Meet the team
our founder
Debbie King is the Founder and Director of The Talentz, established in 2009, and is passionate about inspiring young people through singing and the performing arts. Trained at the London School for Musical Theatre and the Maurice Lane Academy of Musical Theatre, Debbie enjoyed a successful professional performing career, including appearances in London’s West End, BBC’s Gareth Goes to Glyndebourne, and a sell-out new opera at Glyndebourne Opera House.
Before founding The Talentz, Debbie spent 15 years as Head of Music and Drama at Warlingham Park School, where she nurtured a love of music and performance in countless young people. Today, she is a highly respected singing teacher and vocal coach, serving as a lead tutor for the Glyndebourne Sing Up Newhaven project and an Ambassador Teacher for the National Youth Theatre. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to music education, Debbie received the Young Voices Star Teacher Award in 2015.
the faces behind our success
Classes tutors
Debbie
Drama & lamda tutor
Debbie is the Drama and LAMDA Tutor at The Talentz, helping students build confidence, creativity and performance skills in a fun and supportive environment. Her classes focus on acting, improvisation, character development and storytelling, while her LAMDA lessons develop communication, public speaking and performance techniques through nationally recognised qualifications.
With over 30 years of experience in performing arts education, Debbie enjoys helping every student reach their full potential, whether they’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or preparing for professional training. Under her guidance, The Talentz has achieved a 100% LAMDA pass rate, with students consistently achieving excellent results.
Debbie believes the skills gained through drama extend far beyond the stage, helping young people grow in confidence, resilience and self-belief.
Phoebe
Singing tutor
Phoebe has over a decade of experience in the music industry. Performing since the age of five, she has brought her powerful voice and versatile talent to a variety of musical projects; working alongside artists and composers and has also become the front woman of Studio33, a dynamic function band.
From humble beginnings in a Saturday morning musical theatre group, Phoebe worked for opportunities to perform in prestigious venues such as the O2, Palladium, Times Square (NYC), and securing a solo at the Royal Albert Hall.
Now with a first-class honours degree in music performance and grade 8 in vocals, Phoebe is passionate about guiding others to reach their full performance potential. Her coaching approach combines technique, artistry, and personal expression, making her a sought-after vocal mentor for aspiring singers.
Maya
Dance tutor
Maya Fisher is the Dance Tutor for The Talentz in Tunbridge Wells, where she is passionate about helping young performers build confidence, develop strong technique and discover a love of dance. Creating a positive, encouraging environment is at the heart of Maya’s teaching, ensuring every student feels supported to grow both technically and artistically while enjoying every class.
A graduate of Performers College, Maya continues to work professionally as a performer alongside her teaching career, bringing current industry knowledge and real-world experience into the studio. Her professional credits include performances at Wembley Arena, MOVE IT, CYD Super Convention and a variety of commercial events. With experience teaching ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and competition teams, Maya is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performers to reach their full potential.
Amalia
Littlez & lamda assistant
Amalia is the Littlez & LAMDA Assistant at The Talentz, where she helps create a fun, supportive and encouraging environment for our youngest performers and aspiring actors. Working alongside the teaching team, she enjoys helping students build confidence, develop new skills and discover a love of performing from their very first class.
Having grown up performing with The Talentz herself, Amalia understands the positive impact the company has on young people both on and off the stage. She is delighted to have joined the staff team, using her own experiences to inspire the next generation of performers. Her enthusiasm, patience and friendly approach make her a valued member of the team and a familiar face to many of our students and their families.
Izzie
littlez assistant
Izzie is the Littlez Assistant at The Talentz, where she supports classes for our youngest performers, helping to create a positive, energetic and welcoming environment. She loves encouraging children to grow in confidence, make new friends and enjoy every step of their performing arts journey.
Having spent many years performing with The Talentz, Izzie knows first-hand the opportunities and experiences the company provides. She is thrilled to now be part of the staff team, sharing her passion for musical theatre with the next generation. With her warm personality, enthusiasm and caring approach, Izzie is a fantastic role model for our Littlez students and enjoys celebrating every achievement, big or small.
Bex
dance tutor
Bex graduated with a musical theatre degree after training in London, and since has performed and taught globally in countries such as Germany, the UAE and Morocco.
Her credits include dinner shows, world tours and musical theatre roles such as Velma in Chicago.
She absolutely loves teaching and passing on her industry experience to the next generation of talent!
productions staff
Debbie
Director
As Director of Productions at The Talentz, Debbie leads the creative vision behind every musical, play and performance, inspiring young performers to achieve their very best both on and off the stage. Known for her high standards, attention to detail and supportive approach, she creates productions that challenge, nurture and celebrate every member of the cast.
Drawing on her professional performing background and many years of experience in education, Debbie combines technical excellence with a genuine passion for developing confident, resilient and versatile performers. Under her direction, The Talentz productions have earned a reputation for their outstanding quality, with many casts going on to perform at prestigious venues and festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
For Debbie, every production is about creating unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships and helping young people discover what they are truly capable of.
