Staff Team

Mandy Ellen

Principal / Proprietor

Mandy Ellen prides herself on being a very approachable principal - she always has time to listen and offer support where she can, whilst ensuring that her very high standards are maintained. She has always instilled in both her students and her team that although she expects the very best, ‘learning can be fun’.

Mandy founded her school over 30 years ago, having successfully trained pupils in all aspects of dance. It wasn’t long before she realised that the next step to supporting her pupils in their chosen field was to offer full time professional training. Mandy Ellen opened her first purpose-built studios in January 2005 and following an amazing six months, decided to open the doors to her full-time performing arts college, offering pupils a local alternative to professional training without the need or expense to travel to London.

As such, her aim has always been to offer the very best training in musical theatre and dance but at a price that is affordable and therefore ensuring everyone has access to some of the very best training available. Mandy is also the principal and proprietor of MEPA Academy and Mandy Ellen Kids Agency offering students from KS3 and KS4 full time academic and vocational education, whilst also providing professional work for performers of all ages.

Believing in unique tailored training to nurture and develop every student ensuring they have the best chances on developing their physical skill set, professional academic knowledge, and mental stability to maintain a successful healthy life in the performing arts industry.

Emma Finch

Vice Principal, DSL

Emma has been working at MEPA College since it was launched in September 2006, originally starting as a dance teacher before being promoted to Head of Dance where she was then appointed Deputy Principal of MEPA Training and continues to work closely with the teachers and Management Team.

As Deputy Principal, Emma believes in focusing on the individual potential of each student to achieve their highest level of attainment, underpinning their professional training with mutual respect, co-operation and understanding. Her objective is to inspire creativity and individuality in an atmosphere of support and encouragement to prepare each student for the diverse, complex and exciting industry of Musical Theatre, Dance and Performing Arts.

Lewis Muir

Head of Academy

Lewis has spent the last six years teaching and leading Business Studies, PSHE, Event Management and Careers Education in a local mainstream secondary school. In this time, he also also been responsible for Careers and Work Experience and Marketing. For the last four years, as part of the Middle Management Team, Lewis has been a Head of Year overseeing attendance, pastoral care, special educational needs, mental health, academic support and success, rewards and behaviour for over 150 students.

Prior to working in a school, he previously trained and worked in Early Years and was the deputy manager of a preschool overseeing curriculum and the learning environment. He has obtained his Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (and equivalent to a postgraduate certificate in education), National Professional Qualification in Leading Behaviour and School Culture as well as my Level 6 in Careers Leadership.

During his time at MEPA, he has completed his training by the Exams Office alongside Emma Finch, to conduct and manage exam arrangements for the Academy as well as my Designated Safeguarding Lead training to support all students. He is also currently working towards a Level 3 in Travel and Tourism.

Tilly Cook

Studio Director

Tilly has worked her way up through MEPA, starting at the studios at a young age. Joining the kids agency and achieving a music video with Robbie Williams and her west end debut in Matilda the Musical at the age of 11. She then went onto touring around the UK in billy Elliot the musical and finished her tour in Hamburg, Germany. She has also trained with Unity UK and has been European champions and UK champions.

At the age of 16 she went to MEPA College and studied the musical theatre course. During her time at college, she gained her teachers qualification with a specialist in street dance, alongside an diploma in anatomy and physiology. Once graduating college, she went onto working with the Academy and College teaching all styles of dance and musical theatre.

Tilly has started to develop a passion for choreography and has choreographed pieces for MEPA studios which has won silver and bronze at the Dance World Cup, as well as placing at numerous competitions around the UK, along with winning choreography awards for her pieces. Tilly currently teaches and choreographs for all branches at MEPA, as well as sport and PE lessons for the Academy. Alongside this, Tilly is currently studying at the Open University doing an open degree.

Lucy Benardout

English

Lucy is an enthusiastic and dedicated English Teacher with five years of experience teaching English Language and Literature to diverse groups of students. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Passionate about motivating students to achieve their full potential, improving language proficiency, and promoting a love of literature.

