sThe World is a multi-cultural society and it is our differences and our similarities that combine us. The English language helps to bring people together throughout the world. Language learning opens up opportunities for friendship, personal development, and career prospects. The Phoenix Theatre aims to support this process. Join us on this journey of discovery and unlock your future.
Kristi-Anne Seth
Producer & Artistic Director
studied Communication Studies in Sheffield, England before moving to The Netherlands to study “International Theatre & Education” in Utrecht, at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten (an interdisciplinary study course Kristi-Anne graduated in Acting and Directing). Gaining BA Honours degrees in both disciplines, she has worked in theatre and education on a regular basis ever since.
Whether writing, directing, acting or facilitating workshops, as a native English speaker, Kristi-Anne brings that quintessential element of Britishness to all of her work.
This was never more apparent than in her work with the now defunct company The Flying Fish Theatre. As one of the founding members of The Flying Fish Theatre (TFFT) back in 2001 she initially hit the road with her one woman shows expressing that typical British humour and voice quality of a native English speaker that many have come to value and respect.
Kristi-Anne has written an immense amount of musicals and straight plays for TFFT that have been enjoyed by audiences throughout schools and theatres in Europe and it is from her 14 years of success with The Fish that The Phoenix Theatre rises from the ashes.
Furthermore, as the native English speaker from TFFT, and coming from a family of teachers, both in Britain and Germany (notably mostly English teachers 🙂 ), Kristi-Anne is very aware of the importance of the connection between The Phoenix Theatre’s work and the school curriculum.
Not only that, she knows how important it is for pupils to have contact with native speakers during their language learning process and it is for this reason that all Phoenixes plays are written and performed by professionally trained native (native like) English speakers, as this is the only way to come into contact with the authentic language.
Indeed her previous work with children/youth and theatre; both as a drama teacher at an international school in Rotterdam, directing and giving workshops to children in England, The Netherlands and Germany; her work as an actor and director at White Horse Theatre and her 14 years of founding and developing The Flying Fish Theatre ; Kristi-Anne has decided to continue her quest and dedication to bring English theatre to young people in Germany and surrounding countries. In fact, Kristi-Anne Seth has over 28 years of experience of making English theatre for young people in German schools.
Moreover, her strong background in acting in international productions; working with directors and actors from Germany, America, Costa Rica, Canada, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, The Netherlands and England has set her in good stead in regards to networking to establish artistic and business collaborations.
As a theatre professional she hopes to enable audiences to understand each other a little better, whilst having fun with drama, increasing their imagination, their skills and improving the level of their English.
It is this wealth of knowledge and experience that Kristi-Anne brings to The Phoenix Theatre.
“While the journey in learning another language takes time and work, watching a performance or taking part in a workshop from The Phoenix Theatre provides the inspiration you need to continue. We aim to inspire, motivate and give strength to reach your goals.”
Our team is double vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19
Past, Present and Future
Kelly Griffiths
Actor, Director, Writer, Workshop Facilitator
studied Acting at the Birmingham School of Acting, where she graduated with honours in 2010. Kelly worked for The Flying Fish Theatre in the season 2010-11 and has remained a close friend and work colleague of Kristi-Anne Seth since this time. A vibrant, passionate and multi-faceted actress Kelly has spread her wings into the fields of directing, writing and producing. Most notably with her critically acclaimed comedy “Small Village”; as well as her brilliant adaptations of Shakespeare and most recently Jane Austen's 'Pride and Pejudice'. She is a bright, positive, enthusiastic theatre professional who always brings humour and dedication to her work. A team member to be relied on.
Isabel Sanchez
Actor, Singer, Dancer, Workshop Facilitator
graduated from Azusa Pacific University California with BFA Acting for the Stage and Screen; followed by MFA Acting from University of East London. A breath of fresh American air has blown through our doors. Multi-talented, fresh, honest and beguiling, Isabel offers many nuances to her work. With a very strong vocal capability she is a power house on stage. Slipping from one character to the next with seamless ease; we are in for a treat this season.
Matthew Steven-James
Actor, Workshop Facilitator, Martial Arts & Stage Combat Expert
graduated from The Academy of Music and Theatre Arts at Falmouth University with BA (Hons) Acting. A wonderfully talented and engaging actor, Matthew brings a fascinating combination of strength and sensitivity to his roles. His calm and friendly manner is a plus for his work and with a dedication and clarity in its execution he is a great addition to the Phoenix Team. Matthew is also a big advocate of working with young people both in theatre and through his many years in Scouting. Certainly one to watch.
