Meet the Team
Claire Willmer BA (Hons), VHFA, AMVHE
Director, Advanced Vocal Coach, Vocal Health First Aider, Musical Director, Safeguarding Lead, Exam Lead, Singing for Health Practitioner, Trauma-Informed Voice Professional
Specialising in: Rock and Pop Vocals, Certified in Teaching Inclusively, Musical Theatre, Vocal Health, Trauma, Anxiety, Spoken Voice, Singing for Health, Estill Voice Method (foundation), ACMD examiner, Mental Health First Aider
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Home Studio, Online
Mum of two Claire started Voices of Darlington in 2015 and has poured her life and soul into VoD ever since. From 15 singers in a small classroom, Claire has grown VoD to around 240 every week - all with just one night of choirs (plus one morning session and private lessons). It started for Claire when her inspirational music teacher asked her to join the school acapella choir, which went on to perform in venues in Germany. She sang her own composition at 16 for the then Prime Minister Tony Blair, and was awarded a song writing mentorship with a producer at 17. At 18 Claire studied for a BA (hons) degree in Performance and then went straight into professional work around the country working as a lead singer, dancer, entertainer and assistant entertainments manager for Bourne Leisure (Haven/Warner/Butlins). Claire also worked for Galaxy radio in that time. She then taught at Stagecoach for a further 10 years as a singing/drama teacher and deputy manager and began building her private studio. Claire continues to have excellent exam successes with Trinity College London, and was invited to be an external reviewer for LAMDA and their new Musical Theatre syllabus. Claire continues to study many courses with experts such as Anne Marie Speed, Dr Jenevora Williams, Stephen King, British Voice Association, Barbara Houseman and Vocal Health Education to improve her teaching and knowledge. Claire is a qualified Vocal Health First Aider and accredited Vocal Health Education member with has a keen interest in vocal health and trauma. Claire delivers coaching, workshops and lectures across the North with institutions such as The University of York St John and Darlington Operatic Society and leads music sessions at The Hive for adults with additional needs and disabilities. Claire is one of the few practitioners in our region certified to deliver and assess the Awards and Certificates in Musical Development, or ‘ACMD’ with Trinity College London using the Sounds of Intent framework for those with SEND. Claire has a certificate in Teaching Inclusively, is a Singing for Health Practitioner, has a Foundation Certificate in the Estill Voice Method and is studying towards her qualification in Trauma Informed Voice Professional. Claire is a lead vocalist in the band ‘Freak Out’, performs professionally at various events throughout the year and enjoys lead roles at Darlington Hippodrome Theatre with Darlington OS.
Sophie Mallows BA (Hons) PGCE QTS
Sophie Mallows BA (Hons) PGCE QTS
Sophie Mallows BA (Hons) PGCE QTS
Future Voices Pop & Showtime Choir Leader
Specialising in: Acting through song, musical theatre, performance theory, GCSE and Secondary Education, drama, confidence and resilience, mental health practitioner, SEND.
Sophie gained her first class degree in Drama at Liverpool John Moores University in 2018, specialising in Musical Theatre and Production Management. She then became a qualified teacher of Drama (PGCE & QTS) and has spent the last 5 years leading performing arts in a range of secondary schools across the country. Sophie has extensive experience in safeguarding young people, SEND and has trained and delivered sessions as a mental health in schools practitioner. Sophie has been mentored by Claire throughout her teaching journey.
Sophie is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education and is a trained safeguarding lead.
Hannah Greenwood MusB PGDip
Sophie Mallows BA (Hons) PGCE QTS
Sophie Mallows BA (Hons) PGCE QTS
Cover Choir Leader and Vocal Coach
Specialising in: Performance theory, musicality, vocals, choral, SEND, singing for dementia
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Since graduating from university with a first class degree in music, Hannah has experience facilitating a variety of music education and community music activities, including early years, SEND and maternity cover at the Voices of Darlington. She is currently the projects manager at Purple Patch Arts, a charity that uses creative methods deliver innovative and inclusive learning experiences for learning-disabled and autistic adults.
Hannah is also currently studying a postgraduate degree in Music and Wellbeing at the University of Leeds, and she plans to use the knowledge she gains to ensure she delivers the most beneficial and fulfilling experiences she can.
Hannah delivers vocal coaching sessions both in-person and online.
Hannah is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education and is a trained safeguarding.
Jess Kerby BA (Hons) QTS
Sophie Mallows BA (Hons) PGCE QTS
Jess Kerby BA (Hons) QTS
United Voices Showtime & First Voices Pop Choir Leader, Cover Choir Leader, Exams & Events Co-ordinator
Jess graduated in 2009 from Durham University with a degree in Primary Education with a specialism in music. She then worked as a teacher in a local primary school for eight years. Prior to university she completed ABRSM grades in piano and singing to Grade 8.
