We are a non-profit-making performing arts group based in Huntingdon, which is run by a team of dedicated enthusiastic volunteers.
Graham and Sarah Wilkinson – Artistic Director and Choreographer/Producer
Graham and Sarah Wilkinson have both been involved in theatre for the past 41 years. While Graham predominantly ‘trod the boards’, Sarah, as a qualified dance teacher, specialised in ballroom, modern and theatrical dance, teaching in a number of local schools.
In the 30 years, they have been married, they have combined their talents, working with a number of theatrical groups locally and directing many shows including Bugsy Malone, Some Like it Hot, Calamity Jane, Godspell and Return to the Forbidden Planet.
In September 2004, Graham and Sarah decided to form their own not-for-profit performing arts group – Spotlight Productions. Since conception, they have staged 20 large-scale musicals to sell-out audiences. These include Grease (2005), A Whitechapel Tale (2006), Bugsy Malone (2006), Disco Inferno (2007), 42nd Street (2008), Back to the 80’s (2009), Hairspray (2010), Fame (2011), Schools Will Rock You (2012), Some Like it Hot (2013), Les Misérables (2014), Singin’ In The Rain (2015), Disco Inferno (2016), Legally Blonde (2017), Sister Act (2018), Grease (2019), Magic of the Musicals (2021), Oliver! (2022), Anything Goes (2023) & The Addams Family (2024). All have received fantastic feedback.
They continue to believe in their initial ethos that young people from any background should have the right to take part in their productions and hence Spotlight subscriptions remain at only £3 per week, which cover the cost of room hire. The rest of their funding is raised through ticket sales, and hiring of costumes, scenery and props. For more information, visit our costume and scenery hiring page.
Will Swepstone – Technical Director
Will joined Spotlight back in 2010 and his roles within the group have been extremely varied, originally starting out behind the scenes, he took on the official ‘Technician’ role in 2014 and in 2019 became ‘Technical Director’.
During the early years, he operated the follow spot for “Singin’ in the Rain”, controlled an LED light-up dance floor for “Disco Inferno” (Something he would not volunteer to do again in a hurry….) and since “Legally Blonde” in 2017, he has setup/ran sound for all the Spotlight shows, in addition to designing/programming the lighting.
Since the relaunch of Spotlight in 2021 following Covid-19, Will has been heavily involved with the scenic design & construction for all of our major musicals.
His first project was constructing a log cabin for our Christmas show, “Magic of the Musicals”, and since then he has gone ‘bigger & better’ every year! From the streets of London for “Oliver!”, to the SS American cruise liner for “Anything Goes” and most recently the mansion for “The Addams Family”.
In ‘real-life’, Will is currently the Operations Manager/Project Manager for Amina Technologies Ltd, the world’s leading ‘Invisible Loudspeaker’ designer/manufacturer. Starting out as a Technician with the company back in 2019, he has been able to develop his CAD skills and learn how to program and operate the company’s CNC router. Amina’s support in his personal development and the use of their facilities ‘out of hours’, has given him the opportunity/capabilities to be more creative with his scenic design, allowing him to build bespoke set pieces which would ordinarily only be seen in professional shows.
Simon Jeffery – Director
Simon Jeffery has been teaching drama and performing arts to both young people and adults for the past 17 years. In 2010, he graduated with a BA Honours Degree in Drama and Theatre Studies and went on to further develop his teaching experience in Massachusetts, USA for a short time. He has now directed over 24 different productions, ranging from the classics to new originals, and was delighted to join Spotlight Productions in 2013 to assist with Les Misérables. Since then he has become Graham Wilkinson’s ‘right-hand man’ co-directing the productions.
Callam Chauvin – Director
Callam stumbled across Spotlight when directing his first ever show in 2007 and quickly joined the group as a stage-hand, progressing through the years to ensemble and supporting actor. After a brief hiatus at University to study Theatre, Acting and the Arts, he reprised his time with Spotlight in 2019, landing his dream role as Fagin in our production of “Oliver!”.
Since then, Callam has enjoyed roles as Moonface Martin in “Anything Goes”, and most recently Gomez in “The Addams Family Musical”, and is thoroughly enjoying revisiting his directorial roots for the upcoming 2025 performance of “Beauty and the Beast”.
Charlotte Pergande – Musical Director/Vocal Coach
Charlotte joined Spotlight in 2004 when her parents, alongside Sarah and Graham formed the group. During her time ‘on-stage’ she performed Principal roles in Bugsy Malone, 42nd Street, Back to the 80’s, Fame and Disco Inferno. She also provided backing vocals for our productions of Grease, Hairspray and We Will Rock You. She set up her own private music business in 2010, teaching piano, vocals and drama and provides private tuition for those taking LAMDA exams. She was delighted to accept the position of Spotlight’s Vocal Coach & Musical Director in 2019.
