CAST & CREATIVE

About the cast and creative team

Breaking Plates is back again 20-23rd March 2025 at the Isaac Theatre Royal, in Christchurch, New Zealand.

INTRODUCING THE CAST OF BREAKING PLATES – THE MUSICAL

INTRODUCING THE ENSEMBLE

Scroll down for bios

CAST BIOS

David Greensmith – Yorgo

David Greensmith - Breaking Plates - The Musical
David Greensmith – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Dave Greensmith as Yorgo

Dave Greensmith is a versatile actor and vocalist with an extensive background in musical theatre, live performances, and voice work.

Dave has performed notable roles such as Julian Marsh in 42nd Street, Teen Angel in Grease, Hi-Pockets Duncan in Buddy (The Buddy Holly Story), and Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat across various New Zealand theatre companies. He has also showcased his talent in the UK in performances like Noyes Fludde by Benjamin Britten.

As a musician, Dave has led several rock and soul bands, including The Mule and Beyond Innocence, touring countries like the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. His impressive vocal range spans clean, belt, distortion, and falsetto, making him a commanding presence on stage.

When not performing, he works as a radio DJ and announcer for Compass FM.

Alyssa Parkinson – Agapi

Alyssa Parkinson - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Alyssa Parkinson – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Alyssa Parkinson as Agapi

Alyssa is an Invercargill born performer who moved to Christchurch to study and further her career in the arts.

In her time here so far, she has been a Greenstone Academy student, a performer for The Entertainment Company and vocal student with Amanda Atlas. She has also just completed her Bachelors Degree in Musical Theatre at NASDA.

Her career highlights include playing Agapi in The World Premiere of Breaking Plates The Musical, Nicola in Kinky Boots, Coca Cola Christmas in The Park 2022 and Mitre 10 Sparks 2025

Alyssa is thrilled to be back reprising the role of Agapi and can’t wait to share the touching story of Breaking Plates to Christchurch audiences once again.

Her credits include “Montrer” 2025 The Entertainment Company, “Simply Sondheim Concert” 2024 Ovation Theatre, “Kinky Boots” (Nicola) 2024 ShowBiz, “Freaky Friday The Musical” (Ellie Blake) 2024 NASDA, The World Premiere of “Breaking Plates The Musical “(Agapi) 2023, “Into The Woods” (Snow White and Female Swing) 2023 Ovation Theatre , “Spring Awakening” (Anna) 2023 Ovation Theatre, “HONK! Jr” (The Cat) 2023 NASDA , “Me and My Girl” (Maid 1, Cockney, Ensemble) 2023 NASDA, “Faust.Us” (Mephistopheles) 2023 NASDA, “Alice In Wonderland Jr” 2018 (Alice) 2018, “All Shook Up” (Lorraine) 2017, “FAME” (ensemble) 2015.

Hunter Mealing – Ali

Hunter Mealing - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Hunter Mealing – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Hunter Mealing as Ali

Originally from Timaru and now based in Christchurch. Hunter became a student at NASDA in 2021 where he achieved his Certificate of Performing Arts. He is furthering his education and is currently in the 2nd year of his Bachelor of Performing Arts.

Some of his recent credits include NASDA’s 2024 2nd year productions of ‘Pride & Prejudice’, ‘Seussical JR’ and upcoming production of ‘Anything Goes’.

He is excited and honoured to join the team and have the opportunity to be a part of sharing this kiwi story.

Will Lynch – Achilles

Will Lynch - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Will Lynch – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Will Lynch as Achilles

Will is a Christchurch-based performer who’s been performing and singing since 2015, and has experience singing with Showbiz, the CSO and Atlas Voices.

He co-directs Quantum Acoustics, the current Australasian silver medalist barbershop chorus, and sings with the 2024 men’s barbershop quartet champion Promenade.

Previously, Will has performed in Ovation’s 2023 production of Spring Awakening, and was a featured performer in a new cabaret called ‘Montrer’, presented by The Entertainment Company.