Lucy studied a BA in English and Creative Writing and has a passion for drama and the arts. Lucy grew up dancing at MEPA from the age of 6 and was part of the performers and kids agency. Having pursued a career in teaching she has an extensive amount of knowledge about SEND including training in trauma and attachment, ADHD, autism, dyslexia and reading strategies.

Silvia Jackson

Foreign Modern Languages

Silvia is a Modern Foreign Languages Specialist QTS Spanish to A levels and French as a subsidiary subject.

She holds a BSc in Management with Spanish and French as a subsidiary subject. She has wide experience teaching in different schools alongside the UK for public and independent sectors at primary and secondary levels. She also holds a Masters in Translation. In her free times she enjoys reading, walking in the countryside and spend time with her family!

Victoria Grant

Science

Teaching qualifications
BSc Molecular Biology with Honours from Queens University Belfast
Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Biology with Science from Queens University Belfast.
QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

Teaching Experience
1 year teaching at Nendrum College (Maternity cover) KS3 and GCSE Science
8 years teaching at Valley Park School including experience as Head of Biology Department. Taught KS3, GCSE Combined and Triple Science Biology, Chemistry and Physics. AS and A2 Level Biology.
7 years tutoring for GCSE Combined and Triple Science and A level Biology.
6 years marking as an Assistant Examiner for Cambridge iGCSE Biology.

Daniel Greenway

Ballet and Contemporary Teacher

Training: Tring Park School for the Performing Arts.

Daniel is currently a creative and the Media & Marketing producer for Beyond Repair Entertainment (2014 - 2020)

Theatre: Swing ‘Wicked’ (UK Tour), AssociateChoreographer / Swing 'Legally Blonde' (The Gatehouse), Assistant Choreographer 'Dracula' (London College of Music), Swing / 1st Cover Flynn 'Closer to Heaven' (The Union), Juan / Dance Captain 'In the Dead of Night' (Landor), Jack Frost 'The Snowman' (Peacock Theatre, UK Tour), Youth & Beauty Death in Venice (Opera North, UK Tour), Soloist in ‘Bread of Life’ (UK Tour), Dancer ‘Glastonbury Festival’ (Summerhouse, Theatre and Circus), Dance Artist ‘Hair Looks Fierce’ (Wella, Salon International)

Other Credits: Choreographer and Assistant Choreographer for ‘Stages Festival at Sea’ & ‘Throwback’ (Floating Festivals, R.C.I), Assistant Choreographer ‘You in the Middle’ (TUI UK Commercial), Choreographer ‘Tui Idents’ (UK Commercials) Dance Captain for Jean Ann Ryan (Oceania Cruises) Principal Dancer (Carnival cruise Lines) David Bowie 'Heroes’ (Fantastic Hairdresser Awards 2019) David Bowie 'Heroes’ (Fantastic Hairdresser Awards 20) Choreographer / Assistant Choreographer for; Sheridan Smith, John Newman, Durrells Wildlife Conservation, Ferrari Owners Club, Best Parties Ever, Hogan Lovells, Microgaming, Glastonbury Festival, Annabels and the UK Chinese Business Association.

Music Videos: Tsunami (Tinie Tempah) Thankyou (Will Young)

Phil Snowden

Acting

Phil Snowden is a professional theatre and screen performer appearing in the latest production of Hello, Dolly! He has worked extensively in theatre both in the West End and others.

Theatre: His West End credits include Classical Brits at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium, Children’s Royal Variety Performance at the Dominion Theatre, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs at the Strand Theatre, Radio Times at Queen’s Theatre, Me And My Girl at the Adelphi Theatre, 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Crazy For You at the Novello Theatre, Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre, My Fair Lady and Anything Goes at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace.

Other than the West End, Phil’s theatre credits include Releevo at the MAP Studio, Les Miserables in the Scandinavian Arena Tour, Jesus Christ Superstar in the UK and Ireland Arena Tour, Don Giovanni, Falstaff and Eugene Onegin at the London Coliseum, The Winter’s Tale for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Comus at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Film and TV: His extensive screen credits include Beautiful South – Manchester (Music Video Flynn Productions), The Complete Guide To Parenting (ITV Talk Back Thames), After You’ve Gone (BBC), Curry’s Advert (Various), Big Dance Shorts (Channel 4), Random Acts-Sofa (Channel 4), The Musketeers (BBC), and Les Miserables (Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh).

