LDG Since:2007

About:

A former original member of Thunder Productions (2004-2007), Michelle made the jump to Lightnin' after that year achieving an A* at GCSE drama and gaining a place on the BTEC Performing Arts course at Palmers College where she went on to achieve 100% triple distinction grade and danced at the Royal Albert Hall.

Michelle is now a part time student at Sylvia Young Theatre School and is currently one of 20 members at West End Kids, specialising in musical theatre, where she also has private vocal lessons teaching her to use her 'mix' voice to prevent belting and has performed at the O2 Arena. Michelle is also recording as part of the Children in Need Charity Single with WEK and Rolf Harris this year and will be performing in Leicester Square at "West End Live" and at the MADD festival this Summer.

Michelle also attends beginners' ballet lessons at the Central School of Ballet. Roles at Lightnin' include Sharpay in High School Musical at The Circus Tavern, the Stepmother's Cat in Cinderella and the title role in Peter Pan at The Queens Theatre, where she had to learn to fly.

Professional theatre work includes title role in Aladdin with Chaplins Pantomimes 2009-2010.

LDG Since:2000

About:

Billy, son of Lighnin' founder Sue, describes himself as 'the guy that's back and front flipping everywhere if you have ever seen a show'. His first show with the drama group was Tarzan Meets Jane. Outside of drama, Billy travels the UK as a Semi-Professional wrestler under the name "Ace Pain/Jason Skye." Billy says "I like to mix some of my wrestling as part of any of my characters' stage combat routines, and hope that it will be a crowd-pleaser, like the time I was standing on Ant's shoulders and backfliped off him landing on my feet!!" Billy also enjoys dancing and believes that he has worked and developed this to become his strength. Billy says that he tends to study dance steps from MJ, Chris Brown and Diversity, and has recently started pairs dancing as the background of my wrestling helps him with lifts that he can then practise with his partner. Billy adds "I've enjoyed drama so much and has been a big part of my life and hope one day i can inspire others to express how they feel through dance and my performance!"

LDG Since:2008

About:

Michael joined Lightnin' in the summer of 2008 where he played a Gangster in his first show, Holiday Rock at the New Empire Theatre, Southend. In addition, he has taken on characters such as a Lost Boy in Peter Pan and Jack Sparrow the Mouse, the Usher and the Vicar in Cinderella at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch. He has also performed a mix of songs in variety shows such as 'Corny Colins' singing Nicest Kid's in Town from Hairspray and also challenged his skills when he performed a rap as part of the song Big Brothaz - Favourite Things. Michael achieved a B in GCSE Drama in 2009 and is currently studying BTEC Media and A-level 3D Design at Palmer's College. Michael is hoping to work hard towards a career in backstage theatre in the future.

LDG Since:1999

About:

Ieashia joined Lightnin' when she was just 6½ as she wanted to follow in her older cousin's footsteps. Since she can remember, Ieashia had watched all of the previous Lightnin' shows before appearing in Tarzan Meets Jane and she has not looked back since. Ieashia says that she has loved every minute of being in Lightnin', her highlight being that of performing at the London Palladium. It has improved both her confidence and way of expressing herself. Ieashia also attends both Joy's School of Dance and 'Danceworks' which is the home of Britain's Got Talent winner's Diversity. Ieashia has been dancing since she was 2 years old and has carried this on to higher education where she then discovered a passion for photography. Ieashia's new photography skills where then trialled at Thunder Productions last show She-Riff, where she was asked to be the performance photographer. Ieashia will be going to university in September, and hopes to continue with Lightnin' as much as she can.

LDG since:2003

About:

Tianna, younger sister of Ieashia, is one of Lightnin' Drama's youngest members. Her first appearance on stage with Lightnin' was as a 3 year old at a Pop Party where she wasn't actually supposed to be in the show, but copying her sister and cousins, just wanted to join in. It was here that Sue handed her a microphone and the now 10 year old Tianna has been a little drama queen ever since! Tianna also dances at Joys School of Dance and 'Danceworks' with Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity. Tianna recently recorded a single as a soloist that will be available for download from iTunes with a project called MOYO involving primary schools co-ordinated by The Chafford School, Rainham and will be performing this at the Stratford Circus Theatre in March this year. Tianna will be making the move to secondary school this September.