Donna Palmer – Yiayia

Donna Palmer - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Donna Palmer – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Donna Palmer as Yiayia

Donna began her theatrical journey some time ago, with Kirwee Players and Halswell Drama Group having fun in shows including Nunsense, Witches of Eastwick and Fiddler on the Roof.

In 2018 she joined CentreStage Rolleston for their inaugural and amazing show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and she has been involved in every show with them since then. She has thoroughly enjoyed playing the loveable singing teapot, Mrs Potts, in Beauty and the Beast, Lady Farrow and the Crone in the hilarious Blackadder II, and Bonnie’s mum, Emma, in Bonnie and Clyde. She also absolutely loved playing Ruth in Elmwood Players’ 2019 production of Calendar Girls.

Angus Howat – Damien

Angus Howat - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Angus Howat – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Angus Howat as Damien

Angus is delighted to be joining Breaking Plates and bringing Damien to life AGAIN! He has been working across Canterbury’s theatre scene for the past 12 years as an actor, but more recently as a director and producer, with a passion for storytelling in all its forms.

Angus is the Vice President of North Canterbury Musicals and has dedicated countless hours to the success of theatre in his hometown, currently rehearsing for a production of Catch Me If You Can which hits the stage in May. Some of his other favourite theatre highlights include Breaking Plates in 2023 and Addams Family in 2022, but the real highlight has always been connecting with the fabulously talented and passionate people who make theatre magic happen.

He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed being part of it!

Joran Le Quellac – Stavros

Joran Le Quellec - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Joran Le Quellec – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Joran Le Quellec as Stavros

Joran is a singer and performer with experience singing in various groups and genres such as barbershop, choral and musical theatre.

In his last year of high school in 2023, he was cast as a lead role for St Margaret’s Legally Blonde, where he found his love for the musical theatre genre.

Joran was the tenor section leader in the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir from 2023 to 2024, which performed in many concerts across the country and travelled to China on an international tour in July last year.

His main passion resides in Barbershop Harmony singing, being a committed member of Quantum Acoustics since 2021 and having sung in different quartets during this time.

Eli Davis – Jason

Eli Davis - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Eli Davis – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Eli Davis as Jason

Eli is a recent graduate of NASDA at Ara with his Bachelor of Performing Arts (Music Theatre).

This is Eli’s second run in Breaking Plates, he is thrilled to bring this story to Otautahi audiences once again.

His most recent theatre credits include the Showbiz Christchurch production of ‘Mamma Mia’ (2024) Showbiz Christchurch production of ‘Kinky Boots’ (2024) Ovation Musical Theatre preview year productions of ‘Spring Awakening’ (2023) and ‘Into The Woods’ (2023) Canterbury Musical Theatre Charitable Trusts World Premiere and professional production of ‘Breaking Plates’ (2023) NASDA’s 3rd Year Production of ‘Grease’ (2022) The New Zealand Premiere and Semicolon Productions first ever production of ‘Glory Days’ (2022) NASDA’s 2nd Year Production of “The Wedding Singer” (2021)!

John Wilson – Mohammed

John Wilson - Breaking Plates - The Musical
John Wilson – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing John Wilson as Mohammed

Growing up playing piano and singing in harmony ensembles, John’s love for performance and music runs deep. Tutoring musicians in his early career and now working as a Business Analyst, his passion for storytelling is bringing him back to the stage for the 2025 season of Breaking Plates.

John’s cup is filled with family, friends, and the pursuit of learning. Recent endeavours include North Canterbury Musicals’ Joseph & the Technicolour Dreamcoat (2021), and winning gold with the Canterbury Plainsmen at the Pan-Pacific Barbershop Harmony Convention (2023). John is excited to help bring this local story to life, and hopes that you enjoy the show.

