Meet the Team!

Stevie - Director (DSL)

Stevie's passion for musical theatre began in 2002 at the age of seven when she joined Putteridge Bury Gilbert and Sullivan Society for their production of Iolanthe. She went on to perform in the majority of Gilbert and Sullivan's works by the age of 15, giving her a strong classical foundation whilst expanding into more modern musical theatre. Since then, Stevie has appeared in more than 35 productions, performing a wide range of leading and supporting roles. Some of her favourite credits include Blousey in Bugsy Malone, Liesl in The Sound of Music, Violet in 9 to 5, and both Sandra and Beryl in her favourite musical, Made in Dagenham.

Alongside founding Ashby Youth Theatre, Stevie is Chair of Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group, where she has been an active member since moving to Leicestershire in 2019. Due to her background in ballet, she developed a passion for dancing and later choreography, leading her to choreograph several productions, with particular experience working alongside young casts in shows such as Annie, The Sound of Music, and Calamity Jane. Through these productions, she has enjoyed supporting children and young people to develop their performance skills, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of being part of a theatre company.

Away from the stage, Stevie has worked as a full-time History teacher since 2018 and currently teaches at Loughborough Grammar School. Her experience as an educator has given her a strong understanding of how to inspire, motivate, and nurture young people in a supportive and inclusive environment. Combining her love of teaching with her lifelong passion for musical theatre made founding Ashby Youth Theatre in 2026 the natural next step. Stevie's vision is to create a place where young performers can develop their confidence, creativity, friendships, and love of theatre, regardless of their previous experience.

Catherine - Musical Director (Seniors)

Catherine started to learn the piano at age 4 and took up the clarinet in secondary school. After being a member of County Youth Orchestra and winning Music Festivals on Piano in Cumbria, she went on to study BA Hons in Performance for Classical Piano at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. The highlight of her studies was winning the John Ireland Piano Prize and performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 1.

After graduating she qualified to be a teacher and has been Head of Music and led the Arts Faculty at Ashby School for 28 years. During this time, she has been Musical Director for Ashbiean Musical Theatre Group joining them initially for Pirates of Penzance and has continued to work with the group both on their annual musicals and concerts. More recently Catherine has also become the Musical Director for The Tinhatters Theatre company at Hinckley Concordia, in shows which have included Nativity, The Band and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Catherine also conducted Meridian Windband in Solihull for 15 years before recently taking the position as Musical Director for Charnwood Symphonic Wind Orchestra.

As well as conducting, she has worked as an accompanist for Hinckley Concordia Youth Theatre as well as playing for numerous shows in the East Midlands as a pit musician. Alongside this she has accompanied for examinations, competitions and recitals as well as being a peripatetic piano and woodwind teacher.

Thomas - Musical Director (Juniors)

Thomas has had a lifelong passion for both music and theatre. Beginning with the flute and violin at the age of eight, he has since developed his musical abilities across a range of instruments, including saxophone, euphonium, and piano. He has performed with both the South Derbyshire Music Centre Concert Band and Gresley Colliery Band, experiences that have strengthened his musicianship and appreciation for ensemble performance.

Alongside his musical training, Thomas has built an extensive performance background in musical theatre. His favourite roles include Oliver in Oliver!, Adam/Felicia in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Sid in Kipps: The New Half a Sixpence Musical. He has performed with companies across the region, including Ashbeian Musical Theatre Group, of which he is the Treasurer, and Mellow Dramatics in Burton-on-Trent, gaining experience in a wide variety of productions and performance styles.

Thomas is passionate about helping young performers discover their confidence and enjoyment of theatre. He particularly enjoys supporting boys who may be new to musical theatre, encouraging them to embrace performance, build self-belief, and find their place on stage. Drawing on his experience in both music and acting, Thomas also enjoys coaching accents, developing character work, and helping every young performer reach their full potential in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment.