Rachael Wood Principal

Musical Theatre and Singing 

I live in Southport and work as a peripatetic singing teacher and private singing coach across Merseyside. 

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I trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. After graduating in 2003 I toured extensively as both an actress and a singer throughout the UK and internationally. My performance credits include: lead vocalist onboard P&O's MV Oriana, the title role in Jim Cartwright's "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice", the Rod Steward musical "Tonights the Night", Snow White in "Snow White and the seven dwarfs", Hannah Chaplin in "The Charlie Chaplin Story", Lead Vocalist in "The Summer of Love", "Emmerdale" and "ASDA" Christmas commercials to name a few.

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In 2015 I furthered my training by gaining a Fellowship Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance (FLCM) from the London College of Music, which is the highest exam level awarded by the London College of Music.

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As a teacher / vocal coach I also offer 1:1 singing lessons from my home in Southport and have taught at Liverpool Theatre School, Dolphin, Stagecoach, Perform London and Archbishop Blanch School in Liverpool. I am proud to say past pupils have gone on to further their training at LIPA, LMA, PPA and Hammond. I'm also very proud of a lot of my ex pupils who still keep in touch and are now working professionally in the industry some of which have gone on to perform in the West End.

I still work today as a professional session singer and actor alongside my teaching work. Most recently I have been regularly performing at St Helen's Theatre Royal for Regal Entertainment: Fairy Godmother (Cinderdella), Carabosse (Sleeping Beauty) and Mrs Fleshcreep (Jack and the Beanstalk). 

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I love teaching and enjoy passing on my years of knowledge and professional performance experience to all my students. 

Richard Cottier 

 Drama Teacher & Agent

​I am professional actor, director and producer with extensive experience over 25 year in touring theatre, film, voice overs and high profile television, including Island at War, Coronation Street, Dynamo, Ideal and The Gathering.

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I have had a passion for developing family friendly events and entertainment and proud to have been one of the creative consultants for phase 1 of Paramount London. Having now moved back to Southport, along with consulting I currently produce and direct the Christmas experience at ELR employing over 35 professional performers over the festive period each year entertaining over 3500 guests a day. 

During the year I consult regularly within the events industry developing new attractions and experiences.

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Alongside my event consultancy I am privileged to be invited internationally across the public and private sector to deliver masterclasses on leadership, storytelling and communication and also from time to time media training and contract negotiation to high profile clients.

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Although I am very busy developing theatre and event projects I have never lost my passion for developing the talent of the future. I first started teaching Drama nearly 30 year ago as an assistant at Southport Youth Theatre and have gone on to teach and direct young people at Queens College London, Merchant Taylors, SONG, Southport College Performing Arts, Shakespeare in Schools (Nationally), Centre Stage London, Bigfoot London and 15 year for Stagecoach along with many more.

​​​​In short working with young people makes me better at what I do and am excited to be a part of STAGE NORTH.​​​​

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Darcey Burchall  – Musical Theatre Dance Teacher

Darcey is a highly accomplished performer and dedicated performing arts teacher, passionate about inspiring and developing young talent. Originally from the Wirral, she trained on a full DADA Scholarship at Liverpool Theatre School, graduating with a distinction in musical theatre, before continuing her training at the prestigious Guildford School of Acting, where she achieved a first-class honours degree.

Her professional credits include the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hollyoaks, various commercials, and the feature film Breaking Point, in which she appeared as a dancer. Alongside her performance career, she has taught musical theatre and dance extensively, working with students of all ages to build confidence, technique, and stage presence. She has also led drama workshops in schools, using performance as a tool to encourage creativity and self-expression.

With both industry experience and a passion for training the next generation of performers, Darcey strives to create an engaging and supportive environment where students can develop both their skills and their confidence.