ENSEMBLE BIOS

Jen Becker – Ensemble

Jen Becker - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Jen Becker – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Jen Becker

Jen started dancing at age 4 with Sharon Howells school of ballet and trained in classical ballet at the New Zealand School of dance.

She discovered her love for musical theatre in 2005 and since then has performed in 17 Showbiz Christchurch productions, the most recent being Mamma Mia! 2024.

Jen has danced all around the world including for the pineapple studios dance squad in London, where she also performed as a cheerleader for the formula 1 and Silverstone Motorsport. On returning to NZ she performed with the crusaders cheerleaders and has been a dancer with the Entertainment Company for many years.

Jen teaches senior jazz at Latin Fire dance studios and has also claimed gold more than once as a part of a duo and ladies team at the South Island Latin Champs.

Megan Perry – Ensemble

Megan Perry - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Megan Perry – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Megan Perry

Megan is an Ōtautahi-based performer who recently returned to New Zealand after spending five months living and working in Florida, USA.

A 2023 graduate of NASDA with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theatre, she is thrilled to be back home and is honoured to be part of Breaking Plates, collaborating with such a talented community of Kiwi performers and creative professionals.

Jake McKay – Ensemble

Jake McKay - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Jake McKay – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Jake McKay

Jake, a proud Cantabrian, is a 2020 graduate of Toi Whakaari Drama School.

His stage credits include roles such as Franklin Shepard in Merrily We Roll Along, Prince Lyall in Little Mermaid Panto (Circa Theatre), Jaime in My Fair Lady (Showbiz), and Eddie in Mamma Mia (Showbiz).

Balancing his acting career with running his own business, Jake brings a unique blend of professionalism and creativity to every role, showcasing his passion for the arts and commitment to his craft.

Astrid van Ameyde – Ensemble

Astrid van Ameyde - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Astrid van Ameyde – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Astrid van Ameyde

Astrid has always loved the stage and is excited to be performing again.

She has been a member of The Entertainment Company since 2018 and enjoys the variety of gigs and opportunities that this offers.

Astrid grew up attending Impact Dance and Stage School from the age of three, learning tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop and singing.

Attending St. Andrew’s college also gave Astrid plenty of further performance experience, performing in multiple productions and singing in choirs and Soul Band.

George Hosking – Ensemble

George Hosking - Breaking Plates - The Musical
George Hosking – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing George Hosking

George Hosking is 19 and in his third and final year studying at NASDA.

Before moving to Christchurch earlier on in 2023 George was involved in many performances in the Wellington region. One his most memorable productions he was involved in was “Mary Poppins” produced by Coasters Music Theatre in 2021.

He was part of the ensemble but also was named Dance Captain which was a big opportunity for him and gave him lots of needed experience. One of the biggest projects George has been involved in to date would be the production of Kinky Boots done earlier last year by Showbiz Christchurch, he was fortunate enough to play one of Lola’s 6 Angels and that was definitely George’s favourite show and role he’s done before. For the remainder of the year he was involved in performances with NASDA such as, Pride and Prejudice as Mr. Collins, Seussical Jr as a Wickersham Brother and Anything Goes as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh.

George has done quite a lot with The Entertainment Company as well, helping his professional career and practice flourish.

Breaking Plates brings new challenges for him but with that comes a lot of fun as well, we just hope you have as much fun watching it as we did creating it.

Oliver Davidson – Ensemble

Oliver Davidson - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Oliver Davidson – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Oliver Davidson

Oliver graduated from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in Manhattan, NY with an Associate Degree in Occupational Studies endorsed for Film and Television. He returned home due to the COVID-19 lockdown, and has been here since.

Oliver began dancing at age 7 at Southern Ballet where he trained in classical ballet, jazz and hip hop. His passion for performing grew from there, and he has been involved in the arts since.

His previous performance credits include Chicago (Court Theatre), Mamma Mia! (2024,2016) My Fair Lady, Matilda, Wicked, Evita, Hairspray (Showbiz Christchurch), Curtains and Reefer Madness (MUSOC) and Mary Poppins (Taieri Musical Society).
Oliver is excited to be a part of Breaking Plates alongside many of his talented friends!

