About Spotlights Theatre School

Before setting up Spotlights with Al and Monnie, Faye studied drama at Manchester University and even shared a classroom Benedict Cumberbatch! Faye completed a post-graduate Diploma in Acting at Drama Studio London. Faye has worked professionally as an actress in theatre, film, television and voice over including performing plays in the West End and touring nationally.

Al runs the Spotlights HQ office and handles everything behind the scenes from websites, accounts, marketing and logistics. He is always on site at the weekend to address any parents’ queries. Before setting up Spotlights with Faye and Monnie, Al worked in the oil industry as a Commercial Manager. Al has always had an interest in performing arts and in particular the technical challenges of putting on a show.

Monnie started her performing arts training at the tender age of 2. Monnie has been teaching at Spotlights from day 1 setting up the school with Faye and Al. Her professional background has always been in TV & Media working for the likes of Nickelodeon, BSKYB, Disney Theatricals as Media Director across London agencies.

Monnie is now at Spotlights full time where she runs our successful Talent Agency and continues to teach both Little Stars and Main School Drama.

Tasha trained in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd London.

Her performing credits include Sophie in Mamma Mia! In the West End. Carousel at the Savoy Theatre and the original West End company of School of Rock where she was Swing and Dance Captain. Her film and TV credits include Mrs Henderson Presents and Call The Midwife.

Wallis is a professional dancer from Wales. She graduated from Addict Dance Academy in 2021 and since then has done a range of jobs within the industry.

She has been involved in Music videos, dancing for artists, west end workshops, game openings & judged dance competitions over the UK.

Wallis teaches at Base dance studio & Pineapple dance studio weekly whilst also teaching at Spotlights. She has been an extra in reality TV, documentaries, dramas on channel 4 and even a trial tester for Squid Games as seen on Netflix.

Ellie trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and holds a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Musical Theatre

Professional Credits include Wicked Women of the West End at The Union Theatre, Bernstein’s Mass at The Royal Festival Hall.

Credits whilst training include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Mrs Roach in Betty Blue Eyes, Sylvia in The Dreaming.

Ellen is an experienced teacher and trained at Laine Theatre Arts. She graduated in 2020 with a First Class Degree in Musical Theatre.

Ellen started dance from a young age and was invited to attend the Royal Ballet Junior Associates as a child. Ellen has completed LAMDA exams to Grade 8.

Emily is currently training at Bird College Conservatoire undertaking a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.

Before starting her degree, she performed in productions of We Will Rock You and Beauty and the Beast.

Abbie trained in performing arts at Italia Conti Arts Centre and Wilkes Academy.

She has performed in college shows such as Legally Blonde, Bring It On and Cats. She has been fortunate to have the opportunity to perform in front of Ant and Dec and Stephen Mulhern. Abbe has also performed in pantos as ensemble

Laura is an actress and has worked extensively in television and theatre since she was in her early teens, most notably as the longstanding regular character Cully Barnaby in ITV’s Midsomer Murders. She has appeared in recurring roles in Soldier Soldier (Central Television) and Young Dracula (CBBC), leading roles in Jack Rosenthal Screen One films (BBC) and short films for Brag Productions and RSA Films, as well as numerous guest appearances for the BBC and ITV. Laura’s theatre credits include productions at the Donmar Warehouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, Watford Palace and Liverpool Playhouse, and premiers of new writing at Theatre Royal Stratford East and HighTide Festival. She has also toured the UK in shows for The English Touring Theatre, Northern Stage, Touring Consortium and for Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

Whilst studying at Glasgow University way back in the last century Patti had an evening job at the internationally renowed Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. During her time there she was encouraged by the directors to train professionally as an actress so joined The Acting Company run by David Harris (Arts Ed Schools).Since then she has appeared in most of the major rep houses in the U.K plus Londons West End. Recently she has begun TV work with parts in Torchwood,Doctors and Young Dracula and can be currently seen in the world’s longest running TV drama Coronation Street where she plays series regular Mary Taylor. Patti is extremely proud and honoured to be a patron of Spotlights Theatre School.