Beyond the Classroom
Performing Arts Alumni
Over the past 30 years, more than 100 of our students have secured professional contracts in acting and musical theatre—launching their careers right here at Thomas Telford School. Our alumni have graced stages in the West End, toured across the UK and internationally, performed aboard cruise liners, and brought their talents to the holiday entertainment industry both at home and abroad.
Award Winning Talent
Several former students have received prestigious award nominations, these include:
Tom Xander – What’s On Stage Award nominee and Olivier Award nominee for Mean Girls
Omari Douglas – BAFTA nominee for It’s a Sin and Olivier Award nominee for Constellations
Musical Theatre Highlights
Our alumni have performed in beloved productions including:
Mean Girls, Grease, The Book of Mormon, Pretty Woman, Moulin Rouge, Shrek, Wicked, Mamma Mia, The Sound of Music, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, Five Guys Named Moe, Bonnie and Clyde, Ghost, Get Up Stand Up, Kiss Me Kate, In the Heights, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cruel Intentions, Clueless, Matilda, Les Misérables, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Billy Elliot, Titanique, Hamilton, Little Miss Sunshine, Bring It On, Top Hat, Cats, Evita, Hercules, Dreamgirls, Memphis, Legally Blonde, Beauty and the Beast, The Cher Show, Heathers, Cinderella, Rock of Ages, High Society, Annie Get Your Gun, Cabaret, Jersey Boys, Spamalot
In Summer 2023, three of our Alumni found themselves working alongside each other in the West End production of Grease!
Acting & Playwright Credits
Our alumni have also made their mark in dramatic theatre and new writing:
A Little Life, Constellations, Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew, The Secret Garden, The Real Inspector Hound, Wise Children, This Bitter Earth
Television Appearances
You may have seen our alumni in:
Coronation Street, Doctors, Casualty, It’s a Sin, I Hate Suzie, Endeavour (Season 7), Call the Midwife, Grantchester, BBC Ghosts, Nolly, Holby City, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Strictly Come Dancing, The Olivier Awards
Film Credits
Their film work includes:
Wicked, Midas Man, The Rise of the Krays, Black Doves, Christmas at the Holly Day Inn, Sex Education (Netflix)
Global Stage
One alumni performed with the iconic Blue Man Group on Broadway in New York
Sacha Savory completed a North American tour singing backing vocals for Becky Hill
Alumni Profile Form
Thank you for your interest in sharing your story with us so that we can create an alumni profile to inspire current and future students of the School. Please complete our questionnaire and remember to email a colour photograph, to accompany your profile, to CareersDept@ttsonline.net.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sRl87JTJe5xIR5R_4WO70Dn29YAUg8jzlYbVB4ROtSo/viewform?embedded=true
Performing Arts Alumni Profiles
Alumni from the past 30 years share their experiences and advice for making the most of your time at School and life after leaving.
Alicia Belgarde
TTS Student: 2014 – 2016
Alicia Belgarde
After joining the Performing Arts Academy in Sixth Form, Alicia went on to train at Bird College, where she further developed her skills in musical theatre.
Since leaving, she has built an exciting professional career. Alicia performed in Little Miss Sunshine, Bring It On, Bugsy Malone and both West End and UK & Ireland Tour of Grease, where she played Frenchie.
Most recently she has been cast as Monica in Friends! The Musical Parody, adding another major production to her growing list of credits.
Alicia has also returned to our academy to deliver workshops, generously sharing her experience and passion with current Performing Arts Academy students.
Charlie Burn
TTS Student: 2014 – 2016
Charlie Burn
Charlie joined the Performing Arts Academy in Sixth Form, completing the triple Musical Theatre course, before progressing to professional training at ArtsEd, where she graduated in 2019.
Since leaving ArtsEd, Charlie has worked extensively across the UK and Europe. She made her professional debut as Cosette in the UK & Ireland tour of Les Misérables.
Most recently, Charlie completed her contract in the West End production of Mean Girls, starring in the lead role of Cady Heron at the Savoy Theatre.
Tom McLean-Smith
TTS Student: 2008 – 2010
Tom McLean-Smith
After joining the Performing Arts Academy in Sixth Form at Thomas Telford School, Tom McLean‑Smith trained in Musical Theatre while also becoming an integral member of the school’s Technical Theatre Team. He later progressed to the Guildford School of Acting (GSA), where he studied Professional Production Skills and began specialising in stage management.
Since graduating, Tom has enjoyed a wide‑ranging career backstage, working across the UK and internationally in roles including Assistant Stage Manager/Book Cover, Deputy Stage Manager, Company Manager, and Stage Manager. His extensive portfolio includes major productions such as Pretty Woman, Les Misérables, Dirty Dancing, Fame, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Kinky Boots, and many others.
In the summer of 2023, Tom returned to the West End as Stage Manager on Grease at the Dominion Theatre, working alongside fellow Thomas Telford alumni Alicia Belgarde and Luke Redmore.
He is currently touring as Stage Manager with the UK production of Mary Poppins, continuing to build a highly respected career in technical theatre.
Omari Douglas
TTS Student: 2005 – 2012
Omari Douglas
Omari Douglas joined Thomas Telford School in Year 7, taking part in all of our annual school musicals and developing a lifelong passion for the performing arts. After progressing into Sixth Form, he moved on to study Musical Theatre at ArtsEd, completing his training in 2015.
