Meet the team

KATY LIPSON – Head of Singing

Before setting up the producing company Aria Entertainment Katy was a vocal and repertoire coach at schools such as The Brit School, Trinity Laban and The London Theatre School.

She has taught on masterclasses for The Growing Studio, Kellanne Dance and for The Royal Central School Of Speech And Drama.

She worked as a freelance musical director for 5 years, working on UK and International tours of It’s A Wonderful Life, Hot Flush The Musical and The 12 Tenors amongst many London fringe productions.

Since then she has produced over 60 musicals including the UK Premiere of The Addams Family and The Toxic Avenger as well as all musicals at Hope Mill Theatre. She set up a renowned festival for new musical theatre called From Page To Stage in 2013.

JOSEPH HOUSTON – Head of Acting

Joseph trained at Mountview academy of theatre arts receiving a first class honours in musical theatre.

He has worked extensively in the musical theatre industry both in the UK and Internationally. He founded Hope Mill Theatre in 2015 and since then has produced many musicals at the venue as well as London transfers and commercial tours.

Joseph taught drama for 5 years for Stagecoach working with children from 5-18 and has also led many masterclasses for drama schools in London and Scotland. He is also a director.

WILLIAM WHELTON – Head of Dance

William is very Proud to have trained at Laine Theatre Arts receiving a Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre and Dance. After working as a performance for several years he opened Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester with his husband Joe.

Choreography Credits: Most recently the musical revue show ‘Putting it together’ (Hope Mill Theatre) and ‘It’s Only Life’  (Union Theatre, London). ‘Hair’ (Hope Mill Theatre & The Vaults in London). Will was also nominated for an Offie for Best Choreography, Hair also won a What’s on Stage Award for best off west end production, ‘Pippin’ (Hope Mill Theatre, Southwark Playhouse), Will has been again nominated for an offie for Best choreography. ‘Parade’ (Hope Mill Theatre) Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella (Clonter Opera Theatre) Our House (Union Theatre).

Projects coming up are the family Pantomime ‘Aladdin’  (Everyman in Cheltenham) and The UK Tour of Hair 2019.