Recordings: Phil was in the recordings of Jesus Christ Superstar (DVD), Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert (DVD), Billy Elliot and Radio Times.

Paul Monaghan

Singing and Musical Theatre

Training: Royal Academy of Music, College of Music and Brendan Smith Academy, Dublin.

Theatre includes: The Bridges of Madison County (Menier Chocolate Factory), Man of La Mancha (London Coliseum), La Cage Aux Folles (UK tour), Cats (International tour/London Palladium), A Man of No Importance (Union/Arts Theatre), Fame (Irish National tour), Aspects of Love (Olympia Theatre, Dublin/Cork Opera House), Les Misérables (Palace Theatre, London/UK tour, 10th Anniversary Concert), Sweeney Todd (NCH Dublin), The Phantom of The Opera (Manchester Opera House/Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh, 25th Anniversary Concert), Jesus Christ Superstar (Olympia Theatre, Dublin), 1916: The Musical, (London Irish Centre), Zorba! and The Hired Man (Theatre Royal Waterford), Chess and Follies (National Opera House, Wexford), The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (NCH Dublin), Cameron Mackintosh: A Tribute (Summer Proms RTE), Les Misérables In Concert (Belfast/Cardiff/Chelmsford/Scandinavian tour).

Television includes: Rough and Ready, The Late Late Show, Live At 3, Kenny Live and Make Mine Music.

Film includes: Les Misérables, The Mummy and Mary Queen of Scots.

Recordings include: Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert, The Phantom Of The Opera 25th Anniversary Concert, Balor: The Musical, Rodgers And Hammerstein A Celebration, 1916: The Musical.

Chris Huntley

Singing and Vocal Coach

Chris Huntley is a distinguished graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (BMus Hons), with a versatile career encompassing opera, musical theatre, pop, music hall, classical, contemporary, and early music genres, and he is the Artistic Director of Singing for I-PATH and an examiner for the board.

He works as a vocal coach, musical director, pianist, and arranger, and is a full-time senior staff singing teacher at MEPA. He utilises Estill Voice Training methods alongside traditional bel canto methodology, staying up to date with the latest vocal science and safe singing guidance.

Chris has taught at many prestigious London arts institutions, including The Urdang Academy, Rose Bruford College, Arts Ed, and the London School of Musical Theatre. He is currently a musical theatre practitioner at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Be.Training Programme at Northfleet School for Girls, and David Stinson Theatre School. Chris is also the founder of the resident musical theatre choir at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institute.

Chris has mentored several successful performers, including Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (Hamilton UK Associate Choreographer; Olivier-nominated for SIX: The Musical), Freya Sands (Associate Choreographer for SIX: The Musical), Talia Palamathanan (Pritti Pasha in the UK tour of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Jennifer in the West End production of Back to the Future: The Musical), and Robson Broad (West End productions of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Les Misérables as Enjolras).

Chris has worked internationally and regionally on a variety of productions. He has served as Musical Supervisor and Orchestrator for Orton, Day After Day, and Song Queen, and as Musical Director for The Family Hoffman’s Christmas Mystery Palace (MAC Theatre, Belfast), Cinderella (Marina Theatre), and The Road to Qatar (Edinburgh Fringe). His international credits include Three Sides the Musical (New York) and operatic works such as La Bohème and Madame Butterfly in South Asia and the Middle East.

In addition to his extensive musical directing and vocal coaching credits, Chris is also a skilled writer, arranger, and orchestrator. He has contributed as Score Editor for the musicals Once Upon a Time at the Adelphi and Out There (published by Samuel French and Weinberger), and as Copyist and Associate Musical Director for James Bourne and Elliot Davis’s musicals Out There (Riverside Studios) and Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse). He was also the arranger and orchestrator for The Venus Bushfires.

