Biography

Colette appeared in her 1^st stage performance at the age of 5 in a local production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in Bristol. She stayed with amateur dramatics all through her childhood and teens playing chorus roles and then main parts such as Mrs Potipher and the ‘calypso brother’ in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”. Nancy in “Oliver!”, Chava and Tzeitel in (different) productions of “Fiddler on the Roof”, and Brenda (whilst understudying the main character of Babe) in “The Pajama Game”.

She was a founder member and lead chorister in the Bristol Cathedral Girls’ Choir where she performed solo in Wells and Salisbury Cathedrals (among others) as well as taking part in weekly services and events at Bristol Cathedral. One of the most well known being the ordination of the first women priests in the UK in 1994, which was broadcast around the world. On a CD, which the Girls’ Choir made, as well as singing with the choir, Colette was also given a featured solo spot.

Whilst at school Colette performed solos in every concert, singing various works including those by Britton, Mendelssohn and Wesley. She also took part in local eisteddfods and won numerous trophies several years running. After finishing her A Levels she was offered places at 3 respected music colleges but decided to go back to her Welsh roots and accepted a place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. Whilst there Colette took parts in operas by Puccini, Weill, Purcell and Rameau as well as doing 6 recitals a year, all this on top of her studies.

In 1999 she completed her BA Hons Music degree and went straight into her 1^st professional job as a part of the choir in the world-renowned dance phenomenon “Riverdance”. Colette started with a three-month depping contract but her talent was quickly realised and she was soon in the lead singing role performing nightly to audiences of thousands. She was on the road for 45 weeks of each of the 2 years she was there visiting some of the biggest cities in the world including Paris, Berlin, Hong Kong and, of course, Dublin. She also appears on the “Riverdance Live In Geneva” video & DVD. By 2001, a well respected and highly capable performer, her name now known in the touring circles, she was asked by the Irish dance show rival, “Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance” to join as their only singer.

Since first appearing with “Lord Of The Dance” in 2001, Colette has been lucky enough to appear in some of the most prestigious venues across the world including London’s Hyde Park. Recent reports on the show have described her as “perfect!!! It was a great performance and she proved to everyone in the audience her talent and that her voice is just fabulous.” There have also been calls for a new CD of the show featuring her voice.

During her time in the two Irish dance shows Colette played to over 3 million people in 27 countries all over the world including Canada, USA, Australia, South Africa, the Far East, all over Europe, Scandinavia and Britain. She has worked in all types of venues.  From ‘intimate’ 600 hundred-seater theatres, to 8000 seater arenas with rock and roll lighting rigs and big screens. She has worked with some of the most highly respected Irish musicians and dancers; and many of the stage, lighting and sound engineers who made the shows happen are considered to be the best in the world. 

On top of all this, Colette has managed to find time to tour the UK in shows specially designed to take to audiences who are unable to get out to theatres. And also performed the lead role in the original cast of a 2003 production of “The Snow Queen” (London fringe theatre).

Since being back in England, based in Worcestershire, Colette has been busy performing, recording and teaching singing. She has appeared as a guest soloist for the Celtic Rogues. Spent 3 years getting to know Midlands live music venues  with the rock band, LYCK. She sings regularly at weddings and functions and this year has seen her and jazz pianist, Joe George, make their debut performance together at the Worcester Festival. Colette recently appeared with Worcester Male Voice Choir and next year will be appearing at the Upton-upon-Severn Folk Festival with pianist, Ian King.

One of her important beliefs is that good quality live music should be accessible to everyone. She therefore tours round many Care and Residential Homes and Community Centres to perform to audiences made up of elderly and disabled people. The music is specifically tailored to each unique venue and audience, and the emphasis is on fun and participation.  If you'd like to see Colette perform, please go to the Up & coming Events Page.

Recordings of Colette  

Colette’s first album – ENCHANTED – a mix of jazz and musical theatre favourites available directly from Colette.

Colette’s own demo including many of the songs from the “Demo” web page. Available from Colette.

Riverdance Live In Geneva DVD

From Root To Sky folk music with a classical twist. Colette appears as vocalist on 2 tracks. Available from Colette or www.Iankingmusic.co.uk