Jacqui Podoski - Managing Director
Jacqui began her professional singing career at the age of 7 with a 5 year run on Yorkshire TV’s “Junior Showtime” television programme. This was followed by regular appearances on “Stars on Sunday” and was a winner on “Hughie Green’s Opportunity Knocks”. She has worked in most areas of the Performing Arts: in Theatre, Television, and Musicals. Her film credits include the 1982 Michael Winner version of “The Wicked Lady”. Jacqui studied opera at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, and has since performed with several opera companies. More recently Jacqui has worked in recording studios as a professional backing singer and vocal arranger and much sought-after vocal coach. Jacqui is often called upon as vocal casting consultant for Cameron Mackintosh, casting for West End and touring musicals. Jacqui also developed and set up the LIPA 4:19 Academy, using Stage Express as a model for the schools.

Paul Wheatcroft - Director
Paul is an experienced musician and businessman with over 30 years experience in the music industry. He is an accomplished accompanist and session musician as well as being in demand as a musical director. His extensive musical career also includes teaching and arranging. Paul has also worked as a project manager and consultant to the North West Development Agency, implementing Performing Arts training in schools curriculum as well as complementary after-school activities. As a theatrical agent, Paul has led a revival of live music back into the cabaret venues and theatres.

Jodie Robbins - Curriculum Manager
Jodie trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, in London. Professional singer in stage productions, pantomimes and television.

She has travelled up and down the country in many various singing roles, from performing at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, to a summer season with the Grumbleweeds. Later, Jodie returned to Italia Conti, where she worked as a singing teacher, before returning to her home town. She is in demand as a professional Cabaret artiste and has just qualified as a primary school teacher

Lisa Sharrock - Acting Tutor/Training Advisor
Lisa attended the North Cheshire Theatre College, gaining her Drama and Musical Theatre Diploma. Lisa has performed extensively in television and film, but has always retained her love of the Theatre.

After performing in several national tours, Lisa then became involved with Wigan Pier Theatre Company, and is now a key member of the group.

Although Lisa comes to us as the Acting Teacher, she is also an acoomplished singer and, as part of Wigan Pier's performances can also be seen as a resident clog dancer!

Sheila Diamond - Singing Tutor/Training Advisor

Francesca Kay Webster - Dance Tutor/Training Advisor
Francesca  began dancing at a young age, and after qualifying as a dance teacher she commenced her professional career performing in commercial dance companies touring with shows such as The Rocky Horror show around the UK.

Francesca has also spent many years performing in Cruise Liners as a production dancer and dance captain. She joined us direct from Disneyland Paris where she has spent the last three years dancing in their spectacular shows.

Louise Montes de Oca - Prep School Tutor/Training Advisor
Louise trained as an actor at the Manchester Metropolitan University School of Theatre and Television. She has been a member of the Wigan Pier Theatre Company as a performer and also helped run the Wigan Pier Youth Theatre.

Louise has appeared in many Midsommer Actors' productions, as well as in the Manchester Actors Primary School Tour of "Once Upon a Time". She has performed in major roles with the Contact Theatre, Manchester, Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, as well as the Wigan Pier.

Louise's radio and TV credits include the part of "Jani Mallins" in "The Cops", and "Vera" in "In Suspicious Circumstances". She has also appeared in the Radio 4 play "The Centurions". Louise is also an accomplished singer, pianist and musical director.

Louise has a particular affinity with the younger students and has been our Prep School specialist since 2000.

Jenny Beaver - Acting Tutor/Training Advisor
Jenny began acting professionally at the age of twelve when she won the part of "Alison Matthews" in "Brookside", a part she played for fifteen months, before moving on to play "Wendy Jones" in "Children's Ward" for ITV. During this time Jenny was also a member of the Everyman Youth Theatre, and also performed at the Kirkby Civic Suite.

Jenny went on to train at Liverpool John Moores University, gaining her BA(Hons) in Drama. She performed at the Joe H. Makin Drama Centre, Unity Theatre, Liverpool and at the Town Hall whilst still at university, and since then has worked with many touring companies, including Fast Forward Productions, Brief Candle Theatre Company and Twisting Yarn Theatre Company.

Jenny worked extensively in schools around the North West and to further her own education recently completed a seven month training course in Physical Theatre at Hope Street Ltd, and attended a course in Commedia dell'Arte in London.

Jenny has just returned from Italy where she taught English and Drama to Italian children.

Bobby Burns - Singing Tutor/Training Advisor
Bobby bean singing at anearly age, firstly in local amateur dramatic companies, then later in semi-professional theatre companies. After studying at the Blackpool and Fylde College, gaining an HND in Musical Theatre and studying with the Royal School of Music and London College of Music, Bobby decided that being a performer wasn't enough, and is currently training to be a primary school teacher.

Bobby has worked extensively in musical theatre as well as commercial singing and acting work. A keen sportsman, Bobby is also a member of Preston Harriers Athletics Club.

Cora Gosling - Dance Tutor/Training Advisor
Cora trained at the Hammond School in Chester where she achieved AISTD in modern and tap, STC in RAD ballet. She later achieved her ARAD. Upon leaving Hammond, she was awarded 'Most Promising Teacher'.

She has been teaching dance for four years and in addition to teaching RAD ballet, she also teaches modern and freestyle/street dance.

Whilst at Hammond, she performed in many shows, which consisted of a variety of styles, from musical theatre, ballet, Spanish, tap, jazz and contemporary dance. She performed in the annual Hammond production and the mid-year musical theatre shows. She was the dance captain for the Taudevin Company and performed in a variety of venues both in the UK and abroad.

Karen Heath - School Administrator
Karen has been a Stage Express student since the Warrington School opened, and is now studying Performing Arts at Salford University. Karen has performed in venues around the North West and has several radio and television credits. Karen is delighted to be joining the Stage Express team!