Chris’s television work includes serving as Musical Director for the Nonsuch History and Dance Company, whose performances have featured on the BBC series Home Fires. As a soloist, Chris has performed around the world, including with the Siam Philharmonic Orchestra in Bangkok and on London’s Southbank, where he presented Prokofiev’s 2nd Piano Concerto in the conversational concert series.

Passionate about making music enjoyable and accessible, Chris is dedicated to enhancing well-being and confidence through singing and voice work.

David Allwood

Dance and Theatre

David trained at Tring Park and Bird College where he graduated with a first class BA (Hons) in Dance and Theatre Performance.

Choreography credits include: David is the founder and Artistic Director of HOMOPARODY Queer Collective. He is also senior choreographer for UK Productions Pantos and has choreographed pantos all over the country. David choreographed Liza with a Z at the Clapham Grand (2022) and Theatre Royal Brighton (2023). David directed and co-choreographed St Trinian’s at The Arts Centre, Hounslow. He also directed and choreographed Le Grand Cirque, Taiwan for Spirit Productions at the Taipei Arena (2021). From 2016-2020 David was a resident choreographer for Dublin Worldwide and Spirit Productions USA and worked on shows such as Twist and Shout, Rock Around the Clock and Dancing Queen. He also directed and choreographed Solid Gold Motown (Avalon Theatre, Canada) and Le Grand Cirque Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (2019). David was also resident choreographer for Ghost the Musical at the English Theatre Frankfurt (2014).

Theatre credits include: Ensemble in Miss Saigon (International Revival Tour 2017-2019). Ensemble, Dance Captain and cover Carl in Ghost - the Musical (English Theatre Frankfurt 2014-2015), Dancer/skater in La Bohème (Royal Albert Hall), Prince of Wales in Starlight Express (Asia tour 2013), Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing (Secret Cinema, London), Swing in Starlight Express (Germany 2011-2013), Turnov cover Hip-Hoppers in Starlight Express (Germany), Dance Captain cover Prince Charming in Cinderella with Cilla Black (Waterside Theatre 2010), dancer in Die Walküre (Netherlands), Dance Artist in 2Faced Dance Company Still Breathing (Uk tour 2010), Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast (UK tour 2009-2010) and Lucky in 101 Dalmatians (UK tour 1998).

TV credits include: T J Hughes advert (2015); dancer for Pharrell Williams in ITV’s ‘Surprise Surprise’ (2015); dancer in ‘A Song for Eurovision’ (RTÉ One, 2011); dance double for Gary Lineker in Walkers’ Crisps ‘It’s Raining 10’ advert (2010) and dancer on ‘The X Factor’ (ITV, 2009).

Kelsie-Rae Marshall 

Musical Theatre

Training: Lisa Thornley School of Dance & The Hammond

Theatre Credits: The Producers, Hold Me Touch Me & Ensemble (Garrick Theatre, West End & Menier Chocolate Factory); Wizard of Oz, Ensemble U/S Wicked Witch of the West, (West End & UK Tour); ALW Cinderella, Ensemble U/S Queen (Gillian Lynne Theatre, West End ); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (London Palladium, West End); Emmie Sparrow In Brass the Musical (Union Theatre); Princess Jasmine In Aladdin (New Brighton Floral Pavillion); Ensemble U/S Ulla The Producers (International Tour); Ensemble U/S Lisa Housman Dirty Dancing (UK Tour) Ensemble Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Leeds Playhouse & UK Tour); Demeter in Cats (Royal Caribbean); Ensemble Red Hot Broadway (China Tour)

Other Credits: Finding Neverland Workshop; Christmas Spectacular (The Barbican); Cinderella Workshop (Andrew Lloyd Webber); Floating Festivals: Stages & Throwback Cruise (Beyond Repair Dance); Britain’s Got Talent Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (ITV); London Live News - Brass (London Live); Dancer Agatha Christie’s ABC Murders (BBC); Carnival Cruise lines Dancer/Singer (Carnival Paradise & Carnival Breeze); Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Dancer (Oasis of the seas); The Blues Brothers Show (Monte Carlo Sporting Club); Dancer House full 3 (Bollywood)