Madeleine
Musical Director
Madeleine is the Musical Director for The Talentz Productions and has been part of the creative team for a number of years, helping bring each production to life through music, creativity, and collaboration. She is passionate about developing young performers, building their confidence, and creating inspiring performances on stage.
A trained actor-musician, composer, musician, and musical director, Madeleine graduated from the Guildford School of Acting with a degree in Actor Musicianship. Her musical direction credits include productions with Cumbria Opera Group and Jupiter Theatre, alongside numerous productions for The Talentz. As a composer, her work has featured across theatre, film, and audio productions, including the award-winning short film Sisters.
Madeleine loves working with The Talentz cast each year and is dedicated to helping every performer grow musically while creating unforgettable theatrical experiences.
Meg
Choreographer
Meg is the Resident Choreographer for The Talentz Productions, creating energetic, engaging choreography that allows every performer to shine. She is passionate about helping young people grow in confidence, develop their performance skills, and discover a love of dance and musical theatre.
Meg trained in Musical Theatre at the London College of Music and has extensive experience as both a choreographer and dance captain. Her choreography credits include Holes the Musical, Little Red the 80’s Rock Panto, Peter Pan, A Night at the Movies, and Retro Fever. Alongside her professional work, Meg also runs her own dance school in Bedfordshire.
Having choreographed numerous productions for The Talentz, Meg loves being part of the creative team and is dedicated to creating exciting routines while inspiring every cast member to perform with confidence, commitment, and enjoyment.
David
Head of Costumes & Stage manager
David is the Head of Costumes and Stage Manager for The Talentz Productions, playing a key role in bringing every show to life behind the scenes. From sourcing and organising costumes to managing backstage operations, he helps ensure every production runs smoothly from the first rehearsal to the final curtain call. Having spent over seven years working backstage with The Talentz, David has been involved in countless productions, becoming known for his calm approach, attention to detail, and willingness to turn his hand to just about anything. If there’s a job that needs doing, chances are David is already on it.
Passionate about theatre and the community at The Talentz, David loves creating an environment where performers can feel confident, supported, and ready to shine on stage. He’s proud to be part of a team that makes unforgettable experiences for every cast member.
Emily
assistant director
Emily began her Talentz journey as a performer before moving into stage management and directing, working on numerous productions, showcases and events over the years.
As Assistant Director, Emily loves helping to bring each production to life, supporting the cast throughout rehearsals and watching their confidence and talent flourish from their first audition to their final performance. One of her favourite parts of the role is seeing not only the incredible growth each cast makes during a production, but also watching young performers develop in confidence, ability and character throughout their time at The Talentz.
Emily is incredibly proud of every cast she works with and hopes each performer leaves with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships and a lasting love of theatre.
Max
social media
Max is proud to be part of The Talentz Productions team as Social Media Manager. Having performed with The Talentz for many years before joining the staff team, he understands the hard work, dedication and teamwork that go into every production and loves bringing each show’s journey to life through social media.
From auditions and rehearsals to costume fittings, show week and the final curtain call, Max enjoys documenting every step of the process and celebrating the achievements of the cast and creative team.Â
He loves creating content that allows families and audiences to experience the excitement behind the scenes while preserving memories that performers can treasure long after the final performance has taken place.
Joy
Wardrobe mistress
Joy has been part of The Talentz family since the very first show, playing a huge role in bringing countless characters to life through her incredible costume creations. As Wardrobe Mistress, Joy led the costume department for many years, using her creativity, skill and attention to detail to help every performer feel confident on stage.
Although now enjoying retirement, Joy remains a much-loved part of every production and is never far from a sewing machine or knitting needles! From handmade hats and ears to unique costume details, her work continues to add magic behind the scenes.
emma
make up artist
Emma is our talented Makeup Artist at The Talentz, bringing creativity, skill and an incredible eye for detail to every production. With a qualification in theatre hair and makeup, Emma helps transform performers into their characters, creating looks that enhance storytelling and bring each role to life.
Alongside The Talentz, Emma is one of the owners and performers at Princess and the Pea Events, creating magical princess experiences for children. Her passion for performing, creativity and character work shines through in everything she does.
charlie
pantomime writer
Charlie is delighted to be part of The Talentz team, having been a familiar face both on and off stage for many years. Since 2022, Charlie has written all of The Talentz pantomimes, including Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Snow White and Jack and the Beanstalk, and is excited to continue bringing new stories to life with Alice in Pantoland.
Outside of The Talentz, Charlie is Senior Editor for Sustainability Magazine, hosts global sustainability events, webinars, the Sustainability Uncut podcast, works with arts festivals and reviews theatre. Charlie studied Literature and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, specialising in scriptwriting, and has previously worked with the National Centre for Writing.
