Our Staff
Ashley J Russell
CAT Principal, Tutor & LCM/LAMDA Tutor
Ashley originates from Central Scotland and began performing at a young age under the direction of Caroline Newlands and also McKechnie School of Dance and Performing Arts. This strong foundation lead her to perform professionally with The Scottish Ballet and Rambert Dance Company. She then gained a BA in Acting at Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh and furthered her training with an MA in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London under the prestigious Dame Judy Dench Scholarship.
Some of Ashley's professional credits include, WE WILL ROCK YOU, MAMMA MIA!, SHREK THE MUSICAL and SISTER ACT. Read more about Ashley here.
Philippa Bradshaw
CAT Company Manager
Philippa is originally from Leeds and started her training at Bretton Hall gaining a BA Honours in Performance Management. Once graduated she moved to London and started working as a Stage Manager in the West End which gave her her invaluable training for her move into Television, Live Events, Music Videos and Film. Over the years her TV credits stretch from Prime Time to the Arts and everything in between, including Strictly Come Dancing, Saturday Night Takeaway, The 10 O’Clock News, CBeebies and Coronation Street to name but a few.
Daniel J Kenton
CAT Operations Manager/Tutor
Daniel J Kenton
CAT Operations Manager, Tutor & LCM/LAMDA Tutor
Originally from New Zealand, Daniel is a both a professional singer and actor. Initially, Daniel trained in Music before following the musical theatre route. Now based in Birmingham, Daniel has done a lot of work at the Birmingham REP Theatre as an actor in shows such as "To Sir, With Love", "Jekyll & Hyde" and the lead role in Dennis Kelly's "DNA". This is alongside occasionally working at the theatre as a Musical Director. He is also a regular conductor and leader for the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra's youth choir.
Daniel is currently the Musical Supervisor of local Community group Bfourteen.
CiCi Howells
CAT Tutor & LCM Tutor
CiCi is originally from Mid Wales but moved to London to pursue her acting career. CiCi is currently Deputy Head of Midlands Academy Of Musical Theatre in Birmingham, which has been named as one of the best musical theatre drama schools outside London. CiCi regularly gigs with The Blue Lion Band where she is also the West Midlands Consultant. She is also the winner of the Inaugural Richard Williams Musical Theatre Award.
A.J. Powell
Guest Tutor
AJ is one of our longest serving tutors here at Class Act Theatrix. AJ trained at Italia Conti, and has been performing professionally ever since. AJ has an array of professional credit including TV credits in Casualty, Holby City, Mr Selfridge, EastEnders, The Crown, Episodes and Doctors. His Theatre Credits include West Side Story, We Will Rock You, Guys and Dolls and Annie.
AJ has also danced for many famous artists you'll know including both Kelly Clarkson and Geri Halloway.
Louise Callaghan
Kit-Cats Tutor
Louise is our Kit Cats Tutor and a valued member of our team. Louise trained as a teacher, with a passion for drama and performing arts. This has tied in nicely with Louise taking the reins as our Kit-Cat Tutor. Louise is also one of our staff members who travel into schools and lead weekly Extra Curricular clubs. Which ever school you go to, Louise has probably taught at!
Emma J Farrell
CAT Tutor
Emma is our newest tutor and a fab addition to our team. Emma recently graduated from MAMT and has since gone on tour with the Greatest Showman Live. You will find Emma teaching both Drama and Singing here at Class Act Theatrix.
Angelica Ward
Guest Dancer
Angelica is a training dancer who is currently in her first year at Rare Dance Studios in Liverpool. Gaining a wealth of experience through years of comps and hardcore training at, BOA & Bellagio Dance, Angelica will be joining our team to guest teach our more technical dance classes every now and then. We love having Angelica, as do the kids!
Meghan Harper
CAT Cover Assistant
Meghan is one of our older students and has been with us for many years. Having been performing since such a young age it only seemed right for Meghan's next step to be joining our staffing team at CAT. Although only young, Meghan has a wonderful work ethic and an INCREDIBLE voice!!
Meghan is currently part of young performance group, The D-Day Juniors, whom you may have seen on Britain's Got Talent in 2020.
Layla Grace Quaid
CAT TROOP & ADS Assistant
Our youngest assistant, Layla is only in year 10 but already has years of experience on the stage. Layla has been dancing for almost 10 years and has since made her professional debut in the original cast of 'Nativity!' Since then, Layla attended Italia Conti Juniors and now studies Musical Theatre at BOA. Keep your eyes open, Layla is one to watch!
Layla was also part of the dance troop 'ACROCADABRA!' who were finalists in 2019's Britain's Got Talent.
Adawa Awanayah
Workshop Assistant
Adawa is one of our amazing assistants and is our main assistant for our Workshops. Adawa specialises as a vocalist and loves leading a good old drama game! Adawa is currently studying her Second year at University of Liverpool and will be joining us for our Workshops and throughout the term whenever she can.
Sophie Monnington
ADS & Bfourteen Assistant
Sophie is currently in her Final year at BOA, after being a CAT Student for over three 3 years. Since training with us, Sophie has gone on to sing in the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra's concert and sang with other CAT Students at Kerry Ellis' Birmingham leg of her tour.
Sydney Shemsin
CAT Cover Assistant
Sydney is currently in her first year of University. Sydney has been with us as an assistant for the past two years and has been an enormous help to us all. With a background in Dance, Sydney is no stranger to the stage. We love having Syd as part of our dream team.
Georgie Jones
ADS & Kit Cats Assistant
Georgie was once a Student at Class Act when we first opened up. Since then, Georgie has become one of our phenomenal assistants. With an extreme talent for singing, Georgie can always be relied on to help with any vocal questions you may have. We love having Georgie as one of our amazing assistants.
