Meet the team!
Dynamic Duo: Show Director and Musical Director
James Hayward - Show Director
A lawyer by profession, James has had a lifelong interest in the theatre. He spent three years as a member of the National Youth Theatre and, as a student, appeared in productions by the Oxford University Dramatic Society and sang in his college choir. He now sings tenor in the Suffolk based singing group Musicology. He has acted regularly with local theatre companies, including the IODS Theatre Company and Gallery Players, and, with his wife Lynne, co-authored many Christmas Pantomimes.
He has directed a wide range of plays and musicals, including Twelfth Night, Oh What a Lovely War, West Side Story, Anything Goes, Oliver!, The Producers and, most recently an adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. James has previously directed The Gondoliers, Ruddigore, The Mikado and H.M.S. pinafore for the Society.
James has now joined the ranks of tenors for our Spring Showcase, where you will see him taking several solo roles.
"The whole production was amazing , the set was beautiful and James really knows how to put on a fantastic show!"
Sue Wightman - Musical Director
After a career of 30+ years in education teaching Music and Drama, moving onto become Vice Principal for Performing Arts in a Specialist Arts College and then working across the UK as a Senior Consultant.
Sue’s musical career began early with the recorder moving onto the violin, viola, piano and voice. Throughout her life she has played, sung and directed many shows from Gilbert & Sullivan to Mozart and everything in between. Her favourite on-stage roles included: Anita in ‘West Side Story’, Nellie in ‘South Pacific’, Dolly in ‘Hello Dolly’, Cherubino in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, Dido in ‘Dido and Aeneas’, Ida in the first amateur production of ‘Honk!’, and many of the G & S mezzo soprano roles. As Musical Director she has waved her baton for numerous groups and productions include Oliver, Annie, Oklahoma, Merry England, Kiss Me Kate, High Society, Hairspray and G&S favourites and as Stage Director The Merry Widow, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Cabaret, Oliver! and Wizard of Oz.
Sue moved to the beautiful Shotley Peninsula in 2021
eager to get involved in the local music community. She plays with Ipswich Symphony, Trianon and Wolsey orchestras and conducts ‘VIVO' a local mixed voice, community choir. In March 2022 Sue became the Musical Director for Ipswich G & S Society, conducting her first show in October 2022.
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Behind the Scenes Roles...
A Multitude of Non-Performing Jobs!
Behind every production there is a large team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to bring everything together and ensure a successful show. The numerous departments behind the scenes all play a crucial role in creating a memorable experience for the audience.
The Stage Manager and their crew: are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the production, ensuring smooth scene transitions during the performances. Their attention to detail and ability to problem-solve is essential in creating a seamless production.
The Lighting and Sound team: work behind the scenes to set the mood and atmosphere of the show through carefully designed lighting schemes and expertly controlled sound effects. Their work enhances the performances and brings the production to life.
Props, costumes, and makeup: are also essential elements of any production. The props team source and create the various items needed on stage, while the costume team design and create the outfits that bring the characters to life. The makeup team ensure that each performer looks their best and fits their character perfectly.
Additionally, there are departments dedicated to Publicity, the show Programme, and the Front of House Team.
Please use the link below or the form on the 'contact us' page if you are interested in joining the Behind the Scenes Team.
mailto:info@ipswichgands.co.uk
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©Copyright. All rights reserved. Stage photography by Mike Kwasniak.
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