She joined Voices of Darlington in 2021 as a Monday choir member and has since joined musical theatre and Friday morning choir. She has recently completed the Grade 2 Rock and Pop course and hopes to complete more grades in the future.
Jess started working with is behind the scenes, overseeing and coordinate the submission of Trinity exams, before also taking on the role of Events Co-ordinator. She is now the new leader of the United Voices Showtime Choir and First Voices Pop Shine and makes Monday nights sparkle and shine that little bit more! 🎵
Orla Mulcahy
Charlotte Robinson BA(Hons), MA
Jess Kerby BA (Hons) QTS
First Voices Showtime & Young Voices Showtime Leader & Vocal Coach
Specialising in: Musical Theatre, Children's music & performance
Orla has been part of the VoD family for a little while now along with both of her daughters. She joined VoD when MT Adults first started (with the lovely Tori) and has loved every moment.
Orla said that being part of the group has re-ignited a spark for performing arts that she had
lost in the busyness of adult life.
Performing arts has been a huge part of her life since she was little. She's been fortunate to receive amazing training from industry professionals throughout the years and had the chance to perform in a variety of settings, both
on stage and screen.
Over the years, Orla has worked with children and young people in a variety of settings, including school and youth work settings and is a huge advocate for an inclusive and trauma-informed approach. She's passionate about creating joyful environments where people feel
safe to explore their creativity.
What Orla loves most about VoD is the sense
of community. It's such a welcoming, uplifting space where everyone is encouraged to be themselves and grow in confidence. It has certainly been true for Orla, and she hope's she can inspire the same in others.
Orla teaches students on a Wednesday night and specialises in under 13yr holds.
Charlotte Robinson BA(Hons), MA
Charlotte Robinson BA(Hons), MA
Charlotte Robinson BA(Hons), MA
Drama & Vocal Coach
Specialising in: Acting through song, Drama & Audition prep
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Charlotte is a professional actress with an MA in Professional Acting and a BA (Hons) in Performance. She has a wealth of experience on both stage and screen from a young age. And if you don't recognise her face, you might recognise
her voice from 'Durham of Air', where she hosts the 'Durham Drive' show with her partner on Friday evenings.
When Charlotte moved back to the northeast, her passion for musical theatre was reignited. You may have caught her recent performances with DarlingtonOS where she starred as Rita O'Grady in 'Made in Dagenham' or Ray in 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie'.
Charlotte is also a Dog Trainer and runs her own business 'Waggology Northeast' where she helps keep family dogs in family homes through positive reinforcement training.
Charlotte teaches students on a Monday night.
Samantha Wright BA(Hons)
Charlotte Robinson BA(Hons), MA
Charlotte Robinson BA(Hons), MA
Drama, Acting & Vocal Coach
Specialising in: Acting through song, Performing arts, Audition prep, Musical Theatre, Speech & Drama, Confidence Building
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Sam is a professional actor and artist with a BA (Hons) in Theatre Acting, and she's trained in movement, voice, storytelling, stage combat, physical theatre, and dance!
Sam performs in shows regularly, so everything she teaches you is based on real, current experience. Whether you want to work on performance confidence, character work, or just get that extra spark for auditions and shows - Sam's your girl!
You might recognise Sam from Just Sing, where she was one of our amazing chaperones - and now she's joining us officially!
But there's even more ...
Sam is a published children's book illustrator, a government-recognised enrichment provider teaching art across schools in Darlington, and has amazing creative skills in set and costume design, SfX and theatrical makeup, and even works with brands like Snazaroo!
Sam can also be found as educational hologram 'Anne Burke' at Hopetown Visitors Centre!
Sam teaches students on a Wednesday night.
Kirsty Furness BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
Kirsty Furness BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
Kirsty Furness BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
Drama & Acting Coach
Specialising in: Musical Theatre, Drama and Acting
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy
Kirsty has been performing since she was a child, both singing and acting. Her love for acting has led her to play some amazing parts, namely Cecily in ‘The Importance of being Earnest’ and Hobby in ‘Teechers’.
At school she teaches KS3 Drama, GCSE Drama, A-Level Theatre Studies and LAMDA as well. Kirsty teaches students both improvisation and scripted aspects of Drama, alongside theory. When she's not teaching, Kirsty directs the school’s annual production and run extracurricular drama clubs too!
Kirsty is an active member of Darlington Operatic Society and has been doing shows with Claire for 6 years now. She has always loved seeing the fantastic work VOD do, and can’t wait to be part of the team.
