Award Winning Group Performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan
Producer
Director
Conductor and MD
Chorus Master /Repetituer
Choreographer
Shane Collins
Chris Iddiols
Vanda Morgan
Elizabeth Elliott
Is responsible for the overall practical and creative interpretation of a dramatic script
mixture of dictator, diplomat, artist, mind reader and drill sergeant
When not performing on stage, Chris can be found beavering away behind the scenes balancing the finances, booking theatres, handling publicity, selling tickets and keeping everything ship-shape.
Following four decades involvement with G&S productions, a new chapter opened in 2016 when Chris was privileged to be invited by Shane Collins, Artistic Director, to cofound a new Gilbert & Sullivan company. Also MR Money. A veritable Pooh Bah
Waves the magic stick that makes us sing at the right time. A true magician.
After obtaining a music degree from the University of Surrey, Elizabeth went on to study singing and piano at Trinity College of Music, London. In 1990 she joined the D’Oyly Carte Opera prior to moving to Florida in 1992 where she sang with the Greater Miami Opera and Fort Lauderdale Opera companies.
Returning to England in 1998, Elizabeth now resides in Southend-on-Sea where she has an extremely successful teaching practice. In addition to teaching, Elizabeth has been the Musical Director for several shows including: The Witches of Eastwick, The Hot Mikado, Anything Goes and The Secret Garden as well as Assistant MD/Chorus Master for Me and My Girl and The Sorcerer.
In her spare time Elizabeth can mostly be found on a tennis court!
Vanda began her career in theatre and dance at the age of three, training with the Mannering School of Dancing and later with Miss Ruth French in London and at the Bush Davies Schools.
MAPA, as it is affectionately known, now in its 43rd year, has an impressive history of achieving excellent results in all examinations with the RAD, ISTD LAMDA and National College of Music. The schools` curriculum includes: Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Singing, Drama, Piano and Musical Theatre.
Vanda is well known for her enthusiasm and is totally dedicated to the care and progress of her pupils and students. The school is also renowned for producing “talented, confident and well disciplined” students for their chosen careers. Many past and present pupils can be seen regularly on TV, Stage and Screen. James Bourne of Busted fame trained at MAPA along with the Tointon sisters. We are very pleased to announce that Miss Kara Tointon is now our Patron.
The Academy presents Showcases, together with full scale musicals presented by MAPA Productions: Annie - Bugsy Malone – Hello Dolly – Les Miserables – Thoroughly Modern Millie - West Side Story – Wizard of Oz are just a few. The Academy also performs at Disneyland, Paris.
Director/Choreographer credits include: The Mikado at the Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon and London City Opera`s USA Tour of Die Fledermaus and Charity shows at Her Majestys Theatre and Sadlers Wells. Other credits include: Camelot – Carmen – Carousel – Guys & Dolls – Half a Sixpence – King & I - Kiss Me Kate - Me and My Girl - Meet me in St Louis – Mikado - My Fair Lady – Oklahoma - Oliver - Perchance to Dream – Pirates of Penzance - Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – Slice of Saturday Night - Student Prince - Sound of Music - Sweet Charity.