Cast Members

 

	Anneli Stockwell, Principal Lead Vocalist (Karen Carpenter). Anneli is a full-time professional manager, producer and vocalist performing and directing her own shows, including Abba Queens, Close To You and Seventies Super Groups. She has developed these shows over a four year period and now tours UK theatres as well as performing at a wide range of functions at home and abroad. She is currently investigating recording opportunities with the ultimate goal of being a vocalist on an original hit record. Previous experience includes working within the club music scene as a high-level promoter.
	Andrew Sleightholme, Principal Pianist (Richard Carpenter). Andrew is a classically-trained piano and keyboard player with experience in a whole range of musical genres. He holds a Master's degree in music from Oxford University and also trained in piano at the Royal College of Music in London. Andrew has frequently accompanied live singers and has always loved the music of the Carpenters. He has recently recorded the original keyboard parts for a recording of a new Broadway musical, Va Voom. He plays keyboards with alt-folk band Mishaped Pearls and sometimes plays the bassoon.
	Matthew James, Principal Bass Guitarist/Backing Vocalist. Matthew James has played guitar and bass guitar for many years and has been lead singer in a number of bands. He is also a prolific songwriter. Matthew performs as Bjorn in the Abba Queens band.
	Matt Pearce, Principal Lead Guitarist. Matt Pearce is an acomplished electro-acoustic guitar and bass player. He is an RGT registered, MU Member. He also works for Essex Music Services as a peripetetic guitar teacher.
	Simon Dring, Principal Lead Drummer. Simon is an experienced professional drummer clocking over 1000 gigs in the UK, Europe, New Zealand and America. He has performed with both original and function bands. The previous four years were spent touring with a succesful signed blues act. He writes: My job is to make the band/artist sound and feel good. I'm not one of those 'fill all gaps' players. Groove is the most important thing. I specialise in rock, pop, blues and funk, both in the studio and live.