Kirsty teaches on a Monday night
Cameron Jackson MFA
Kirsty Furness BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
Kirsty Furness BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
Accent, Voice and Speech Coach
Tuition - Online
Since achieving his MFA in Professional Voice from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Cameron has taught just about every accent under the sun. His work has spanned top drama schools in the UK and abroad, theatres including the National and a number of West End shows, and film and TV sets around the world.
It's not always about learning a new accent though, sometimes it's about feeling comfortable in your own! Cameron has worked with a number of businesses and professionals to help hone their speech for effective speechmaking and connected communication.
As a key contributer to the accent learning app Accentify, it has been Cameron's mission to make accent training as accessible as possible to those who want to learn more about any accent you can think of!
Cameron has designed and taught Masters, BA Voice and Accent courses at drama schools and universities and is the CLO of Accentify.
Cameron offers voice coaching and drama and speech exams, online on a Tuesday between 9am and 5pm
Rachael Egan
Kirsty Furness BA (Hons), PGCE QTS
Jessica McWeeney
Musical Theatre & Performing Arts Coach
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy
Rachael has been teaching performing arts for over 11 years in drama schools across the North East.
She's loved every minute of helping young performers grow in confidence and creativity.
In 2019, Rachael graduated with a First-Class degree in Musical Theatre from the Chichester Conservatoire, and since then she's been lucky enough to tour the UK and perform abroad in Cyprus and Finland in a range of different shows. One of her favourite jobs was playing seven different characters in The Wizard of Oz during a Theatre in Education UK tour — they reached over 40,000 primary school students, and it was such a rewarding (and fun!) experience.
Rachael is so excited to be joining the VOD family and can’t wait to bring her energy, passion, and love for singing into the studio with all the amazing students.
Rachael offers lessons on a Tuesday and Thursday evening at Hummersknott Academy
Jessica McWeeney
Jessica McWeeney
Jessica McWeeney
Vocal Coach
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy
Jessica began singing lessons at the age of 11, starting out as an extremely shy performer. Over 10 years of training, she achieved the highest graded standard with the London College of Music before going on to study with The Voice College, where she trained as a vocal coach to share her passion with others — something she now loves just as much, if not more, than performing herself.
Alongside performing professionally as a lounge and events singer, Jessica has built her own successful teaching business over the past 4 years, working with students aged 4 to 75, but is now super excited to be teaching as a part of the Voices of Darlington team. Her speciality is in pop and rock styles, but her real passion lies in creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where every student feels comfortable, encouraged, and inspired to grow.
Her lessons are warm, friendly, and tailored to each individual. She focuses on:
• Confidence building – at the heart of every lesson
• Tone and finding a unique sound
• Strengthening and controlling the voice
• Technique and breath support
• Performance skills – giving students the push to achieve amazing things
Lessons with Jessica are designed to be enjoyable, empowering, and confidence-boosting, giving every singer the tools to develop their voice and shine.
Steph Atkins
Steph Atkins
Steph Atkins
Choir Assistant & Voices Inclusion Lead
Steph has been a part of VoD for a year now with her daughter in Musical Theatre adults on a Monday, and Friday morning adult choir groups. She's recently started completing The Singers Club Modules alongside her Grade 2 Rock and Pop vocal course. She absolutely loves VoD; the sense of community and friends both Steph and her daughter have made, and being able to spend time away from the mad rush of life just singing and getting to learn new things!
Steph is a Mental Health First Aider, and holds a Level 2 Qualification in Understanding Autistm. Steph's day to day job is as a Learning Support Assistant in an SEN department,.
Tia
Steph Atkins
Steph Atkins
Choir Assistant
Tia started as one of our private singers (as many of the team did!), and soon showed us what she could offer the next generation of singers!
Tia supports our First Voices and Young Voices groups, assisting the choir leader with the sessions and ensuring that all children are happy, safe and well looked after.
Tia is currently working on her grade 5 Trinity Rock & Pop Vocals with teacher Hannah.
Lucy Ivison MA, BA(Hons), DipLCM
Lucy Ivison MA, BA(Hons), DipLCM
Lucy Ivison MA, BA(Hons), DipLCM
Voice & Dance Coach, Workshops
Lucy graduated with a first-class degree in Dance & Musical Theatre, then went on to gain a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre from the Guildford School of Acting in 2020. She is the Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at York St John university. As well as being an academic and lecturer, she has always worked with children and loves teaching performers of all ages.
She has taught various styles of dance, particularly lyrical, contemporary, jazz and acro. She has choreographed and directed several musicals and performs regularly for local companies including Darlington Operatic at the Hippodrome. Her experience with teaching includes primary schools, secondary schools, college, university, competitive dance schools and performing arts schools. She has also coached students for professional auditions, drama school and university auditions, LAMDA, Rock School and LCM examinations.