Since graduating, Omari has built a thriving career across both musical theatre and screen acting. His early theatre credits include High Society, Hairspray, Five Guys Named Moe, Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie Get Your Gun, and Cabaret, establishing him as a dynamic and versatile performer.
Omari rose to widespread recognition for his breakthrough role as Roscoe Babatunde in Channel 4’s acclaimed series It’s a Sin, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He later appeared in I Hate Suzie, and received an Olivier Award nomination for his performance in Constellations. His stage work has also included starring alongside James Norton in the sold‑out West End production of A Little Life.
More recently, Omari made his film debut in Midas Man and starred in the Netflix series Black Doves. He continues to expand his theatrical repertoire with projects such as Lavender, Hyacinth, Violet, Yew, and This Bitter Earth, reflecting both his range and artistic ambition.
Tom Xander
TTS Student: 2012 – 2014
Tom Xander
After studying at Thomas Telford School, where he first nurtured his passion for performance, Tom Xander went on to train professionally at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating in 2017 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. During his training, he was awarded the prestigious Ian Fleming Award, recognising his exceptional talent.
Tom made an immediate impact in the industry by joining the West End company of The Book of Mormon, where he became the first British actor to play the role of Elder Cunningham, leading the company across several productions. His stage career has since expanded to include roles in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and originating Damian Hubbard in the West End production of Mean Girls at the Savoy Theatre. This performance earned him Olivier Award and WhatsOnStage Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.
Beyond theatre, Tom has has built an impressive screen portfolio, appearing in Jolt alongside Kate Beckinsale, Holby City on BBC, The Larkins on ITV, and his first cinematic leading role as Emperor Nero in Seneca, alongside John Malkovich.
With a growing list of stage and screen credits, Tom continues to thrive as a versatile performer, balancing major musical theatre roles with critically acclaimed film and television work.
Olivia Brookes
TTS Student: xxxx – 2018
Olivia Brookes
After completing her professional training at ArtsEd, graduating in 2021, Olivia Brookes has rapidly established herself as a rising performer in West End musical theatre.
Her West End debut came in Pretty Woman: The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, where she appeared as part of the ensemble and also covered the role of Vivian Ward. She has since gone on to perform in the long‑running West End production of Mamma Mia!, taking on the role of Lisa and contributing to the show’s celebrated 25th‑anniversary years.
Olivia’s training credits at ArtsEd included performances such as Linda in The Wedding Singer and ensemble roles in Ragtime, showcasing her versatility and strong performance foundation. She has also performed with the ArtsEd Choir at the 2019 Olivier Awards, further highlighting her vocal and ensemble abilities.
With an expanding list of West End credits and ongoing work in new productions such as Glory Ride, Olivia continues to build an exciting and dynamic career on the professional stage.
Jordan Ricketts
TTS Student: 2014 – 2016
Jordan Ricketts
Jordan Ricketts joined our Performing Arts Academy at Sixth Form before progressing to professional training at Bird College, where he earned his BA Honours Degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.
After graduating, Jordan made his professional and West End debut in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, taking on the role of Dean Paxton at the Apollo Theatre. He has continued in this role across multiple productions, including the show’s UK Tour, where he remains a cast member.
Jordan has returned to our Academy several times to deliver workshops, inspiring current students with his industry experience.
Most recently he has been cast as the Doctor in Matilda the Musical UK & Ireland Tour.
Simbi Akande
TTS Student: 2011 – 2013
Simbi Akande
After joining the Performing Arts Academy in Sixth Form at Thomas Telford School, Simbi Akande continued to build on her passion for performance and went on to train professionally at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre.
Since completing her training, she has built an impressive and varied career across UK theatre, with credits including The Light in the Piazza (Royal Festival Hall and LA Opera), Show Boat (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Ghost (UK Tour), Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre), Company (Aberdeen Arts Centre), and Violet (Charing Cross Theatre).
Her West End work includes appearing in The Prince of Egypt and joining the London cast of Hamilton, performing as Mariah Reynolds/Peggy Schuyler.
Simbi continues to contribute to new musical theatre development through her involvement in workshops and emerging productions, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the craft.
Luke Redmore
Luke joined the Performing Arts Academy in Sixth Form, where he developed his skills in performance before earning a full scholarship to Laine Theatre Arts, graduating as Head Boy.
Since leaving Laine, Luke has built a dynamic professional career, appearing in major productions across the UK and internationally. His theatre credits include The Book of Mormon (West End), Chicago (International Tour), Cats (Kilworth House), and Grease (West End), performing both as a swing and in multiple cover roles across these productions.
Luke was also a vocal soloist in Main Men of Musicals at Cadogan Hall after winning the industry competition to perform in the concert.
He has returned to our Performing Arts Academy to lead professional workshops, continuing to inspire students with his industry experience and exceptional versatility as a performer.
Becca Luter
TTS Student: 2014 – 2016
Becca Luter
Rebecca Luter studied at Thomas Telford School, where she was part of the Performing Arts Academy. She went on to train at Bird College, where she is officially listed as an alumna.
Since graduating, Rebecca has developed a vibrant performance career, working both in the UK and internationally, and appearing at prestigious venues such as 54 Below in New York and The Crazy Coqs in London.
Alongside her performing work, Rebecca teaches singing at Italia Conti and privately, supporting aspiring performers through vocal coaching and audition preparation.
She continues to balance her professional work with her passion for teaching, building on the foundations first formed during her time at Thomas Telford School.
