Cast & Creatives

ADAM CASSELL
as ALASTAIR McLEISH-PIDKIN
Taking on his first ever acting role, Adam Cassell normaly works on the other side of the stage as a technician. Starting at Reading Arts over a decade ago, he has now worked on hundreds of productions in every role - except this one. Alastair’s tale resonates with Adam’s own. In particular, a friend of his had a strikingly similar story - just with a different ending. He is proud to be part of such a creative, talented and amiable team.

GILLIE TUNLEY
as DOLLY
Gillie Tunley studied languages in London and Lille and singing at Reading University. She is an experienced operatic mezzo, specialising in bitches, breeches and witches roles. She recently became a Master of the Arts, focussing on Beckett and the wit and wisdom of Wilde. In fact, she is drawn to Irish playwrights, hence her attraction to the work of Derek Walsh, whose novel Oxford Road, this play is based upon. Also, she is no stranger to the ‘opulent aristocratic’ role, having once undertaken the role of Elvira in Blithe Spirit! She Is very thrilled to be chosen to work with such a stellar cast and company.

NICK BUXTON
as STAN
Internationally acclaimed opera singer Nick Buxton has sung over 50 roles in 30 countries. Some notable performances include Don Carlos in Mantova, Don Jose for Scottish Opera, Otello for Folkoperan in Stockholm and Turiddu (Cavalleria Rusticana) in Osaka. Nick is pleased to showcase his acting skills in a locally based theatre production.

KEVIN McLAUGHLIN
as DRAKE
Bio: Kevin McLaughlin (Actor/Singer/Voiceover Artist): Kevin play's the role of the 'eternal optimist' Drake, owner of Sign O The Times, Reading's Premier Signage Company. Like Drake, Kevin aim's to look at the positive side of life and tries to encourage others to do the same, which is why he resonates so much with Drake's character. Kevin started his experience as an Actor at Anna Schers Theatre in his early teens and resumed his training at the beginning of 2023. Over the last three years, he has appeared in several independent films, theatre productions and commercials. He hopes to continue to develop as an actor through more training and acting opportunities.

NATHAN MARCH
as COACH RICK STANNER
Nathan March works in the charity sector, inspiring young people into new careers. Nathan leads youth engagement events across the country, is a devotee of Reading's What's the Game improv group, and is excited to join the cast of Oxford Road in his first stage role.

STEVE FINCH
as JEREMY
After a few personal bereavements, Steve decided that you must throw yourself into things that you want to do, rather than find reasons to not. With that in mind he started studying acting with The Actor's Lounge in Reading in early 2025. Steve found nothing but joy and passion while learning, and is honoured to play the part of Jeremy in this brilliant and collaborative production.

PAUL CARTER
CO-PRODUCER
After 22 years in nuclear/radioactive logistics and security management, Paul stepped away from the industry 6 years ago and embraced a new chapter. Moving into the creative world has allowed him to draw on the discipline and focus of his previous career whilst exploring fresh opportunities. He is now pursuing Spotlight accreditation and developing his craft and training as an opera singer.

BRIAN ENNION
as DARRYL MICKLETHWAITE
Brian Ennion is a Fraud Analyst by profession. Originally from Merseyside, he moved to Reading in 2007 and has lived in the town ever since. He is a student with The Actor’s Lounge in Reading and his previous roles in amateur theatre include Hank in Tennessee Williams’ Night of the Iguana and Pierre in an adaptation of Peter Gordon’s Murdered to Death. He is both thrilled and terrified to be involved in Oxford Road.

STEPHEN McPARLAND
as DANIEL WITTERINGTON
Stephen is an actor who has previously performed at the Peckham Fringe Festival and will be performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival later this summer. He has been a part of the cast from the very beginning and is excited to be finally performing the show to a live audience.

STEPHEN B. WEBSTER
as ROB
Currently on his third course as The Actor’s Lounge, Stephen B. Webster is taking on his first theatrical production with the role of Rob in Oxford Road. Having met the crew through TAL and Improv Classes, his hunger to perform is growing more and more as the date approaches.

LEILANI BELL
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Born and bred in Reading, Leilni Bell works as a travel agent while pursuing her lifelong passion for acting. A dedicated student at The Actors’ Lounge win Reading, she is committed to developing her craft with the goal of making acting her full-time career. Most recently, she performed as part of a Showcase Production of Fleabag, demonstrating her talent, versatility, and love of performance.