Sophie Haas
Actor, Singer, Writer, Workshop Facilitator
graduated from Royal Holloway University, London with First Class BA (Hons) in Drama & Theatre Studies; followed by MA Performance (Acting) from Mountview, London. Dedicated, sensitive, truthful, humorous, independent, beguiling (the list goes on), partially describe the complexity of Sophie and her stage presence. Audiences will love watching her morph between characters and be in awe of her singing voice. Incidentally, Sophie has German ancestry and has had fun in connecting to her German roots; whiklst she has been with us. We wish her all the best for the future and are positive it will be a bright future.
Anthony Ford
Actor, Singer, Workshop Facilitator
graduated from the Oxford School of Drama. The thinking man's actor, Anthony brings an intelligence and sensitivity to his roles that fascinates and entertains audiences across the board. Whether playing Shakespeare, Austen or plays for young people you can guarantee that Anthony will deliver. With a strong interest in storytelling and history we are sure will have a happy and full career ahead of him.
Imogen Thomas
Actor, Singer, Dancer, Workshop Facilitator
graduated from the Institute for Contemporary Theatre (ICTheatre), Brighton with BA (Hons) in Performing Arts. A young and exciting all round performer Imogen is a marvel to watch on stage. Whether singing, dancing or acting she is mesmerizing. As an avid reader, her love of books feeds her imagination and thus her art. With her professional, sensitive approach to her work audiences are blown away by her craftsmanship. Imogen is a positive, passionate artist whose hard work will take her far.
James Grimstone
Actor, Singer, Workshop Facilitator
graduated from the Drama Studio London with BA (Hons) in Professional Acting. James is a hard working young actor starting out on his career and already he is showing great potential. From the classics to contemporary works, James brings depth, humour and sensitivity to his characters. Not only that, he can sing as well!
Francesca Hellström
Actor, Singer, Dancer, Workshop Facilitator
studied Professional Musical Theatre, at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts Ltd, London. A strong singing voice, combined with intuitive acting skills and topped off with a multifaceted dancing ability, perfectly describes Francesca. She brings a positive and sensitive feeling to her work; which makes her fascinating to watch. Her professionalism and maturity adds great depth to any theatre production she is part of. She is definitely someone to look out for. Whether in Shakespeare, Saturday Night Fever, Wizard of Oz or tap dancing around the stage, Francesca delivers what she promises.
Ashleigh Domblides
Actor, Director, Singer/Songwriter, Dancer, Musician, Workshop Facilitator
studied Musical Theatre at PPA (Performance Preparation Academy), Guildford. Ashleigh is a true all rounder and works to very high standards. An intuitive, independent, expressive actress and singer she is quick to learn as well as being a friendly, supportive team member. Her vibrant spoken and singing voice amazes and beguiles her audience. From pantomime, musicals, children's shows to Shakespeare; Ashleigh is going places.
Harrison Cornell
Actor, Singer/Songwriter, Musician, Workshop Facilitator
studied Physical Theatre at East 15 School, Southend on Sea. With an enormous talent for acting and music, Harrison is a pleasure to watch on stage. His unique singing voice will give you goose bumps and his believability as an actor will draw you completely in to the action. Skilled in physical theatre Harrison has a bright future ahead of him.
Ben Ryan-Steele
Actor, Singer, Musician, Workshop Facilitator
studied Drama at the Canterbury Christ Church University. An engaging and exciting young actor, Ben is a vibrant cog in the wheel that is The Phoenix Theatre. He is a dedicated, friendly, energetic and keen ensemble player, who has impeccable story telling skills. A man of immense musical and vocal talent be prepared to be blown away by Ben's stage abilities. With experience in TIE, Musicals and Shakespeare, Ben is going places.
Stephanie Bullock
Actor, Singer, Workshop Facilitator
studied Drama at the Canterbury Christ Church University. A young, friendly and passionate actress Stephanie combines youthful innocence, comedic playfulness and beguiling theatrical depth to her roles. We were proud to have Stephanie join us at the beginning of her professional career and look forward to some exciting performances to come.
Lydia May
Actor, Singer, Musician, Workshop Facilitator
studied Professional Musical Theatre at Millennium Performing Arts, London. A talented actress, singer and musician Lydia brings an immense passion and dedication to her work. Her strong stage presence combined with her impeccable stage skills and brilliant singing voice never fail to woo audiences both young and old. It was a pleasure to welcome Lydia to The Phoenix family and in turn to introduce her to our audiences.
