JONATHAN RHODES (Writer)
Jonathan, born and bred in County Durham and an Old Boy of Barnard Castle School, now lives in East Sussex. He trained at The Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama.
He Taught at Holmewood House School in Tunbridge Wells for ten years as Head of Drama.
He was Head of Acting and Direction at Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead and at present is a freelance writer, Director and Actor specialising in Young People's theatre. In his 'spare time' he is Scout Leader of his village Scout Troop.
Writing includes:
'Everyman' - a modern version of the medieval morality play.
'Watch The Wall' - a pop cantata about Kentish Smugglers.
'The Old Lie' - a musical about the WW1 Poets.
Lyrics for 'The Tiger's Bones' - script by Ted Hughes.
'Everyman - The Musical!' - a musical version of the play above.
'Swing High' - a pop cantata about the big-band era.
'You Ask For A Poem' - A poetry and music review.
'We'll Gather Lilacs' - A celebration of Ivor Novello.
'The Railway Children' - A musical based on the famous novel.
'Children of the Clearances' - A music-theatre work about The
Highland Clearances.
'The Drummer Boy' - A music-theatre work about the 1745 Jacobite
Rebellion.
'Barrie' - An opera about the life of J.M.Barrie.
In 1998 Jonathan managed to contract an almost unknown virus which, although completely cured, has left him in a wheelchair. He does not let it stop him doing anything - so long as
there are decent ramps wherever he goes!
MITCH JENKINS (Composor)
Mitch comes from Worthing and trained at Redroofs Theatre School where his writing
collaboration with Jonathan began. He has worked extensively as an actor and singer including roles on television in 'London's Burning' and 'Birds of a Feather'.
He has written a great deal of incidental music for plays and his collaboration with Jonathan has produced: "The Railway Children", "Children of the Clearances", "The Drummer Boy", and "Barrie" as well as several 'one-off' songs. All Jonathan & Mitch's shows have been performed at Edinburgh Fringe and together, in 1996 they produced 'Oliver!' at Edinburgh Festival, Mitch being musical supervisor and playing 'Fagin'.
Mitch has toured with Polka Children's Theatre to Los Angeles and New York.
In 2003, he recieved great acclaim for his role as Dame in London's only pantomime, since when he has played pantomime most years, most recently at the Connaught Theatre in his home town of Worthing where he starred as Nurse Nancy opposite Vicky Michelle in 'Robin Hood'.
