Stanley Opera

The Chorus of Stanley Opera

Kirsty Anderson, Terry Astill, Pat Atha, Maureen Bates, Hannah Bingham, Nicola Bingham, Verity Bingham, Phil Brown, Joe Cerkeliunas, David Clarke, Felicity Clarke, Pauline Clarke, Jim Coley, Francesca Cook, Marianne Duffy, Tom Duguid, Elaine Dutton, Ben Gabriel, Tony Gibson, Eileen Goddard, Colin Knapman, Luke Knowles, Linda Lucas, Margaret Mann, Katie Marlow, Margaret Mason, Margaret Mills, Joyce Moore, Nichola Morris, Eddie Murray, David Robinson, Rick Scrine, Chris Sturgess, John Vernon, Jill Worth, Arthur Wright

Matt Connolly

Nemorino, Elixir of Love (2008)

This is Matt’s debut with Stanley Opera. He began his studies in Germany at the Konservatorium in Mainz in 1995. His first role on the operatic stage was the title role in Faust, with Brent Opera and he has gone on to roles including Hoffmann inLes contes d’Hoffmann, Don Jose in Carmen, Alfredo in La traviata, Canio in I Pagliacci, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, the last with Hampstead Garden Opera. Matt has performed excerpts including scenes and arias from Tosca, La Boheme, Turandot, as well as more contemporary excursions.

Louise Duguid

Adina, Elixir of Love (2008)

Louise first performed (then Louise Clarke) with Stanley in 1992 and after completing a degree at the Royal College of Music returned to sing the title role of Aida in 2003. Followed by Marguerite in Faust, Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro and Micaela in Carmen. Louise has performed lead roles in musicals, operas and plays in theatres in Rugby, Leicester, London, Southampton and other UK venues, as well as performing in France, Germany, The Czech Republic and China.

Chris Marlow

Belcore, Elixir of Love (2008)

Chris started his opera performing as the Messenger in La Traviata (2001) followed by Dr Falke in Die Fledermaus (2002). Since then he has moved on to more substantial roles including The King of Egypt in Aida (2003), Mephistopheles in Faust (2004), Silvio in I Pagliacci (2005), Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro (2006) and most recently Escamillo in Stanley Opera’s performance of Carmen (2007).

Andrew Robinson

Dr Dulcamara, Elixir of Love (2008)

Andrew started singing with Stanley in 2005 as Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana. Since then he has joined us to play Bartolo in The Marriage of Figaro (2006) and Zuniga in Carmen (2007). In addition to his opera roles Andrew has also played roles in a number of musicals including The Plant in Little Shop of Horrors, Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, Long John Silver in Treasure Island and a range of other musicals and Gilbert and Sullivans.

Debbie Dubberley

Giannetta, Elixir of Love (2008)

Debbie debuted (then Debbie Coley) with Stanley in 2006 in Songs from the Silver Screen. In 2007 Debbie played the role of Mercedes in Stanley’s production of Carmen. Before this she has performed roles in both the Little Theatre and Haymarket in Leicester. These roles have included Leila in Iolanthe, Kate in Yeoman of the Guard and Ida in Die Fledermaus.

Nicola Bingham

Carmen, Carmen (2007)

Nicky first performed with Stanley Opera as Nedda in I Pagliacci (2005). Since then she has performed as the Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro (2006) and the title role in Carmen (2007). Away from the Concordia Nicky has sung roles for Leicester Opera including Cinderella in Massenet’s Cinderella, Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi, Nicklaus in Tales of Hoffmann, Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro and for Ashleyan Opera Musetta in La Boheme, Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, Nedda in I Pagliacci and Frasquita in Carmen.

Colin Blackler

Dancairo, Carmen (2007)

Colin’s debut with Stanley Opera was as Dancairo in Carmen in 2007. Prior to this Colin has performed in over 70 operas, operettas, and musicals in Bristol, Banbury, Leicester, Hinckley and other venues. The first show he performed in was The Boy King in Novello’s King’s Rhapsody. Colin’s first opera was La Boheme in 1991 with Leicester Opera.

Felicity Clarke

Frasquita, Carmen (2007)

Felicity first performed with Stanley in 1992 and after completing a MA in Musicology at Cardiff University she returned to Stanley for Faust in 2004. She performed the role of Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro (2006). In addition to performing Felicity has been the company’s Assistant Director for Cav&Pag (2005) and Choreographer for Carmen (2007) and Stan’s Grand Tour (2007). Away from Stanley Felicity has performed roles in Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at the Concordia and theatres in Rugby and Leicester.

Vincenzo Sozzo

Don Jose, Carmen (2007)

Enzo has been a popular favourite of Leicestershire audiences for many years. For Stanley Opera Enzo has performed the role of Don Jose in Carmen 3 times (1986, 1995, 2007), Alfred in Die Fledermaus (1994), Hoffmann in Tales of Hoffmann (1996), Radames in Aida (2003), the title role in Faust (1993, 2004), Canio in I Pagliacci (1997, 2005) and Don Basilio in The Marriage of Figaro (2006).

