The Beggar’s Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, H.M.S. Pinafore, Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, to name but a few. For some years, Alan was Musical Director of the Doncaster Youth Theatre. There were a range of productions including the British Premier of a stage version of “Bugsy Malone”. He has also written and arranged music for various productions. He has also acted as accompanist for many students taking Music Theatre examinations in Doncaster.
In recent years, Alan has been the Musical Director on a number of productions at the Phoenix Theatre. Over the years, Alan has played in various bands, dance and rock bands (including the bands playing for the joint schools “Ising” concerts at the Dome) and currently performs in a duo called “Change for Two Tenors”.
ADMIN TEAM
MIKE DALE
Lighting & Sound Technician
Mike has a background in Mechanical Engineering, having spent over 40 years in this field, where he has worked for a major pump manufacturer based in Reading and generator service companies located near Wakefield and Derby. He currently holds the position of Key Account Manager looking after major corporate clients.
Mike has experience of running youth groups, having spent 12 months as Chairman of a local swimming club where his wife was also a volunteer and his daughter a member.
He started as a volunteer for the Phoenix Theatre shortly before the Youth Group production of Annie assisting with stage management and as a chaperone.
Mike is looking forward to being involved in future shows and developing his skills further to include sound and lighting.
TINA WITHERDEN
Wardrobe Mistress
Tina has been working with musical theatre companies since 2009 in various roles with both adult and youth groups. She became involved with costumes in 2017, taking on her current position with the Young Players in 2021 for their production of Bugsy Malone.
BARBARA DALE
Secretary, Producer & Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Barbara has a background in office/administration spanning over 30 years, where she has worked for some major Corporate companies based in Newbury, Berkshire, eventually leading to a role as an Office Manager. She moved to Doncaster in 2006, to be closer to family, and currently works as a receptionist in a local GP Practice.
Barbara has herself taken a training course on safeguarding children, and has also organised training for a group of people while holding the role of Welfare Office for her local swimming club. She is a believer that all children should have the opportunity that the Youth Group offers them, whatever their ability.
Barbara started as a volunteer for the Phoenix Theatre during the Youth Group production of Cinderella helping backstage as a chaperone, and helping the younger members of the group with their costume changes. She has since then become of valued member of the Admin Team for the youth group, and is often to be found giving up her time on a Saturday morning to help out during rehearsals.
Whilst this is the first time Barbara has undertaken the role of “Co-Producer” she is finding it very rewarding and is learning a lot about all aspects of theatre life, including working on Front of House, which she has undertaken for a some of the theatres main shows including Oh What a Lovely War and Relatively Speaking.
She is looking forward to working with the youth group for future productions if the opportunity arises.
BEVERLEY DAINES
Production Assistant and Mini Players Secretary
From the age of 16 Bev has wanted to work with children. Due to unforeseen circumstances Bev’s life took a different path and she ended up working in accounts and finance until 2010 when she had her daughter (who is a member of the Youth Group)
From there Bev trained to be a teaching assistant and did several qualifications in child care, this paid off as Bev then ended up working as a receptionist in a school.
In January (2019) Bev left that role to pursue her dream job, this has led Bev to start working as a Dinner Lady and a teaching assistant.
Bev started volunteering at the Theatre this year (2019) and has since become an active member of the team and is now delighted to have assumed the position of Co-Producer and is looking forward to putting her vast amount of skills to good use.