Janet’s theatrical career began in1959 at ballet school with Lycette Fearn in South Shields, shortly followed by her debut with South Shields AOS in “The King and I”.
She was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dancing at the age of 10, when she was introduced to the legendary Elsa Wilkins. She danced in Miss Wilkins’ troupe for many northeastern companies over a number of years, including Sunderland AOS, Tynemouth AOS, Basilica Opera, Northern Opera, as well as being a member of South Shields AOS and the Westovian Dramatic Society. Janet was chosen as an extra with The Royal Ballet ‘s tour of “Sleeping Beauty” and Festival Ballet’s tour of “Giselle“, where she was most fortunate to meet and be on stage with the world famous Prima Ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn.
Janet’s relationship with DMTC began in 1976 when she danced with Miss Wilkins’ troupe in “King’s Rhapsody”. She then danced the role of Nimue in the Society’s first production of “Camelot” in 1978.
Since then she has choreographed most musicals, pantomimes and concerts for the Society, including all those staged at GALA. Not only has she choreographed almost 60 shows, but she has invariably appeared in the productions as a dancer and/or a member of the chorus. She has also appeared in a handful of principal roles. This year Janet celebrates 39 years in her Durham post.
Together with her husband Mike and both children, Rebecca and Anthony, son-in-law Ed, DMTC has become a family passion.