LDG Since:2009

About:

Zoe is an original cast member of Thunder Productions from when it began in 2004, she then moved onto Lightnin' in the Summer of 2009. During her time at Thunder she played a variety of roles from a dog-poo-throwing granny in Holiday Rock to Andy from Little Britain in the Haunted Mansion. She joined Lighnin' after a successful performance playing the Doctor in She-Riff at Thameside Theatre with Thunder Productions, this was just in time for Lightnin's Cinderella, where she played Dumble the Mouse. During her school days Zoe often helped backstage at the shows with hair styling, make up and face paint, and also danced for the Chafford School Dance Team 2007-2009. Zoe is currently training towards an NVQ award in Beauty Therapy, which she is really enjoying so far. .

LDG Since:2007

About:

Sam's first experience with Lightnin' drama was in the show 'A Musical Tornado,' where he began singing and dancing in ensemble pieces from 'Little Shop of Horrors' and 'West Side Story'. In 2008 he was then cast in 'Circus of Life' for Lightnin's entry in the Thurrock Drama Festival. This piece was highly rated and won 9 awards when it was taken to the finals in Wales. Sam also often acts with Thunder Productions playing roles such as Joe and Mad Max in She-Riff and Alan A-Dale in Robin Hood. Roles at Lightnin' have included Dragon Fire in Aladdin, Idle Jack in Holiday Rock and The Baron (Cinderella's father) in Cinderella. Sam also often plays a technical role in Lightnin' shows which includes operating sound and lighting when he is needed. Sam is currently studying towards a BTEC Performing Arts at Palmers College in Grays where he enjoys learning different aspects of theatre. Sam hopes to one day work professionally either as an actor or behind the scenes.

LDG Since:2001

About:

Sean is an original cast member of Lightnin' drama group starting at the age of 10. Sean's first production with Lightnin' was in Excalibur The Magic Sword playing a singing and dancing Michael Jackson Chicken! In 2002 Sean performed with Lightnin' at the London Palladium in an original show called "She-Riff". Roles at Lightnin' include King Richard in Rockin' and Rollin' Robin Hood, a Rastafarian Dwarf in Snow White, Michael Jackson in Lightnin' & Thunders Musical Storm performing his hit Thriller, and Sebastian the crab in The Little Mermaid. Sean's latest role was Dean in this year's production of Cinderella. Main roles in school productions include Troy in High School Musical and Prince Charming in Cinderella. Sean also has achieved Grade 3 playing the saxophone over 4 years. Sean attends dance school Kryptic Fusion specializing in street dance. Sean also attends beginners' ballet lessons at the Central School of Ballet. Film work includes a short film by Footpath Films called "Vitos Way".

LDG Since:2006

About:

Luke's first Lightnin' performance with the group was in 2006 in The Little Mermaid as Grimsby; the princes' right hand man. Roles at Lightnin' include, Abanazar in Aladdin and an Ugly Step-Sister in Cinderella. Coming from Grays, Essex; Luke is also a member of the Thurrock Courts Players, Thurrock Youth Theatre & Thurrock Operatic Society. Leaving The Chafford School in 2006 with GCSE results in music and drama, Luke then trained at Palmers College in BTEC Performing Arts. Luke is now currently training at Mountview Academy of Performing Arts in London towards a 3 year BA (HONS) in Acting. Having played the piano for over 10 years, Luke is a well-experienced pianist and performs with live jazz bands all over Essex. He also independently performs rat-pack tributes at local pubs and clubs. Luke has also wrote and stared in his very own musical The Gaydykes Writers, which was funded by the council and performed at The Thameside Theatre in 2007. In 2009 Luke received an award for Best Supporting Actor at the annual drama festival and went on to the finals in Woking. To Luke, Lightnin drama group is fabulous for people of all ages to share a common interest of performing. Everyone is allowed a chance to shine, and it is a friendly and warm environment. The shows are incredible and the people are a lovely bunch to work with.

LDG Since:2005

About:

Since June 2003 Sammie had been down to Lightnin Drama to watch rehearsals with her mum. She describes her first evening at Lightnin' like this. "My mum and I went to Chafford School where Lightnin' were rehearsing for 'Choose your Poison,' Sue saw my mum come into the room and gave her a big hug! Ever since that day I've enjoyed watching them rehearse, but it was a couple of years before I was in one of their shows." Sammie was first asked to join Thunder Productions and after thinking it through decided to join Lightnin'. Sammie is currently studying towards a Level 1 diploma in Performing Arts at Kidbrooke Post 16. Roles at Lightnin' have included Mermaid in Peter Pan and "Dunno" Dwarf in Snow White & the Several Dwarves.

