CREATIVES!

Writer/Composer/Director - LAUREN BENSTED

After years of denial, Lauren has finally admitted that she has no inclination toward investment banking and that her heart lies in musical theatre. Kiddyfiddler on the Roof (HT07) marked her début as both an arranger and a Musical Director. She has also written and directed the pantomime The Emperor’s New Clothes (MT07) - a jovial barrage of cross-dressing and undressing. She later composed and directed the score for Dead Mother Cabaret (HT08) and produced a new translation of Sartre’s Huis Clos (HT08). She is also the Musical Director of the all female a cappella group the Oxford Belles. As a jazz pianist, guitarist and singer, Lauren likes to keep herself out of poverty by playing at restaurants, theatre foyers and private functions. The world of North London suburbia, amid its Bar Mitzvahs and Debenhams gold-card-holders, has supplied her with enough anecdotal satirical material to last her until she is old, grey and incontinent.

Assistant Director - ROBIN CANTWELL

Robin JS Cantwell was born on 22nd October 1987. He lives with his parents. (he's a weird one)

Assistant Musical Director - BETH MORTIMER

Beth is in her second year at New College reading Biology. Music has long since been her refuge from science; she has French Horn at Grade 8 level and also joined a cappella group the Oxford Belles this year. As a performer, she was part of the burlesque garter-wearing chorus of the Dead Mother Cabaret (HT08) at the O’Reilly Theatre, and sixth form productions of Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar. This is Beth’s first time on a production team and she is very excited about taking part in this original musical show.

Co-Producer - JEN DANVERS

Jen Danvers is a second-year lawyer at New College with a penchant for headscarves and cabaret. She worked as marketing manager for the productions The People Next Door (MT06) at the O’Reilly and Crimes Passionels (MT06) at the Playhouse. She also co-directed and produced the pantomime The Emperor’s New Clothes (MT07) in the Holywell Room.

Co-Producer - EMMA CARRINGTON-BROOK

Emma is a first year history student at Trinity College who has taken part in numerous plays at school as an actress and director. She also acted in Trinity's Cuppers performance in MT07 and The House of Bernada Alba at the OFS (HT08), as well as Blood Wedding (HT08) with the Trinity players. Fancying a change of scenery, Emma thought she might have a dabble at producing, and that a good bit of jazz-hands was definitely the way to go. She is thrilled to be a part of the Swing! creative team.

with special thanks to Elle Graham-Dixon for her artwork.

To contact the directors and cast, e-mail enquiries@swingthemusical.co.uk