Lucy prides herself on her approachable and supportive teaching style. She has been on her own journey to find confidence as a singer and loves to help others do the same.
Lucy is currently not providing tuition, however is still very much part of the team, running and assisting with workshops and events.
Ava King
Lucy Ivison MA, BA(Hons), DipLCM
Lucy Ivison MA, BA(Hons), DipLCM
Voice Coach & Workshops
Specialising in: Vocal coach, Acting through Song, Musical Theatre, Confidence building
Tuition - Hummersknott Academy, Online
Ava has been a private student of Claire's for around 4 years now and was a trainee vocal coach in 2024 before leaving to go to University. Ava has excellent experience with singers of all ages is a great fit for singers looking to build their confidence, develop vocal technique, enhance their acting through song/performance skills or just those that want to get stuck into singing!
Ava has a grade 8 distinction in Musical Theatre Vocals and is also currently working at a Grade 8 level in Pop and Rock vocals. Ava also has a qualification Voice Care for Singers with Vocal Health Education meaning she is well equipped to support her singers.
Beyond her singing qualifications, she is also an experienced
performer and is a member of both Darlington Operatic Society and Leeds University Union's Musical Theatre society and has appeared in shows such as Grease, Bonnie and Clyde, and Little Shop of Horrors. Ava has also had the pleasure of being the Assistant Musical Director of a recent production of Alice by Heart gave her a new wealth of experience coaching different voice types.
Ava is currently available for tuition across August and into September, when she will return to university. Ava will remain with us though as our Social Media guru and assisting during holidays.
Dawn Castle BA (Hons) PGCE PCET QTLS FITOL
Dawn Castle BA (Hons) PGCE PCET QTLS FITOL
Dawn Castle BA (Hons) PGCE PCET QTLS FITOL
Studio Manager & Cover Assistant
Dawn joined VoD during lockdown in January 2021 and sang online for several weeks before meeting us all in person. She started private lessons too and was soon working towards her Trinity Rock & Pop Vocals grade 4. Since joining us, Dawn has completed her grades 4, 5, 6 & 7 with merits and distinctions.
Dawn had always helped us out at classes and events and due to her super organisational skills, in summer 2023, Claire asked her to be part of the team to help keep us organised and provide an extra support to members in dealing with enquiries and day to day activities.
Dawn deals with bookings for private lessons, new member registrations, keeping our calendar up to date and all manner of other things, as well as being a point of contact during our choir sessions on a Monday night on our welcome & check in desk.
Dawn also has a "day job" as a Software Trainer and has 18 years of experience in Teaching, Learning and Training.
Dawn is qualified in level 3 Paediatric First Aid, is certified in Voice Health for Singers with Vocal Health Education and is a trained level 3 safeguarding lead.
Rachel Lee
Dawn Castle BA (Hons) PGCE PCET QTLS FITOL
Dawn Castle BA (Hons) PGCE PCET QTLS FITOL
Cover Choir Leader, Cover Assistant & Front Desk Cover
Rachel joined VoD as a choir member in 2022. She is currently one of Claire’s private students working through her Rock and Pop vocals grades, and is also a Classically trained pianist with ABRSM qualifications.
She initially studied Music, Drama and Theatre Studies and English at A-level, then Disability and Childhood Studies at Northumbria University before going on to have a successful career in Business to Director level. She has 15+ years of national multi-million pound business management, with extensive Operations, HR, Health and Safety, and Learning and Development experience.
Musically, she has been involved with choirs from a very young age and has sang with choirs and smaller vocal groups across the North East such as Lirica and SLYC, based in Sedgefield. She also has experience providing vocals for local theatre productions, writing and producing music for short films and has enjoyed working with a local film production company on several projects as a runner.
Her favourite genres of music are Musical Theatre, Motown and 60s/70s but enjoys relaxing at the piano with some Classical Music.
Alan Willmer
Volunteer
Alan (aka The VoDFather!) can be seen at all of our classes and events. He runs the tuck shop on a Monday night and does the teas & coffees with Gemma.
Alan is always around and happy to help with anything - a real asset to the team and also a choir member in adults and musical theatre.
Alan is a Paediatric First aider and trained safeguarding lead.
Our Junior Coaches
Volunteer Junior Coaches and Volunteers
We believe in championing our young singers, and our Junior Coaches attend our children’s choirs every week in their own time to assist both the teachers and as role models to our younger children. They learn and work alongside our teachers giving them excellent, real work experience and they offer friendship and support to our littlest of singers who may need some encouragement. Our junior volunteers play an important role in helping set up our venues and bring on hand should our team need them. They all play a very important role and we are so proud of them!