LDG Since:1980

About:

Cindy began Lightnin' after her mum was asked by a neighbour to help out with a dance for their next show. Cindy says her first impressions of the group were "It was run by a dynamic 19 year old woman trying to raise money to keep the cancer unit open at Old Church hospital. This woman is Sue Ospreay, and she continues to raise money for local charities for nearly 30 years and provided a fantastic hobby for young and not so young alike!" Cindy left the group for a couple of years whilst having her two children, but has been back since 2003 bringing her daughter Sammy to join with her! Cindy has been part of 39 shows with Lightnin. Recent roles have included Grandpa Mouse in Cinderella and one of the Genie's "Emotions" in Aladdin. Cindy says "every show is given our utmost attention whether its at a professional theatre or church hall. Being given the chance to entertain people is a fantastic feeling and opportunity. We thank Sue and Lightnin' for that and look forward to many more shows to come!" Cindy has also appeared as Mum in a short film called "Too Much Too Soon."

LDG Since:2003

About:

Janine describes herself as one of the mature members of Lightnin, but loves the diverse group of characters aging from 3 to 60 that gives the group no age barrier! Janine's idea of her own role in the group was just to help in the background, but continues to say that Sue Ospreay will find a part for you no matter what! Roles with Lightnin' have included Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan and Grandma Mouse in Cinderella. Janine says "I love coming to drama as we all get on well and there is never a dull moment! I've enjoyed every show and the audience must feel the great vibes from us on the stage! A lot of the productions we do are for good causes so whilst having a good time, we are helping others out! I am sure with the young ones, that it gives them so much confidence for what they have to deal with in life and how to interact with other people from all walks of life. Long may it run!"

LDG Since:2007

About:

Tammy began Lightnin' in 2007 for 'Aladdin' at the Queens Theatre. Tammy has also been to dance school learning ballet, jazz, tap and modern jazz. She has also been part of Ongar Resource Theatre, who gave her the chance to tour in Essex and East Anglia with naturalistic drama. Tammy has also appeared as an Extra on Eastenders! Tammy says, "I have always wanted to be an actress! And I am now having the time of my life with Lightnin' Drama group, and am doing everything that I enjoy with lots of good friends!"

LDG Since:2008

About:

After being a member of Thunder Productions for 3 years, Brooke joined Lightnin in 2008. Brooke's first production as a member of Lightnin' Drama was in Holiday Rock as Connie a young woman on a girl's holiday at Dustbins Holiday Camp. She then went on to play a mermaid in Peter Pan, as well as performing in A Christmas Cracker as Penny from Hairspray and as part of the ensemble in many medleys including High School Musical, Grease and Mamma Mia! Main Roles in School Productions include Veruca Salt in Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and Polly in Alan Ayckburn's Confusions. Brooke also spent 3 of her years at school taking music lessons learning to play the Drums and being the drummer in an all girl band. Brooke has taken part, alongside other members of Lightnin', in a short film by Footpath Films called "Vito's Way". Brooke is currently working as an apprentice in Hairdressing and attending Paul Falltrick's Training Academy once a week studying NVQ Level 2 Hairdressing and hopes to continue with Lightnin' as they raise funds for their show at The London Palladium.

LDG Since:2005

About:

Natalie joined Lightnin for her first show of Snow White and the Several Dwarves after taking part in lots of school performances. After this Natalie found herself with ensemble roles in Pop Parties, variety shows at the Circus Tavern and The Chafford School venues and also found herself cast in the entry 'Fatal Addiction' for the thurrock drama festival. Natalie is a valuable member of the group as she works both on and off of the stage. Natalie constantly provides help with flyers/posters/programmes/dvd orders and is our group-outing event organiser, successfully arranging for 30 of us to see Little Voice and with more trips to follow!! She has also developed her skills on stage with the encouragement of our singing teacher and recently discovered that she has a good ear for picking up harmonies! Outside of drama Natalie works as a Management Accountant and says that she has met an amazing group of people through drama and enjoys her time there.