Our Committee

Keith Ragdale
Chairperson

Keith first got into amateur theatre at the age of 10 when he became a member of the City of Stoke on Trent Amateur Operatic Society Youth Section, and performing with them for six years. Whilst studying and becoming an accomplished pianist Keith attended Newcastle under Lyme College and gained a Distinction in his BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts. Since then he has been Musical Director for nearly forty productions, with six different societies from across Staffordshire and the West Midlands, and also Burdi Boys and Screamline gang shows and has directed extensively for Five Towns Theatre.

He also keeps his hand in with all aspects of theatre from scenery design and building to artwork design for marketing material and also specialises in lighting for our Technical Hire department. Keith has been Chairperson of Five Towns Theatre for eight years and more recently became a Trustee when the company gained its charitable status.

Eileen Ragdale
Treasurer

Eileen is 64 years old and has been a volunteer with Five Towns Theatre since it’s foundation in 2002. She has held the post of Treasurer since that time except for a twelve month break in 2008. Eileen has gone from handwritten book-keeping in the beginning to the latest accounting programme on the computer, taking it all in her stride and continually willing to learn new things.

Eileen has also been the Ticket Secretary for all that time and has mastered the latest programme for selling tickets on the Internet. Tickets can also be bought by our patrons themselves via the website.  This can save Eileen time, but she can also keep an eye on what is happening.

Eileen is married to Melvyn who runs the Tuck shop and keeps us all going at the rehearsals by making the tea and coffee. They are parents to our Chairman Keith Ragdale and our Stage Manager Stuart.

Eileen thoroughly enjoys being involved with the group and hopes to continue for many years to come.

Barry Simpson
Funding Officer

Barry is a very ‘young 60 year Old’, and has spent most of his working life in Finance for both UK and International Companies. He is married to Philippa, who runs a Youth Group which is attached to a local Church, and has two grown up sons, Carl and Christopher.

Barry has a diverse and active social life, being a member of the local Church Choir, Secretary and Founder Member of a very successful local Angling Club, finding time for General Knowledge Quizzes, looking after a large garden, and, for the last 3 years taking a lead role in local Pantomime productions.

He offers a wealth of experience in working with young people, especially those with Learning Difficulties, having just retired as Chairperson of the North Staffordshire Special Olympics Committee, as well as Vice Chairperson of the West Midlands Special Olympic Committee for 3 years. He was awarded a special award 4 years ago at The Stoke-on-Trent Sports Personality Awards for his Services to Disability Sport. During this period he also gained invaluable experience, and moreover contacts, in the fundraising field, and is actively looking to find additional funding for the Five Towns Theatre.

Ed Costello
Media Relations Officer

Ed has been involved with theatre for a number of years now, starting off doing local pantomimes and musicals.

He has been a supporter of Five Towns since "Wedding Singer", coming to watch nearly every performance of most shows.

He joined the company in 2011 during guys and dolls when he took the roll of Nicely Nicely Johnson.

Ed plays a massive role within the company through his involvements with both the management and production committees and also as a cast member.

Ed is currently in his second year at the Academy for theatre arts.

Vicki Kimpton
Events Co-Ordinator

Vicki has been with FTT since 2010 when she performed in Wedding Singer and went on to perform in Guys and Dolls as well as some local concerts.  She also had a fantastic time playing "Lorraine" in "Boogie Nights".  When not performing, she still remains involved with FTT backstage.  It is a real family affair as her daughter and fiancé have both been part of Five Towns.

Before joining FTT Vicki had not performed since she was at school but never lost her love for musical theatre. Since 2010, she has played 'Lilly' in 'Annie', participated in the One Act Play Festival and taken a part in 'Oliver' with another local company.