Third-year soprano, Sophia Lyons, takes the lead role in the production.

Born locally to Canterbury, from a very early age Sophia has been involved with music and drama performances in Kent. Classically training with the Trinity Examination Board since the age of 9, she achieved distinction up to Grade 8 at the age of 18. During school, she was a part of Gareth Malone’s Sing While You Work ‘P&O Choir’ after they won the programme, as well as multiple school choirs, and working as a music mentor for young singers in an after-school programme.

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After school, she moved to Warwick University, and was awarded the Alto Choral Scholarship in their Music department, singing in the University, Chorus, Chamber, and all-female choir Gaudeamus. Whilst at Warwick, she performed in Die Fledermaus and student written opera, Jurassic Park. Having been interested in Musical Theatre since a young age too, she performed in Warwick University production of Rent as Joanne, and then in her gap year was Johanna in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd with Dover Operatic and Dramatic Society. Her passion lies with classical choral music, a favourite piece being Durufle’s Requiem, after singing 'Pie Jesu' in Stratford Chapel. She was part of a project to connect French and Chinese music together in a 'Transcultural Cantata' in Nice, and then performed at Leamington Spa’s Festival and achieved 2nd and 1st place for under 25’s and also in the Novice category. 

Having transferred to Kent at the end of 2018 in her second year, Sophia is now a third-year student studying Drama and Theatre at the university. A University Music Award Holder, Sophia is a member of the University Chamber Choir, Cecilian Choir and Chorus. She recently sang the solo verse of 'Once in Royal David's City' to open the University Carol Service at Canterbury Cathedral. Sophia has been involved in a project with children at St Nicholas School, Canterbury, in line with her degree, facilitating music and drama workshops.

In her second year studying Psychology, Felicity Bourdillon is a University Music Award Holder, and sings with the University Chamber Choir, Cecilian Choir and Chorus. She recently sang the solo verse of 'Once in royal David's city' to launch a candlelit sequence of carols at St Michael's Church, Hernhill. Last year. Felicity sang the role of Second Woman in a performance of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas at the University.

Born in Newcastle and living in Harrogate, Ellie Gould is in her first year reading Biomedical Science at the University.

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A Music Performance Scholar, Ellie has been involved in a number of musical ensembles and productions whilst at school, such as 'Dido and Aeneas,' a Woodwind Group and has enjoyed arranging pieces for her school's annual House Music Competition, as part of the House Group, House Instrumental and House Trio.

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Ellie was Head of her school's Chapel Choir, which had the opportunity to perform in BBC Songs of Praise 'Choir of the Year' Competition, and in St Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

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A Music Performance Scholar, Ellie is involved in the University Chorus, Chamber Choir and Cecilian Choir, but also enjoys playing the piano and clarinet in her free time.

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"I am really looking forward to the production of 'Alice in Wonderland." says Ellie, "and playing the part of the Queen of Hearts!” How many times will she shout "Off with her head!" ? You'll have to come to the performance to find out...

Fourth-year Will Clothier studies Wildlife Conservation, and is a member of the University Chamber and Cecilian Choirs.

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He recently returned from a year abroad living and working in Africa as part of a team dedicated to rescuing and preserving endangered rhinos.

In her first year studying French and Italian, Alice Kincade  has had singing lessons for around six years. She has plenty of choral experience,  singing in Berkshire Youth Choir for several years, including tours to China and Spain, along with being a part of the BBC 10 Pieces choir singing in several Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

"I’ve never been involved in any musicals before, so I’m very excited to play the Gryphon in this production!"

Fourth-year French and Business student and Music Award Holder, Matthew Cooke, is a member of the University Chamber Choir, Cecilian Choir, Chorus and plays trumpet in the Concert and Big Bands.

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Matthew’s recent engagements include the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah and Kodaly’s Missa Brevis with the University Chorus as well as the tenor soloist in the 2018 Summer Music Week Finale. He also conducted the University Chamber Choir in the 2017/18 academic year in various locations including Canterbury Cathedral.

Earlier this year, he sang with the Avant Scène opera company as part of the chorus. Performances included L’Elisir d’Amore and a Gala concert featuring the globally-renowned baritone, Roberto Frontali.

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In 2020, Matthew will return to Switzerland to debut as a soloist with the Neuchâtel University Chorus with conductor Sylvain Muster. He will feature as the soloist in J.H. Maunder’s magnificent Olivet to Calvery under the baton of Edward Rhys-Harry in Canterbury.

In her third year studying Drama and Theatre, Maddie Jones sings with the Cecilian Choir, and has previously sung with Minerva Voices during her time at Kent.

Previous to studying at University she spent seven years at Stagecoach Performing Arts School where she played many roles including the understudy of Talulah in Bugsy Malone. She continued to work at Stagecoach teaching 4-6 year olds dance, drama and singing  alongside studying Music and Drama A-Level. She achieved a Distinction in both Grade 8 ABRSM Classical singing and Grade 8 LAMDA Musical Theatre by the age of 18.

After school she spent her gap year as a Worship Intern at St Aldates Church in Oxford and helped to lead and arrange the Christmas Choral Concerts there. Before moving to the University of Kent, she spent one year studying Performing Arts at Canterbury Christ Church University where she specialised in Vocal Studies and was part of the university girls choir, Top Voices.

In her spare time she also enjoys writing songs independently and co-writing for her local Church. 

In his second year studying Comparative Literature and Drama, Robbie Frederick is also a member of the University Chamber Choir and Cecilian Choir. Last year, he was involved in the Musical Theatre Society's production of Rent at the Marlowe Theatre Studio, Canterbury.

In her first year studying Psychology, Harriet Wilde went to school in Salisbury; she plays the cello, oboe, piano and sings, and throughout her life has been a part of many musical groups.

Alongside studying Psychology with Forensic Psychology, she is also a member of the University Chamber Choir, Cecilian Choir, Chorus, plays oboe with the Concert Band and cello with the Orchestra.

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"I love playing music from all decades and genres," says Harriet, "and am really looking forward to playing The Duchess in this production of Alice in Wonderland."