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Alan Wagstaff
 Trained in music and drama at the Royal Manchester College of Music, he began the connection with amateur theatre by joining Manchester University Gilbert & Sullivan Society, whilst at the same time editing a new performing edition of Handel’s Messiah, which he conducted at both the college and York Minster presenting the first ever performances of Handel’s original score in Britain.
Leaving college he joined the Welsh National Opera Company as Stage Manager, also carrying out the role of staff producer, creating and directing a new production of ‘An Evening with Puccini’ combining actors and singers in telling the composer’s life story in word and song.
Moving to Birmingham to join ATV (later Central TV then Carlton TV) as studio manager then Executive in Charge of Production, he also worked with several amateur companies throughout the midlands directing 10 dramas and 15 light operas/G&S/operettas over a period of 7 years, he made his first Panto dame appearance as Winnie Whittington in Dick Whittington in Droitwich. During this time he also translated and created a new amateur version of Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld.
Leaving Carlton, he moved to Alton Towers as Head of Entertainment, creating and producing several Ice Shows, new RnR shows each year for 7 years, Magic and Illusion shows and creating the UK’s largest fireworks and laser spectaculars for each of 10 years.
Following relocation to Torbay, he has taken part in TOADS, BOADS, and Paignton Pantomime Productions (as Dame) over the last 4 years, becoming musical director for the September 2008 TOADS production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd..
Alan has been musical director of the Torbay Police Choir since September 2007.
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