Sam Scarborough – Assistant Musical Director/Assistant Vocal Coach
Sam first joined Spotlight in 2019 as Mr Bumble in “Oliver!” and has since secured principal roles in “Anything Goes” and “The Addams Family Musical”. Sam’s no stranger to singing – he’s been singing in both school and local choirs for a number of years.
As Spotlight continues to better its performances year on year, and as its cast size continues to grow; we’ve asked that he joins Charlotte as Assistant MD.
Cheryl O’Leary – Choreographer
Cheryl has been a fully qualified Ballroom, Latin & Freestyle dance teacher for over 25 years, running her own dance school CK’s Academy of Dance in the London and Huntingdon areas. She came to Spotlight as a mum whose son wanted to ‘tread the boards’ and here she found her Spotlight Family!
After choreographing some of the numbers for our Christmas show “Magic of the Musicals”, Cheryl was delighted to officially join the choreography team and looks forward to being a part of many future shows.
Joanne Ellis – Associate Choreographer
Joanne joined Spotlight Productions in 2021 and has been part of the group ever since. Having trained at Italia Conti Joanne’s creativity, dedication, and passion have brought incredible energy to our shows. In 2024, we asked Joanne to kick ball change into the role of Associate Choreographer and we’re delighted to have her as part of the choreography team.
Abbie Hughes – Dance Captain
Abbie joined Spotlight Productions in 2022 as part of the cast of Anything Goes, Which has now become her favourite musical. Abbie has been performing and dancing for many years, her speciality is Jazz and Musical theatre, but she is also training in Tap, Commercial, Ballet,Contemporary and Acro. She has performed in numerous musicals and pantomimes including ‘Mrs Potts’ in “Beauty and the Beast”, ‘Fiona’ in “Shrek” and ‘Alice’ in “Alice in Wonderland”. She is currently training full time in musical theatre, and one day hopes to perform in the West End.
Judith Ekblom Jarrold – Stage Manager
Judith has just marked her 14th show with Spotlight. She originally joined the group to help with costumes, as her sister was a cast member. Although she now lives in London, she still love being involved and comes back each year to run backstage. Having finished her degree, she is now working as a bespoke tailor with Maurice Sedwell on Savile Row and in addition to performing the role of Stage Manager she also actively takes on the role of costumier to create bespoke costumes for our productions.
Angela Black – Child Safeguarding Officer/Head of Wardrobe
Angela Black is an Ofsted-registered childminder and holds a Cambridgeshire County Council Chaperone Licence. She has been working with children for the past 29 years and the last seven years with Spotlight. She enjoys the arts and to be able to watch youngsters fulfil their dreams and grow in confidence within our friendly group is for her a privilege. Managing the group’s 20 chaperones, Angela will be behind the scenes ensuring that our young people are safe and happy throughout a show’s run.
In 2024, Angela took on the additional role of Head of Wardrobe and is now responsible for maintaining our extensive collection of costumes, alongside costuming our own productions. On a Saturday morning, you will find her at our storage unit checking & preparing costumes for hire, which allows the group to raise the necessary funds to produce our own major musicals.
During show week, Angela can be found behind the scenes watching over the cast, helping with quick changes and making sure that everyone is having a fantastic time!
For more information about child safeguarding, click on the following link:
Roger Sale – Scenic Artist
Roger Sale has worked within the Spotlight family for a number of years now, designing and painting the sets for the shows. As a group, we are very fortunate to have such a talented artist as a member of our team.
We hire out our scenery for past productions to fund our latest production. Click on the link below for more information:
Mick Brightwell – Props Manager/Scenic Construction
Mick Brightwell has worked with the Group since its formation. His key responsibility is the production and sourcing of props. His activities have certainly been diverse over the years and have included making muskets for Les Miserables, sourcing bathroom ‘accessories’ for Disco Inferno and acquiring law books and pink ‘fluffy stuff’ for Legally Blonde!
We hire out our props to fund our latest production. Click on the link below for more information:
Sarah Geear – Public Relations Manager
Sarah happened upon Spotlight Productions in October 2022 through her work within the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire and she has stayed as an ambassador ever since!
Now responsible for all things related to Public Relations, she is proud to be involved with the group, where young people of all ages, backgrounds and ability can come together for the love of performing.
Charlotte Williams – Assistant Child Safeguarding Office/Registered Chaperone
This is Charlottes 13th year with Spotlight. Performing a dual role within the group, she attends weekly rehearsals and ensures that the cast are always safe and happy. During show week she looks after our younger members of the cast as one of the groups registered Chaperones, while also assisting with costume quick changes, of which there are many!
We hire out our costumes to fund our latest production. Click on the link below for more information:
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