Nellie Evison – Ensemble

Nellie Evison - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Nellie Evison – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Nellie Evison

Nellie began dancing at the age of 5, gradually advancing to gain her performance diploma in both Jazz and Contemporary at Southern Ballet Theatre before she finished her schooling.

Nellie has completed a double degree in law and science at the University of Canterbury, and has since moved on to study towards a Masters of Law. Nellie has participated in numerous local shows with Showbiz Christchurch.

Her theatre credits include Wicked, Broadway Hitmen, We Will Rock You and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, flitting between dancing and singing. She has also performed in a number of professional shows, including Cinderella (GMG Productions), Merry and Bright (Blackboard Theatre Collective), Fugitive Songs (Moonlight Theatre Company), and Montrer (The Entertainment Company).

Nellie is a frequent performer with the Entertainment Company, undertaking a number of gigs throughout the years.

Aside from her onstage endeavours, Nellie also teaches Musical Theatre at Convergence Dance Studios. Nellie has always loved to perform and has been surrounded by the arts from a young age, gathering inspiration from her late grandmother Dame Patricia Evison, a New Zealand actress.

Nellie hopes to continue her performing arts career for many years to come.

Sophie Harris – Ensemble

Sophie Harris - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Sophie Harris – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Sophie Harris

Sophie completed her Bachelor of Performing Arts with a specialisation in Musical Theatre from NASDA in 2022. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and found her appreciation for singing in the duration of her study. Sophie’s most recent credit was her performance as Liz Holt in the Court Theatre’s summer musical, Strictly Ballroom.
She is a huge fan of the Breaking Plates Musical, seeing it 8 times when it first appeared at The Piano!

Sophie’s show credits also include; Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia (Showbiz Chch + Invercargill Music Theatre 2024), Lauren in Kinky Boots (Showbiz 2024) Montrer Cabaret (The Entertainment Co. 2024), Bombalurina in CATS (JKPA 2024), Ensemble in That Bloody Woman (Showbiz 2023), Sandy Dombrowski in Grease (NASDA 2022), Linda in The Wedding Singer (NASDA 2021), Ensemble in We Will Rock You (Showbiz 2019), Ensemble in Wicked (Showbiz 2018), Liz in Chicago (Cashmere High 2017), Canterbury Children’s Theatre (2015-2022).
Her film credits include Becky in Dark City: The Cleaner (2023), and Eve in Though I Walk (2021).

She would like to give a special thanks to her high school drama teacher, Shaun Edwards-Brown, and The Entertainment Company for the support they have given her.

Darcy Goodall – Ensemble

Darcy Goodall - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Darcy Goodall – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Darcy Goodall

Born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Darcy developed a passion for dance and performance at a young age. He underwent extensive training in various dance genres, acting and singing from the age of 12.

In 2017, Darcy relocated to Melbourne, Australia, where he was granted a second-year Scholarship at Ministry of Dance, graduating with a Diploma in Musical Theatre.

In Melbourne, Darcy credits included Tones and I, Channel 9 Footy Show, Dancing with the Stars advertising, Hairspray, J Williams, Melbourne Cup, Women’s Cricket World Cup, Australian Open and Children’s stunt shows.

Darcy also performed internationally with Step One Dance Company on Holland America Cruise Line.

After returning to New Zealand due to COVID-19, Darcy shifted his focus to Dance education, choreography, adjudication, and talent management. He has choreographed professional works for the likes of Whitebait Media, TVNZ, Epic Entertainment, StageAntics, MTNZ, High School Productions, and serves as the resident choreographer for pop artist Prins.

Darcy’s proudest achievement is Visionary Dance Studio, co-founded with Stacey Anderson in 2021.

