PRODUCTION TEAM

DIRECTOR

Simon began his career as a dancer, training in London and going on to work professionally with a number of dance companies and choreographers, including Mark Bruce (Rambert Dance Company) and Tammy McCourt (Lithuanian Dance), as well as working with the Walt Disney Company.

Simon moved into directing over 20 years ago and quickly found it to be his real passion. Since then, he has directed numerous productions across both youth and senior theatre throughout Northern Ireland, while continuing a long-standing association with Lisnagarvey over the past 20 years.

Simon is delighted to be back working with Lisnagarvey Youth on High School Musical and particularly enjoys the opportunity to work with the next generation of performers, who are very much the future of Lisnagarvey.

This production has been a fantastic experience, working with such an enthusiastic and committed group of young people, and Simon is incredibly excited to see what the future holds for Lisnagarvey.

SIMON PYPER

PRODUCTION TEAM

GEOFFREY CHERRY MBE

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Geoffrey studied music at the Ulster College of Music, Belfast and Stranmillis University College. He has acted as Musical Director for a number of local societies but his heart lies with Garvey where he first appeared on stage at the age of eight!

Since then he has played a number of roles ‘treading the boards’ but now much prefers his seat in the pit! He has been the Musical Director for the company’s annual pantomime for as long as he can remember and thirty two years ago, this summer, he started Lisnagarvey Youth Society as a cross-community youth theatre; some of those first cast members are active in the company tonight!

Geoffrey is currently Director of Music in his church and accompanist for the highly acclaimed trio, The Leading Ladies.

By day he is Principal of Pond Park Primary School and he was awarded an MBE for his services to education.

He’s married to Joanne and proud dad to Thomas and Sarah.

MICHELLE MCCAUGHRAN

CHOREOGRAPHER

Michelle began her Lisnagarvey journey as a member of the Youth Society before moving into the main society, dancing and appearing in productions including Annie, Sweet Charity, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma! and many more.

For just over 15 years, Michelle has choreographed for Lisnagarvey across both Youth productions and the Society’s annual pantomimes. She is delighted to be back as part of the production team for High School Musical alongside Simon, Geoffrey and Gillian.

Working with such a large and talented young cast has been a fantastic experience, and Michelle would like to give a special thank you to Demi and Amy for all their help teaching and rehearsing with the cast over the summer.

Michelle is incredibly proud each year of the productions Lisnagarvey brings to the stage and, most of all, of the amazing talent and commitment of its young performers.

MICHELLE MCCAUGHRAN

CHOREOGRAPHER

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: Simon Pyper

Musical Director: Geoffrey Cherry MBE

Choreographer: Michelle McCaughran

Production/Stage Manager: Jess Teague

Lisnagarvey Youth Rep: Demi Weir

Dance Assistants: Amy Galashan & Demi Weir

Props: Karen Kirk

Backstage Team: Jess Teague, Anthony McLaughlin, Aizan Martin, Wendy Pyper, Michael Walker & Jay Gray

Sound: Geoff Clarke Audio Visual

Lighting: Luke Perry/LVI Tech Team

Wardrobe Mistress: Jennifer Anderson

Costumes: MJA Costume Shed, Killowen Primary School, LODS and Cast.

Chaperones: Anne-Marie Briggs, Jamie Mouncey, Angie Armstrong, Jamie Lee Coleman and Marie Therese Clenaghan

Programme Design: Michelle McCaughran & Jess Teague
Publicity: Sean Harkin/Amy Galashan

Follow Spot: Sarah McComb and Anna Lenzi

Special thanks: Pond Park Primary School, Killowen Primary School and Man with a Van.
Front of House: Members and Friends of the Society

Photographs: Melissa Gordon

2026/2027 Committee : Gillian McQuade, Claire Cranston, Anne-Marie Briggs, Ruth Hunter, Demi Weir, Sean Harkin, Amy Galashan, Sarah McComb