Ben Newton
Chairman / EVH Rep
I have been a member of Riverside since I was in utero as ‘Nun’s Bump’ and since then I have been involved in all areas of productions, from acting and directing to front of house and technical roles, but I am no longer allowed to be a producer. I am delighted to be on the committee once again, and am humbled, dear reader, to have been voted as Chairman and EVH Rep for this year.
Peter Nicholson
Treasurer / Tech No Plugs
I turned up for the Oliver! auditions in early 1994 and I’m still here nearly 30 years later. Apart from turning figments of the set designer’s wild imagination into workable reality, I also sing a bit, play instruments, arrange music and choreograph fights – all the way from ‘a bit of a barney’ up to pitched battles involving the whole cast. Currently serving as Treasurer (and yes, I volunteered), so if you have any queries around finance for shows, expenses etc please get in touch – either on [email protected] or the committee email address will also find me.
Shari Newton
Secretary and Comms / Hall Bookings / Noda Rep
Hi, I’m Shari and I have been a member of Riverside players since i accidentally walked into a rehearsal and was subsequently cast in the show! Since then I have been involved in acting (and perfecting a stunning ‘Mary Poppins’ British accent for panto) front of house and I have recently started directing my first play with the group. I have been given the role of Secretary and Communications this year, this will involve taking a lot of notes in meetings and send out, you lovely people, many an email. Please ensure you have Riverside players as a trusted email address and check we have not been relegated to spam!
Katie Aitchison
Drama Rep / Social Rep / Box Office
I’m Katie and I joined the committee in 2019 having been a member of the group since I was 5! I started off in the incredible Youth Group before moving onto pantos and eventually musicals. In 2016 I played Miranda in Return to the Forbidden Planet – this show had everyone in the cast acting, singing, dancing and playing instruments and it really showed me just how talented and amazing this group is.
During lockdown I took on the role of social secretary to bring weekly online quizzes to keep us all connected. Now we’re back in the real world there’s even more to come! I am also in charge of social media, so any queries or info needing sharing please let me know!
Kirstie Atkinson
Youth Group / Safeguarding and Child Protection / Wardrobe
Andrew McMillan
Vice Chair / Props
Dale Wills
Membership Secretary / Tech with Plugs
Heidi Phillpott
Drama Rep
Heidi is our chief choreographer – making sure we get moving to the beat. She recently directed Aladdin to great acclaim.
Kirstie McMillan
Drama Rep / Publicity / Website + IT
Hello there! I’m Kirstie and I’m back on the committee for my sins *ahem* I mean because I am passionate about the future of the group. I’m currently embarking on directing our next outdoor show, The Sound of Music.