Since its establishment, Visionary has nurtured and instructed over 300 students, some of whom are now pursuing further training in full-time institutions with aspirations of becoming professional performing artists.

Sophie McGhie – Ensemble

Sophie McGhie - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Sophie McGhie – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Sophie McGhie

Sophie is currently studying in her second year at NASDA here in Otautahi.

She has been involved in musicals such as Legally Blonde and Alice in Wonderland at her late high school, St Margaret’s College. Her most recent musical was Cats with her dance school JK Performing Arts.

She enjoys being a part of the annual Christmas in the Park and Santa Parade and performing in gigs in her spare time. She has always loved dancing and is excited to get the opportunity to further her experience in musical theatre.

INTRODUCING THE CREATIVE TEAM

CREATIVE TEAM BIOS

Costa Kerdemelidis – Story, Music & Lyrics
[Mr Santorini]

Costa Kerdemelidis Mr Santorini - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Costa Kerdemelidis Mr Santorini – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Costa Kerdemelidis
Composer and Author

Costa arrived in New Zealand by sea from Greece on the ‘Goya’ in May 1951. His family were fleeing the civil war back in their home country and came to New Zealand to start their new lives right here in Christchurch.
Costa opened Christchurch’s first and only Greek restaurant featuring live music, the ‘Mykonos’ in 1979. In 1986 he introduced ‘Souvlaki’ to the locals and in 1993 he opened the ‘Santorini Greek Ouzeri’, an iconic Greek family restaurant on Cambridge Terrace, right in the heart of Christchurch.

He could be seen there every night together with his wife Despina and their three sons playing bouzouki on stage while Ouzo-powered patrons gleefully danced through the kitchen and on the tables and barrels until late, sampling flavoursome traditional Greek dishes created from local produce by his own beloved mother Marika. The Santorini Ouzeri was abruptly closed due to earthquake damage on February 22nd, 2011 and never re-opened. The building was subsequently demolished a year later. Costa continues to live in Christchurch with his wife and family.

Costa decided to write his musical ‘Breaking Plates’, with a script that was inspired by the adventures that took place over 18 years at his beloved Santorini.

Breaking Plates the musical production has been 12 years in the making and features 23 original songs and new dance routines.

Breaking Plates – The Musical – premiered at The Piano in March 2023, and because of the amazing response with 9 sell-out shows, Costa is bringing back an upscaled production to the Isaac Theatre Royal in 2025. The latest production features the addition of 10 ensemble members on a bigger stage, making this an unmissable event.

Ravil Atlas – Production Supervisor / Director

Ravil Atlas - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Ravil Atlas – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Ravil Atlas
Production Supervisor/Director

Ravil Atlas is well known for his expertise in singing technique, pedagogy, and vocal coaching.  He is also accomplished as a choral director, orchestral conductor, and stage director. For more than 25 years, Ravil was a leading soloist in opera, choral, and musical theatre in the US, UK, and Italy, including long runs in Broadway shows. Among the highlights were playing Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Ubaldo Piangi in Phantom of the Opera, 2 years with Grammy award winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer, and 4 years at famed international opera house Teatro all Scala in Milan.

Since arriving in Christchurch 13 years ago, Ravil has immersed himself in all kinds of music and theatre making including directorial stints at North Canterbury Musical Society, Repertory Theatre, Showbiz, Atlas Voices Opera, and many highly reviewed musicals at Burnside High School. He has conducting credits with Showbiz, The CSO, Atlas Voices, the National Youth Choir, and Bluff Opera.

Ravil has been mentoring Costa in developing Breaking Plates for the past 8 years.  It is a triumph to see a new musical in Christchurch, written about Christchurch, by one of its residents. This heartfelt story is something Ravil has believed in and is grateful to be able to bring it to life in this production.

Ravil’s latest endeavour will see Christchurch with a new resident professional musical theatre company. Named Ovation Musical Theatre. Stay tuned.

