The Principal Roles
Sophia Carroll
Fairy Godmother
Danny Purtell
Pandolfe
Stephanie Wake-Edwards
Prince Charming
Katie Wood
Cinderella
Christy Li
Madame de la Haltiere
Avalon Summerfield
Noemie
Grace Chapman
Dorothee
Jason White
King
Edward Lock
1st Minister
Stephanie is from North London and is in her first year studying Sociology with Social Psychology at the University of York. She has been classically training for three years with Carole Kendall and Linda Hirst. When at home, she sings with the Choir of Christ Church, Southgate. She sings both Soprano and Mezzo-Soprano repertoire. Previous and future engagements include: Phyllis (Iolanthe, Gilbert and Sullivan, UoY and G&S International Festival, Harrogate), Leporello (Don Giovanni, York Grand Opera House), Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen (Mahler, London College of Music), Pat (Evolve: A New Musical, UoY).
Born in Blackburn, Sophia graduated from the University of Sheffield in July 2011 with a BMus (Hons) degree. She has played principal roles in numerous operatic productions, including Susanna in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Frasquita in Bizet’s Carmen, Papagena in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and Marguerite in Gounod’s Faust. Sophia is currently studying for an MA in Community Music at the University of York, with a keen interest in passing on her love of singing by making vocal opportunities more accessible for children.
Jason White is a first year Electronic and Computer Engineering student at the University of York. During college, where he performed in yearly opera performances, including the role of Don Alhambra in 'The Gondoliers,' Jason was classically trained by both Tom Stoddart and George Freeburn. He also performed with his school's vocal consort and choir. His previous York performances include Masetto in OperaSoc's Don Giovanni, Private Willis in UoY G&S's Iolanthe, and he is looking forward to playing the role of the King in OperaSoc's Cendrillon.
Christy Li was born in Hong Kong. She is currently doing her MA Vocal Performance degree at the University of York. Now, she is having vocal lessons with Mrs Yvonne Seymour and Mr Richard Jackson. In the past two years, she has had singing lessons with Ms Siu-kwan Chan and obtained her MA Music degree in Hong Kong. She has performed in China, Australia, the US and Britain. In August 2012, she played the role of Maria in The Sound of Music in Hong Kong. She is now an Alto soloist of the University Chamber Choir.
Born in South London, Grace is a first year Music student at the University of York. She is a first study singer being taught by Susan Young. Prior to her studies at York Grace attended the Junior Royal Academy for three years as a first study flautist, receiving lessons from Anna Pope as well as singing lessons from Anthea Dwyer. Grace performs in numerous ensembles, currently these include University Choir, Chamber Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Chimera Ensemble and Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Grace is very much looking forward to performing in this production as she takes on her first principal role in opera.
Edward is a 3rd year music student at the University of York. He is a first study singer, with a varied experience of both choral and solo singing. Recent performance highlights have included solo roles in Stainer’s Crucifixion, Mozart’s Coronation mass and Faure’s Requiem, along with a choir tour in Germany with The 24, appearances in the chorus of ‘Too Hot to Handel’ and recording work in London. He also played the role of Il Comendatore in the opera society's recent production of Don Giovanni. When not singing Edward composes, plays 'cello and conducts the University Concert Orchestra.
Katie is a second year music student at York and is pursuing a double principal study in Singing and Saxophone under the tuition of Susan Young and Julian Arguelles respectively. She also plays Flute, Clarinet and Piano. Whilst in York she has been involved heavily with the Opera Society, performing as Cherubino in Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, and as a member of the committee. She has sung in several Gilbert and Sullivan shows and was awarded Best Female Performance for her role as Josephine in HMS Pinafore at the International Gilbert and Sullivan festival in the Buxton Opera House.
Avalon is a first study singer in her second year studying music at the University of York. More info is coming soon.
Danny is currently in his first year studying Music at The University of York where he is taught singing by Alex Ashworth. He started his musical education at The John Fisher School, where he was quickly made head chorister of the school’s chapel choir. Before moving to York, Danny spent his gap year as Bass Choral Scholar at Portsmouth Cathedral where his solo work included a live broadcast of Choral Evensong on BBC Radio 3 and the baritone solos in Fauré’s Requiem with the City of London Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Layton. Alongside singing, Danny also directs his own choir the Armada Consort.
Oliver Henn
War Veteran
Oliver Patrick is in his 1st year at the University of York studying Writing, Directing, and Performing. Born and raised in New York City, the opportunity to act and perform for live audiences was abundant even at an early age. Acting in such musical productions as "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown", "Godspell", and "Peter Pan" before turning 17 a passion for performance was clearly building. After completing a course at The Atlantic Acting School in New York City he performed in his first drama, "Proof" by David Auburn. After moving to the UK to study at the University of York, in his 2nd term Oliver Patrick performed as the lead role in Tanya Ronder's stage adaptation of "Vernon God Little" at The Department of Theatre & Television's Black Box stage.