Lizzie Lister

Writer, Lyricist & Composer

Lizzie is a 2020 graduate from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and is the book writer, lyricist and co-composer of ‘Wuthering Heights - The Musical’. While Lizzie has always been an avid writer, this is the first musical she has ever written. Beginning as a lockdown project - during Lizzie’s drama school hiatus - 'Wuthering Heights' was born from her love for literature, and the first ever musical collaboration with her hero: her dad. Lizzie is passionate about creating opportunities for her fellow graduates, and feels incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such remarkable talent!

During her training, Lizzie played roles such as Anna in new musical ‘Catch Me’, Susan in ‘Sweet Smell of Success’, Daisy in RCSSD devised musical ‘The Plaza’, and Natasha in Chekhov’s ‘Three Sisters’.

Lizzie’s theatre credits include Placida in Howard Barker’s ‘Ursula’ (George Cadbury Hall), Elsie Maynard in ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’ (Harrogate Royal Hall), Polly Peachum in ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ (The Barber Institute) and Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary (O2 arena). Lizzie has also worked as a backing vocalist, having recorded with artists such as Ramin Karimloo and Hayley Westenra.

She recently made her professional screen debut in Feature film ‘Room 7’ (2022).

Emma Gersch

Director

Emma is founder and Artistic Director of award winning Moving Stories Theatre Company. She trained at the University of Hull and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Directing Credits include ‘Sonnet Sunday (Shakespeare’s Globe), ‘Colder than Here’ (Maltings Theatre), ‘Vanessa and Virginia’ (European Tour, Riverside Studios), ‘Orestes Re-Examined’ and ‘Moving Stories’ (Southwark Playhouse), Agamemnon (BAC), ‘Heresies’ (Bristol Old Vic), ‘Judith’ (Etcetera), ‘The Bald Prima Donna’ (Kings Head and UK tour), ‘The Tempest’ (Franklin Stage, New York). Emma is a regular director at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, where credits include ‘Hamlet’, ‘The Comedy of Errors’ (USA and Canada tour), ‘West Side Story’, ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘The Tempest’, ‘The Winter’s Tale’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Emma has directed and taught at drama schools, including Central, Lamda and Arts Ed, and is a member of the Higher Education Faculty at Shakespeare’s Globe, where she also founded the Band of Mothers Company which supports and develops the work of artist mothers. She is currently working at the Watford Palace Theatre on the ‘Moving Museum of Motherhood’, and the one woman show ‘Congratulations!’. Emma is thrilled to be working on ‘Wuthering Heights’ and knew she had to direct it as soon as she listened to the music!

Christopher Tendai

Choreographer & Producer

Christopher Tendai is an up-and-coming Theatre Choreographer, breathing a fresh new life into the imagery of how we see Theatre and Dance productions. He recently choreographed the 5-star show: Children of Eden (2021) at the Union Theatre (London), and the 4-star new Christmas musical: The Wonderful (2021) at Theatre Peckham (London).

"Within my body of work, I like to lead with ‘intention’ first and then allow the movement to follow. In my opinion I feel that ‘narrative’ is the fundamental aspect of creating powerful movement. I like to integrate different dance styles such as: Contemporary, Jazz, Afro Beats and Physical Theatre. I always like to ask myself the question ‘Why’ and allow the relevance of movement to blend with the use of dynamics which, I believe, heightens the work."

Choreography Credits Include: Bare: The Pop Opera (Eve Lyon’s Studio Theatre) Children of Eden (Union Theatre), The Wonderful (Theatre Peckham), iNk’d (Headgate Theatre, Colchester), IDENTITY (Edinburgh Fringe & Turbine Theatre), Piano Legends (National Tour), The Greatest Dancer (BBC), Pollution (Base Studios), Zack Knight (Music Video), Sarika Gill (Music Video), Ian Erix (UK Tour), Kulture Projects, MFMB Awards, Westend Eurovision (Shaftesbury Theatre).

Christopher is the Artistic Director of the Award Winning CTC Dance Company with a residency at Theatre Peckham.

Mick Lister

Musical Director, Composer & Arranger

’Wuthering Heights - The Musical’ is composed by father-daughter duo Mick and Lizzie Lister, with half of the songs also in collaboration with classical pianist, Clare Lonsdale.

Mick has experienced both sides of the music industry, starting out as an artist, signed to Warner Bros and touring the world, playing some of the most iconic music venues. Mick continued his career as a Songwriter and Music Producer, penning several Top 20 hits for artists globally, including Amy Winehouse and Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet.

Naturally progressing into film score and trailers, Mick has also worked with some of the biggest Theatre stars, co-writing with and producing Tony & Grammy winning artist Cynthia Erivo (The Colour Purple, Harriet), Ramin Karimloo (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) and Steve Balsamo (Jesus Christ Superstar).

Amidst the 2020 lockdown, when Lizzie asked Mick if he would collaborate with her in writing a musical for her MA course, he was astounded by her lyrical brilliance, vocal melodies and script writing. Now, well into the second year of writing, what started as a labour of love has turned into the most amazing adventure with a team of amazing people.

Nyokabi Macharia

Assistant Director & Dramaturg

Nyokabi is a Royal Central School of Speech and Drama graduate, stage and screen actor, musical theatre performer, and budding director. Her credits include Yasmin in the ongoing Kenyan Soap Opera ‘Selina’, Giraffe in the Off-Broadway production of ‘Tinga Tinga Tales’ and Lowenna in her One Woman show ‘Actors Anonymous’ which she also Executive Produced. She made her Directorial debut with a filmed female adaptation of ‘Frankenstein’ and has since practised directing through various online projects facilitated by @shortsfromafrica, where she is Co-Founder. Her ongoing projects also include directing an online theatre project commissioned by Octopus Theatricals in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi.

Nyokabi enjoys storytelling in unconventional ways; her directorial style is experimental and minimalistic, and she is excited to explore this and more under Emma's ever graceful leadership. Nyokabi can’t wait to begin this exciting journey with the ‘Wuthering Heights’ team – initially at remote capacity from Nairobi, Kenya, and also when she soon returns to London, UK!

Rosie Weston

Assistant Musical Director

Rosie is a Musical Director, singer, actor and dancer based in London. She graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama during the pandemic and is delighted to be involved in such an exciting and innovative production, especially at such a tough time for our industry.

Rosie’s theatrical credits include ‘As Long As You Knew’ at The Golden Goose Theatre as part of EMERGE Festival. Rosie’s recent musical credits include the annual Red Bull Racing Celebratory Conference, the TikTok Awards Ceremony, and Secret London’s Shard Christmas event for Huawei. Most recently, she was cast in Scottish Opera's new production 'Ainadamar'.