Genilyn started in musical theatre at just six. She has choreographed many musicals for local societies and is directing her first show next year. For many years she ran the successful Geni-Lyn Dance Company. Some of her stage roles include Jewel (Best little Whorehouse in Texas), Erma La Tour (Anything Goes), Dulcie (The Boyfriend), Nancy (Oliver), Conchitta Alvarez (Copacabana), and most recently Paulette (Legally Blonde) 

Laura trained at The Arts Educational London School and has appeared in commercials and a range of short films. She has played a variety of roles in the theatre and performs regularly at The Barn Theatre in Molesey.

Kate enjoyed performing in, directing and producing both published and student-written productions while at Warwick Uni, before embarking on a career in education. While teaching English and Drama, she produced and directed a number of school productions and after a ten-year hiatus, Kate is grateful to Upstage for this opportunity to tread the boards once again.

Nenna spends most of her time at a keyboard, primarily as a software developer, and otherwise playing the keyboard for various music projects. Being self-taught since the age of 9, she learnt to play the piano by ear and memory, cultivating a casual and unconventional style of playing. She has played keyboards for a variety of pantos, the YMCA Variety Show, and “Spectacular” and loves a new challenge!

Evon creates radio and live plays for Upstage and is a regular contributor to the Waltham Forest Theatre and Arts Festival and Operation Theatre as well as to Upstage. The Cleaner is Evon’s latest play for Upstage.

Since moving to England, Albert has spent 22 years learning how not to sound like a New Yorker. Upon being cast in the title role of The Cleaner, all that hard work has haemorrhaged down the drain.

As a real life cleaner in New York, Albert had several well-known clients on his books, most notably musicians Billy Joel and Michael Brecker. When not cleaning up other people's messes, Albert is a professional musician, actor and more importantly the official Father Christmas of the Royal Albert Hall. He can also be spotted in "The House of Dragons" and is very glad to be a part of another Upstage Surrey production.

Ian is no stranger to the stage having played bass in a semi-pro rock band for many years. When asked to take part in Upstage’s radio plays, he jumped at the chance to dust off his native Scottish accent and use it for something other than reciting poetry on Burns Night. Learning the magic tricks for this role has been challenging, but fun. Ian also runs the company’s website.

Victoria loves being on stage and is a past winner of Best Actress at the Woking Drama Festival (2015) For directing The Graduate she won the NODA Award for Excellence.  Victoria has worked for the Old Vic, The National Theatre and Opera North and more recently volunteering for Grange Park Opera. 

Elise has performed at the Walton Playhouse, The Rose and Rhoda McGaw theatres, with a variety of local groups. Shows include Singing in the Rain, Henry, A Tudor Musical, Anastasia and Sleeping Beauty. She’s currently studying A Levels and Performing Arts at Esher College and recently achieved a distinction at Grade 8 in Musical Theatre at the London College of Music.

Marie-José has always loved the theatre. In the 90’s she was much involved with an expat drama group and on her return to the UK she has continued to be part of local theatre.

Over lockdown she co-wrote a 6-play saga performed on Zoom and taken up by over 180 drama groups worldwide. She is delighted to be involved with Upstage and all its talented members. 

Versatile Susanne has played everything from a Principal Boy to Shakespeare's 'Jessica' in The Merchant of Venice.  She works for Saatchi & Saatchi making TV commercials and worked with Danny Boyle in the 2012 Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics. Having completed a course in stand-up comedy and after some great gigs in front of the mirror in the bathroom, she performed a successful showcase in Camden. She hopes to make you laugh in Risky Business.

Rebecca trained at Goldsmiths College and then toured in many productions before becoming a primary school teacher. Rebecca has played Polly in Fawlty Towers, Anna in Cat and the Canary and other great roles for Ember players and is excited to be performing at Esher Theatre. Rebecca and her family live in Claygate and she is now a wedding, funeral and family celebrant. 

Kate enjoyed performing in, directing and producing both published and student-written productions while at Warwick Uni, before embarking on a career in education. While teaching English and Drama, she produced and directed a number of school productions and after a ten-year hiatus, Kate is grateful to Upstage for this opportunity to tread the boards once again.

Steve trained at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, and has directed and acted in many lonesco and Pinter plays, describing himself as having a penchant for the absurd. Steve has also appeared in many Upstage live and radio productions 

Enid embraces dance salsa and African dance with verve and enthusiasm and is presently learning to bash a Senegalese sabar drum! Enid was part of Upstage’s award winning team at the 2021 Spelthorne & Runnymede Festival for her performance in Familiar Faces.

Emma grew up as a dancer and gymnast but has always had acting in the blood too. She took a break when her children came along, so she can't wait to get back on the boards! Most recently, she played several roles in A Dirty Scoundrel with MMT. Despite only playing a minor role, Emma is really looking forward to her first show with Upstage. 

Gary has played such diverse roles as Jesus in The Odd Couple, Ken in Whose Life is it Anyway, Charlot in We’ll Always Have Paris and Mark Halliday in Dial M For Murder. Gary is now a regular in Upstage’s radio plays. When asked to join the cast of The Smoking Gun he couldn’t say no.

Karen used her tenacity, drive and passion for all things theatre to create this vibrant new company, Upstage. 

Tess loves creating local community theatre, particularly anything musical. Tess led the team writing The Smoking Gun and enjoyed the cameraderie and fun that has brought this script to fruition.

Martin has not only been in the director's chair, a set designer, set and prop maker but is also member of the Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians. He recently appeared as Chris in Upstage’s Close Encounters. 

Chris has worked very closely with Martin Sanders for years building props, illusions and pyrotechnic displays - once building a Lego bush that bloomed on command!

With an extensive background in radio, Nicky draws on her interviewing and production skills in this new medium. It's just another way of telling a story.

Karen is usually found behind the scenes sourcing and making costumes and props. She has enjoyed learning how to stage some magic tricks.

Amanda had her first leading role in primary school. She has been connected with amdram ever since and, now retired, she is keen to take even more active roles back and front of stage.

Marie-José can be found prompting, sewing costumes, and doing a plethora of little jobs that make her a very valuable member of the backstage team at Upstage.

Claudette Jacobs is an eclectic director in love with the spoken word. She trained at Morley Actors Studio, in Directing and Acting with Craig Snelling.

Her directing credits include - Three more Sleepless nights by Caryl Churchill,  Actors theatre of Louisville, Lynette at 3am, What she found there, Duck Pond, and Watermelon boats. She tried life on the other side of the stage in Sand Mountain Matchmaking playing a mad hillbilly medicine woman.

Claire Bender trained in dance after leaving school and has a music degree so has been a boon to the Esherettes.

She is a professional vocalist, mum to two lively boys runs the children’s theatre company Pop Star Performers.