Rhys Whiteside
Actor, Singer, Workshop Facilitator
studied Professional Musical Theatre at CPA Studios, Romford, Essex. Rhys is a hardworking, mature and multi-talented actor; whose confidence and self-awareness allows him to slip from one character to the next with ease and believability. His mellow, entrancing singing voice, combined with his musical and dance skills are a joy to behold. Whether in musicals, panto or straight plays Rhys was a great team player and an immense asset to The Phoenix. A professional actor who will go far in the industry.
Rhianna Compton
Actor, Singer, Director, Workshop Facilitator
studied Acting at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she graduated with honours in 2015.
Rhianna’s friendly and beguiling personality enables her to fascinate audiences both young and old. Combined with her smooth, strong singing voice and her ability to transform easily from one character to the next she transports us into the fantasy world of theatre with ease. A true professional Rhianna has a bright future ahead of her and we are happy to have accompanied her on this part of her journey and in turn to have introduced her to you.
Jack Thomson
Actor, Singer, Workshop Facilitator
studied Acting at East 15 Acting School, Loughton, UK. A vibrant and engaging actor it is a pleasure to watch Jack on stage. Whether he is performing panto, Shakespeare or a musical, Jack brings a believability and charm to his characters that never fails to beguile audiences. With a smooth Tenor voice he has enriched The Phoenix Theatre's musicals and shown himself to be a reliable ensemble member.
Guy Watson
Director, Producer
graduated from Drama Centre London with BA (Hons) Theatre and Film Directing in 2015. Guy has worked closely with Kristi-Anne Seth on several musicals and plays during his time at The Flying Fish Theatre and this creative relationship is continuing with The Phoenix Theatre.A creative, dedicated and enthusiastic artist Guy has a real gift for directing. A great team player he brings an abundance of talents to The Phoenix Theatre including his immense artistry and dedication to theatre, the actor and audience.
Guy also runs his own theatre company the “Dream Team Theatre” with great success in the UK.
Amy Bullock
Actor, Assistant Director, Workshop Facilitator
studied Theatre at Aberystywth University where she graduated in 2008 with BA honours in Drama. Amy has worked together with Kristi-Anne Seth regularly since her season with The Flying Fish Theatre in 2012 and brings her broad pallet of talents to The Phoenix Theatre for more theatrical fun and games.
Amy has been involved in various TIE productions with several companies in the UK, as well as other theatre, film and corporate work. With her rich background in theatre and her honest, warm and friendly demeanor Amy makes the perfect partner for all The Phoenix Theatre’s projects.
Sandra Wamhoff
Musician, Teacher, Musical Advisor, Photographer, Workshop Facilitator
studied Music at the The Institute of Music, Osnabrück where she graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in 2014. Currently, Sandra is studying a teaching degree at the University, Osnabrück concentrating on Music and German.
Specializing in the flute, and additionally the piano, Sandra is a gifted and sensitive musician and teacher. She has a calmness and direction in her approach, which allows herself and others to reach their full potential. With an excellent ear (and eye) for detail Sandra brings a uniqueness and quality to her work. Combined with her knowledge of speech, voice and presentation training, Sandra is a highly valid member of The Phoenix Theatre team. Sandra is also an active member of the Waldbühne Kloster Oesede, Georgsmarienhütte and children’s orchestra "Ragazzi Musici"; Osnabrück.
Associations
Dream Team Theatre
The Dream Team is a Cornwall based theatre company producing exciting storytelling theatre locally and in London. With a strong family focus their recent work has blended performance with puppetry and live music.
Arnoldo Ramos Vargas
Actor, Director, Lecturer
Arnoldo is a Lecturer at the National University of San José, Costa Rica; as well as a renowned actor, writer and director. He has written several plays and books about theatre and as a close friend and colleague of Kristi-Anne, Arnoldo offers consultation and artistic guidance to The Phoenix.
National University of Costa Rica (UNA)
Otherwise known as Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica
Marielos Fonseca Pacheco
Executive Director at the Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, (Popular Theatre Melico Salazar San José, Costa Rica)
Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, (Popular Theatre Melico Salazar San José, Costa Rica)
Ministerio de Cultura y Juventud (Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica)
Compañía nacional de Teatro (National Theatre Company, San José, Costa Rica)
Taller Nacional de teatro (National Theatre Workshop, San José, Costa Rica)
Plus various collaborations with other professionals across the fields of the Arts