Programme
The Museum of Marvellous Things - Cast Biographies
Kristina Stephenson - Narrator
Hi, I’m Kristina, I’m an author, illustrator and storyteller, best known for my children’s books about Sir Charlie Stinky Socks. I trained as a set and costume designer and worked in theatre and children’s TV for many years as a designer, presenter, writer and producer. I specialised in preschool programmes for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. After having my own children, I turned my hand to writing and illustrating children’s books. I was inspired to create the much-loved Sir Charlie Stinky Socks by my own son Charlie (who incidentally, doesn’t have stinky socks) and I’ve loved writing and performing stories ever since. I also run Practically Perfect Pictures a not-for-profit organisation that brings picture books alive through interactive storytelling, drama, dance, music, art and craft with a vision to make the arts accessible to all children, wherever they may be.
Nigel Ellis – Musical Director
Hi, I’m Nigel. I’m a musician with a wealth of experience as both a composer and a performer. I have composed music for children’s TV (A Box Full of Stories, Channel 4), and composed, arranged and produced music for a range of children’s audio books. I’ve performed as a musician in countless West End shows from Sunset Boulevard to Beauty and the Beast, and performed with many of the best orchestras in the UK, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra. I am also Kristina’s husband, the co-founder of Practically Perfect Pictures and I’m currently touring with the Museum of Marvellous Things show!
Maddie Hansen – Actor-Musician/Puppeteer
Hello, I’m Maddie! After spending 3 years studying at the Guildford School of Acting, I’m excited to be performing out in the big wide world. I studied as an actor-musician, which means I do everything that an actor does but I play instruments at the same time. My favourite instrument is the flugelhorn which is a bit like a trumpet. Keep an eye out for it because you’ll see it in this show! I also played the flugelhorn in my role of Gloria in ‘Brassed Off’ at the Gala Theatre in Durham last September. When I was at drama school, I played lots of other roles such as Therese in ‘The Baker’s Wife’, Kitty in ‘Tipping the Velvet’ and Jacques De Bois in ‘As You Like It’. I’m really looking forward to touring with Practically Perfect Pictures and sharing stories with new audiences!
Jess Lobo – Actor-Musician/Puppeteer
Hey there - my name is Jess! I’m also a recent graduate from the Guildford School of Acting’s ‘Actor Musicianship’ course and I am so thrilled to be working with Practically Perfect Pictures to bring stories to life! I’ve been performing since I was a little kid myself, however my most recent show was ‘Rapunzel’ at the Watermill Theatre which was also an actor musician show and where I played the role of ‘Prezze’. As an actor musician, I play several different instruments including the piano, flute, drums and accordion - however in this show, my main instrument is the piano! When I’m not performing I teach music to kids and I also host children’s parties too - however you might find me going on adventures, spending time with friends and family or playing with my puppy Reggie! But today I can’t wait to share the magic of storytelling with you so let’s use our imaginations and have some fun!
Janna May – Actor-Musician/Puppeteer
Hi, I’m Janna May! I’m a proud Filipino, born and raised in the sunny city of Sydney, Australia. I’m an Actor-Musician graduate from Guildford School of Acting and I love to sing, act and play the piano, guitar and cello. I intend to increase my knowledge in other instruments and improve on my craft, hoping to see where my true potential lies.
I have trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, completing a Foundation course in Musical Theatre, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Hearing and Language Sciences back in Sydney. In the future, I would like to not only perform and inspire people, especially children of colour, but also pursue a music therapy career.
Catherine Warnock – Actor-Musician/Puppeteer
Hello! My name is Catherine and I’m an Actor Musician playing Norbert and Tilly in the Museum of Marvellous Things Tour! I absolutely love music and playing lots of different musical instruments. I can play the Flute, Piccolo, Piano, Clarinet, Saxophone, Violin, Ukulele, Trumpet and Steel Drums and hope to keep learning even more! I graduated from Guildford School of Acting in 2022 and since then I have performed as an Actor Musician in ‘The Black Cat’ by Edgar Allen Poe- which I also wrote all of the music for! I was also lucky enough to be nominated for a London Pub Theatre Award for my role in this show. I am so excited to bring ‘The Museum of Marvellous Things’ to life with music and puppets!
The Museum of Marvellous Things - Creatives
Devised and created by – Practically Perfect Pictures
Set and costume design by – Kristina Stephenson
Music written, arranged and directed by – Nigel Ellis
Doo-Dah song written by – Mark Walker
Puppet Direction by – Romina Hytten
Puppets constructed by – Stitches and Glue and Scary Cat Studios
Lighting design by – Catja Hamilton
Set Built by – Tin Shed Scenery
Costumes constructed by – Bristol Cut and Construct and Mimics Productions
Photography by – Ash Mills
Videography – Evie Redfern, Redfern Reels
With thanks to Farnham Maltings, Buzz Theatre, Woking and Jacksons Lane for their support.