Andrew Stewart

Remendado, Carmen (2007)

Andrew’s debut with Stanley Opera was as Remendado in Carmen in 2007. Prior to this Andrew had performed in Leicester at both the Haymarket and the Little Theatre. Shows include Trial of Tears.

Emily Bray

Barbarina, The Marriage of Figaro (2006)

Emily joined Stanley Opera in 2004 for the concert Be Our Guest. She went on to play the gardener’s daughter, Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro (2006).

Ethne Goode

Marcellina, The Marriage of Figaro (2006)

Ethne joined Stanley Opera in 2003 for Aida. After this Ethne played the trouser role of Siebel in Faust in 2004 followed by the role of Marcellina in The Marriage of Figaro in 2006. Away from the Concordia Ethne has performed for many years in Leicester. Most recently she has performed the role of Dorabella in Cosi fan tutti at the Richard Attenborough Centre in Leicester.

Andrew Lamb

Count Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro (2006)

Andrew made his debut with Stanley Opera in 2004 as Valentin in Faust. After this he went on to play Tonio in I Pagliacci and Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro. Before this Andrew had performed in many other locations with both Oxford and Edinburgh University’s opera companies. Roles included The Mikado in The Mikado and Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro. Andrew has also performed in Loughborough roles include Colonel Frank in Die Fledermaus and Bogdanovitch in The Merry Widow.

Ian Rogerson

Don Curzio, The Marriage of Figaro (2006)

Ian has sung with Stanley for many years. His debut was as Jenek in The Bartered Bride in 1990. Since then he has sung numerous roles in operas including La Traviata, Die Fledermaus, Tales of Hoffmann. Ian also performs in Leicester and Loughborough including roles such as Count Danilo Danilovitsch in The Merry Widow.

John Vernon

Antonio, The Marriage of Figaro (2006)

John is well known in the Hinckley area and sings bass with the Tempo Singers. He joined Stanley in 2003 for Aida. since then he has played the role of the gardener Antonio in The Marriage of Figaro (2007) and the non singing role of Lillas Pastia in Carmen (2007). John is frequently cast as a religious figure or a drunk! Aside from opera other performances have included Gilbert and Sullivan with the Community Guild.

Debbie Bates

Lola, Cavalleria Rusticana (2005)

Debbie has sung with different companies at the Concordia Theatre. She first joined Stanley in 1999 for the double bill of La Boheme and A Masked Ball. Since then she has performed the roles of the High Priestess in Aida (2003) and Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana (2005). Aside from opera other roles include So Shi in Aladdin (2003) with the Concordia Pantomime Company.

Christine Edwards

Lucia, Cavalleria Rusticana (2005)

Christine has sung as a principal with Stanley Opera for a number of years. Her Stanley debut was in 1996 as Olympia, the doll, in Tales of Hoffmann. Since then she has performed Butterfly in Opera 4 All, Mimi in La Boheme, Michaela in Carmen, Violetta in La Traviata and Adele in Die Fledermaus. In addition to performing with Stanley Christine has also performed a number of other roles with Choral Union, The Ashleyans and in Loughborough.

Richard Lloyd Owen

Turiddu, Cavalleria Rusticana (2005)

Richard’s debut with Stanley Opera was in 2005 as Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana. He was a Royal Opera Staff Singer (1996-2000). In addition to this roles include the title role in Otello, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Calaf in Turandot, Samson in Samson and Delilah, Alfredo in Die Fledermaus, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Alfredo in La Traviata, Rodolfo in La Boheme and Cavaradosi in Tosca. Richard has sung in many different venues both in the UK and abroad.

Pat Atha

Martha, Faust (2004)

Pat joined Stanley Opera in 1984 in The Bartered Bride. She has played the roles of Mamma Lucia in Cavalleria Rusticana (1987, 1997), Annina in La Traviata (1992), Martha in Faust (1993, 2004), the Fairy Queen in Iolanthe, Mrs Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer, Freda in Goodnight Vienna, Angela in Maid of the Mountains and Lady Isobel in East Lynne.

Keith Goode

Wagner, Faust (2004)

Keith joined Stanley Opera in 2003 for Aida followed by the role of the Wagner in Faust. Other works includes The Messenger in The Grand Duke and Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls.

Janet Cunnew

Amneris, Aida (2003)

Janet Cunnew is very active with music in Leicestershire. She is a singing teacher and coaches the award winning Stoneygate Choir. Janet joined Stanley Opera for their concert Show Stoppers 2.

Vic Jinks

Ramfis, Aida (2003)

Vic Jinks has not only been active as a principal with Stanley Opera but has been involved with set design and construction. He is currently singing with the church choir of St Catherine’s, Burbage. Vic is the longest serving Stanley Opera principal. His first opera role was in 1974 in The Magic Flute.

Derek Huddlestone

Amonasro, Aida (2003)

Derek has been a popular singer in the Hinckley area for many years. Not only has he sung roles with Stanley he has also acted as chairman and been actively involved in set construction. He first joined Stanley Opera in 1982 as Perichaud in La Rondine.