Deen Coulson – Music Orchestrator / Arranger and Supervisor

Deen Coulson - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Deen Coulson – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Introducing Deen Coulson
Music Orchestrator / Arranger and Supervisor

Deen is well known for his expertise in local musical theatre and choral directing. Deen currently conducts for Global Voices, accompanies for the St. Michael’s Singers and teaches at Ara Music, The Christchurch School Of Music, WEA Canterbury plus various other places.

His musical highlights include: Breaking Plates 2023 (Musical Director), Showbiz’s ‘Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber’ 2019 and ‘Broadway Hitmen’ 2018 (Assistant Musical Director), ‘Songs for a New World’ 2017 (Orchestra), plus too many more to name.

Deen also performs with the Court Jesters, is the frontman for his own originals rock band “D.C.P”, and is currently a Co-Musical Director of “The Wedding Singer” with Centerstage Rolleston from April 18-26, 2025.

Having worked on Breaking Plates in different capacities since 2018, Deen was proud to see that it was so well received on its first run in 2023 at The Piano. Deen is now excited for its second run now at the Isaac Theatre Royal, here’s to breaking many more plates! Yiamas!

Sandy Gray – Choreographer

Sandy Gray - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Sandy Gray – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Sandy Gray is an accomplished choreographer, director, and educator with over 40 years of experience in the performing arts.
Her extensive career spans professional, corporate, and educational productions, highlighting her versatility, creativity, and passion for performance.

Sandy has choreographed numerous acclaimed stage productions, including A Chorus Line, Spamalot, Spring Awakening, Heathers, Seussical, and Hercules. Her work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling through movement and an exceptional ability to bring out the best in performers of all ages and skill levels.

As the Director of The Entertainment Company, Sandy leads one of New Zealand’s premier providers of bespoke entertainment.
The company specializes in creating high-quality performances tailored to events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions. Sandra’s leadership has seen the company produce unforgettable shows featuring dancers, singers, and performers, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Sandy is a respected dance educator. She has played a key role in developing the next generation of dancers and performers through her teaching roles at St Andrews College Ballet Academy, Visionary Dance School, and NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art). Her dedication to integrating dance into education has enriched the lives of countless students, fostering their love for the performing arts while encouraging technical excellence and confidence on stage.

Sandy’s tireless commitment to excellence, combined with her wealth of experience, continues to inspire performers and captivate audiences across New Zealand. Her work is a testament to the power of dance, creativity, and the joy of live performance.

Gavin Hurley – Production Manager

Gavin Hurley - Breaking Plates - The Musical
Gavin Hurley – Breaking Plates – The Musical

Gavin graduated from the University of Sheffield with a Bachelor of Music with Honours and was awarded the William Empson Prize for Drama for his musical direction of ‘A Chorus Line’ and ‘Cabaret’. He completed postgraduate studies before embarking on a decorated 20-year career in education where he was nominated for the UK National Teaching Awards. Gavin has recently completed studies in Applied Psychology through the University of Auckland where his areas of interest included anxiety in performing artists.

Gavin currently directs The Plainsmen, the 2023 NZ Barbershop Chorus Champions and was the co-director of ‘Malestrom’, the 3-time National Young Singers in Harmony Barbershop Chorus Champions. He is the current musical director for The Entertainment Company and serves as General Manager of Ovation Theatre

Career highlights include conducting the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems on Sky Sports and collaborating with Vodafone (UK) on a programme to encourage singing for young people with disabilities. He is a passionate advocate of music for youth and has served as a member of New Zealand Choral Federation National Advisory Group and as Board representative for New Zealand Secondary Students Choir.

Gavin has over 60 production credits to his name and is delighted to rejoin Breaking Plates as their Stage Manager.

George Kerdemelidis – Art (Mural and Dancing Lady)

Graphic Design – Martin Little (Tonic Design)

*Parental Advisory: Explicit Language and adult themes. Reference to earthquake and earthquake scene may affect some viewers. Running time 2 hours 20 min (including interval).