Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE

Josette is in demand all over the world as an actor & director.  Her charismatic performances and wonderful voice (she’s a great singer!) have won her many fans. She created the role of Rafiki, the narrator, in the British production of The Lion King and, always one to enjoy a challenge, has gone on to play Titania, Elvis & Mary Magdalene. She was an associate director at the Almeida in London and in 2001 setup Push – a festival of work led by black artists.

Josette is Artistic Director of The Silent Theatre, a deaf theatre company based in Stockholm and has worked on projects in Canada and New Zealand.

In recognition of her contribution to the arts, she was made an OBE in 2006. In recent times, she has directed two shows at unity and will be here again in 2010 helping to celebrating our 30th anniversary.

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Bill has been called the “greatest contributor to regional theatre of our time” and is one of the UK’s most prolific theatre producers.

In the 1960’s he was a singer and actor, appearing for a while as a regular on Coronation Street.  Since turning to producing he has brought us Blood Brothers, Joseph & his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Scrooge, Tommy, Cabaret and hundreds more. 

He also presents classic theatre with recent tours of The Ideal Husband, Hay Fever and The Glass Menagerie and is a film producer. His shows have won top awards and can be found in the West End, across the UK and on Broadway.

He works regularly on radio – being a bit of a buff on music from the 50’s & 60’s. His incredible input into shaping the UK’s cultural reputation resulted in a CBE in 2000.

Oh yes, and he’s an Everton fan.

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Andrew Lancel

Andrew came to our attention in the groundbreaking TV show Cardiac  Arrest and went on to roles in Queer as Folk, Liverpool 1, Hillsborough and Soldier, Soldier. 
All controversial shows, he’s not afraid to tackle tough characters. 

His current role is DI Neil Manson on The Bill.  Starting out as a singer and doing cabaret, Andrew has won Celebrity Stars in Your Eyes and also raised good money for charity on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He has his own production company, making shows for television and theatre.

Andrew will be seen at the unity in 2010 in another exciting 30th anniversary event.

 

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David Morrissey

One of the UK's most versatile actors David Morrissey's TV appearances include the award winning State of Play, Holding On, Our Mutual Friend, The Deal (as Gordon Brown), Blackpool, Cape Wrath, Sense & Sensibility, Red Riding and the Dr Who 2008 Christmas special.  His film work includes Hilary & Jackie, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Stoned, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Water Horse and as John Lennon’s step-dad in Nowhere Man. 

In 2008 he appeared at the Almeida, London in In A Dark Horse and did a Q&A at unity to a sold out and enthusiastic audience.  

He has directed drama for the BBC and made his own short films.  His Liverpool production company, Tubedale Films, run with his brother Paul, has produced a number of films, including David’s first feature film Don’t Worry About Me.