Behind the scenes staff
Debbie
As the full-time Director of The Talentz, Debbie oversees the day-to-day running of the company, ensuring every student receives the highest quality training, support and opportunities to thrive. From developing new programmes and mentoring staff to working closely with families and organising performances, Debbie is involved in every aspect of The Talentz.
With a lifelong passion for performing arts education, she is committed to creating an environment where every young person feels valued, encouraged and inspired to reach their full potential. Her dedication to excellence has helped The Talentz become an award-winning theatre company, known for its welcoming community, exceptional training and outstanding productions.
Whether she’s teaching, planning events, supporting students or celebrating their achievements, Debbie’s greatest joy is seeing young people grow in confidence, develop lifelong friendships and discover just how much they are capable of achieving.
David
David is the Chief Operating Officer at The Talentz, ensuring everything operates smoothly behind the scenes. From productions and events to classes and administration, he works closely with the team to support every aspect of The Talentz experience.
Having first joined The Talentz backstage over seven years ago, David became a full-time member of the team in 2023. His role combines organisation, planning, and problem-solving, helping to turn ideas into reality while supporting staff, students, and families throughout the year.
David takes great pride in helping The Talentz, and all of our students, continue to grow. Whether he’s coordinating productions, managing projects, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed, he’s dedicated to ensuring every student has the best possible experience.
Emily
Emily began her journey with The Talentz as a performer before progressing into stage management, directing and production, making her one of the few team members who has experienced almost every side of Talentz life.
Now working full-time alongside Debbie and David, Emily is involved in the day-to-day running of The Talentz, helping to manage productions, events, marketing and communications. She is also the creative mind behind much of the branding and graphic design you see throughout the year, from programmes and posters to social media and promotional material.
Emily feels incredibly lucky to be able play a part in creating opportunities for young performers. Seeing students grow in confidence, develop lifelong friendships and achieve things they never thought possible is what makes her role so rewarding.
Mahsa
Agent
As Director of R-TEN Kids Agency, Mahsa is passionate about helping young performers access exciting opportunities across television, film, commercials, modelling, voice-over and social media campaigns. Through R-TEN Kids, she represents talented children and young people from across the UK, supporting them and their families throughout every stage of their industry journey.
Working closely with The Talentz, Mahsa provides agency representation, industry guidance and professional support for performers who are ready to take the next step in their careers. With a warm, personal approach and a genuine commitment to developing young talent, she is dedicated to creating exciting opportunities while ensuring every child and family feels valued, encouraged and supported throughout their journey.
Max
Social media manager
Max has been part of The Talentz for many years, first as a performer before joining the staff team. During his time on stage, he appeared in productions including Les Misérables, Legally Blonde and Oliver!, before discovering a passion for creating content behind the scenes.
As Social Media Manager, Max loves capturing the excitement, energy and unforgettable moments that make The Talentz so special. From rehearsals and workshops to performances, showcases and events, he enjoys sharing the journey with families while celebrating the achievements of every student. One of his favourite parts of the role is highlighting the friendships, confidence and creativity that grow throughout each season, ensuring every milestone and memory is captured for performers and their families to look back on for years to come.
Paul
Resident Photographer
Paul is the freelance photographer behind ShillingSnaps and has been capturing The Talentz productions, showcases and special events for many years. With a talent for freezing those unforgettable on-stage moments, Paul creates stunning images that showcase the hard work, confidence and joy of every performer.
Whether he’s photographing a full-scale musical, a showcase or one of our special events, Paul’s friendly approach helps performers feel at ease while ensuring every performance is documented beautifully. His photographs provide lasting memories for our students and families and perfectly capture the excitement, energy and magic that make The Talentz so special.
Check out his website here:
Shilling Snaps
Our patrons
We are incredibly lucky at The Talentz to benefit from the experience of known top industry professionals who are willing to share their expertise, passion and wealth of knowledge with our students
Jamie
TV personality, producer and performer
Jamie Rickers is a dynamic and engaging presenter known for his captivating on-screen presence and versatile hosting skills. With a passion for storytelling and a keen ability to connect with audiences, Jamie has become a prominent figure in the media industry. He specialises in delivering compelling content across a range of formats, including live broadcasts, interviews, and documentary features. His energetic approach and professionalism have earned him recognition and admiration from viewers and industry peers alike. Outside of his presenting career, Jamie is an advocate for community engagement and continuous learning, always striving to bring fresh perspectives and authenticity to his work.
William
Legendary west end & Broadway performer
William Byrne is a talented West End and Broadway performer renowned for his powerful voice and captivating stage presence. With a passion for musical theatre, William has starred in numerous acclaimed productions, earning praise for his dynamic performances and emotional depth. His versatility allows him to excel in a range of roles. Committed to his craft, William continually hones his skills through rigorous training and performances. Off-stage, he is an advocate for arts education and inspiring aspiring performers. William Byrne’s dedication and talent make him a standout in the world of musical theatre.
