STAFF & BOARD

SAMUEL COUSINS - MUSICAL DIRECTOR OF ACTUALLY

Samuel began his musical career whilst studying drama at the University of Winchester. After his first semester, he took over leadership of the music theatre choir which reached a membership peak of 120 singers. As part of the Student Union’s performing arts society, he was the musical director of Jekyll and Hyde and Peter Pan amongst others. Also whilst at the university, he founded the chamber orchestra, barbershop group and mixed close harmony group.On leaving Winchester Samuel joined the Brentwood Operatic Society for Guys and Dolls, following this he played Robert in Sondheim’s Company and another Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone! He was the musical director and director for various cabaret shows featuring songs from a wide variety of Broadway and west end musicals. Samuel finished his time at Brentwood Operatic as MD and Director of The World Goes ’Round.Samuel became the musical director of Actually in July 2016.

SIMON GRAY - ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR OF ACTUALLY

Simon studied piano, singing and conducting at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He has worked as a conductor/musical director in all aspects of theatre from cabaret and cruiseships to musicals and opera as well as on the concert platform.In opera, he has held positions as Artistic & Musical Director with Regency Opera and English Festival Opera and has also made guest conducting appearances with European Chamber Opera, Holland Park, The Carl Rosa Opera Company and English Country Garden Opera in the UK and across Europe.In musical theatre, Simon has musically directed many national tours and West End runs including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at The Prince of Wales; Treasure Island at The Mermaid; The Hobbit at The Queens and worked with Hinge & Bracket in proms concerts all over the country.Amongst many positions Simon holds, he is Musical Director for The Three British Tenors, Southwick Opera, Music Theatre 2000 as well as accompanist for AGMC. Recent engagements include concerts in Madrid with soprano Lindsey McKee and his third concert at St James' Palace.He teached ICTheatre on the Musical Theatre Degree course and runs his Brighton-based musical company, Music Theatre 2000, which present concerts, musicals, operas and pantomimes.

DIRECTORS & BOARD - ACTUALLY CIC