About Us
We are a not-for-profit performing arts group and charity based in St. Neots, which is run by a team of dedicated enthusiastic volunteers and professionally trained tutors with the joint aim of developing and nurturing the performing arts capabilities of local children. And what a talented group of children they are!
Our Creative Team
Harriet Haynes
Seniors - Artistic Director
Harriet has been involved in theatre from a young age, starting her theatrics with Riverside Theatre Company in its infancy. She is a keen singer, actor and creator who loves bringing art to life. Harriet studied Musical Theatre at Bedford college and followed that at the University of Cumbria, graduating in 2017 with a BA Hons in Drama and Musical Theatre Performance. Since graduating, she has worked locally choreographing and staging summer school shows, creating new pieces of theatre in Cumbria and as an entertainer on the beautiful island of Mallorca.
Ian Tipping
Senior's - Music Director
Ian has been a professional bass player and composer for many years. He has toured all over the world including residencies at the Disney Parks in North America and performing at the casino in Monte Carlo. He has worked in theatre orchestras aboard high-end cruise ships, alongside such performers as Bradley Walsh, Bobby Davro and The Osmonds, amongst many others. He has composed music for various classical ensembles including the Milton Keynes City Orchestra and the Alani String Quartet. He currently spends most weekend evenings playing with his indie-rock covers band ‘The Modern Fix‘ and can often be found playing bass in the pits of local theatres.
Emily Wainwright-Meekins
Pupil Manager / Junior's - Music & Artistic Director
Emily has been in the performing arts industry for more than two decades and graduated from Anglia Ruskin University with a BA Hons in Music in 2016. She became musical director of the Riverside Juniors in 2014 and was additionally given the title of Pupil Manager in 2022. Outside of the Theatre Company, Emily teaches private singing and piano lessons and leads St. Neots Community Choir.
Ellen Tipping
Choreographer
Ellen studied at Bodywork Company Cambridge, graduating in 2003 with a diploma in professional dance. Since then she has been travelling around Europe performing as a dancer with various production companies in Estonia, Stockholm and Barcelona to name a few. Ellen decided to move into teaching dance and Pilates to share her passion for dance with enthusiastic students. She has choreographed several major productions and her work has been performed in the O2 and the Royal Albert Hall.
Our Executive Committee
Kim McGrath
Chair
Jacqui Huckle
Treasurer
Jacqui has been involved with Riverside for several years as a parent to her youngest daughter who is a long-term member of the company. She works as a Church Administrator in Cambourne where she lives with her husband and 3 children. As the Treasurer for Riverside, her role includes paying invoices, collecting subs, and ensuring the financial records and reports are kept accurately.
