Our Story About The Stage Door Choir London
Behind the Curtain .....
The Stage Door Choir was created to bring people together through the magic of musical theatre.
We are a welcoming, non-audition musical theatre choir in London, open to all experience levels — from complete beginners to confident performers.
With choirs in Greenwich and Wimbledon, we offer a supportive, high-energy space where you can sing, grow in confidence, and feel part of something special.
No pressure. No auditions. Just a supportive space to sing, grow in confidence, and be part of something special.
“It feels like a second home.”
“So welcoming from my very first session.”
At The Stage Door Choir, we:
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Sing iconic songs from musicals and movies
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Rehearse weekly with professional Musical Directors
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Offer optional performance opportunities
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Create a fun, inclusive, and high-energy rehearsal environment
📍 Where to Find Us
Our London choir brings together singers from across the city, with weekly rehearsals in South East London (Greenwich) and South West London (Wimbledon).
Whether you’re rediscovering your voice or trying something new, The Stage Door Choir is your place to belong.
Come and experience it for yourself — book a taster session today.
Why Choose The Stage Door Choir?
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No auditions — ever
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Beginner-friendly and confidence-building
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Led by West End Musical Directors
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A supportive, welcoming community
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Optional performance opportunities
The Stage Door Choir's logo, featuring a theatre ghost light through a stage door, is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. The ghost light, traditionally left on when a theatre is empty, was a vital part of the industry’s survival during the pandemic, standing as a beacon of safety and continuity in the dark. Historically, these lights were believed to ward off spirits and ensure the safety of theatre staff after hours, but during Covid, they became a symbol of unwavering dedication to the arts, even in times of uncertainty.
Much like the ghost light's enduring presence, our choir continues to shine brightly, inviting all to join us in making music together and finding light in the darkest times. In this spirit, we encourage you to step through the stage door and be part of a community that, like the light itself, will keep the performance alive, no matter the challenges we face.
Meet the talented and passionate team of The Stage Door, committed to bringing the joy of music and community to everyone. With a focus on holistic wellbeing, our team believes in the transformative power of music and the importance of building a supportive and inclusive community.
At The Stage Door Choir, rehearsals are relaxed, uplifting, and full of laughter. Members describe it as a confidence-boosting, community-driven experience where everyone feels supported, regardless of singing background.
We believe our choir is more than just a group of singers – it’s a family. Our team of dedicated professionals work tirelessly to ensure that our choir members feel valued, supported, and empowered. Get to know our Cast and Crew by scrolling below.
Introducing the Talented Cast and Crew of
The Stage Door
The Stage Door wouldn't be possible without our team of passionate and talented individuals. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but they all share a common goal: to create beautiful music that captivates, entertains, and inspires our audience. Get to know our talented team below.
Oliver Payne
Musical Director
& Music Preparation & Arrangements
We are delighted to collaborate with Oliver Payne. Oliver is a highly regarded Musical Director, Arranger, Composer, and Pianist with an extensive career in theatre, education, and TV. He has built a diverse portfolio of credits across various roles in the industry.
As a Music Preparation/Copyist, Oliver has contributed to major productions in the West End and beyond, including The Grinning Man at Trafalgar Studios, Standing at The Sky's Edge at Sheffield Crucible, and 42nd Street at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. He has also worked with prestigious ensembles such as The Irish Chamber Orchestra and Opera Up Close, showcasing his versatility in both classical and contemporary musical theatre. His expertise in music preparation is further seen in projects like Cinderella at Hackney Empire and The Nutcracker for Rhizome Entertainment.
As a Composer, Orchestrator, and Arranger, Oliver’s work includes the critically acclaimed My Story In You at The Other Palace and Cinderella at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast. He was a finalist for the Cameron Mackintosh Composer Scheme, and his commissions span a range of prestigious clients, including Lyric Theatre (Belfast), Aria Entertainment, The Royal Observatory, and The West End Cabaret Company. Oliver is also a sought-after arranger, collaborating with various choirs and ensembles.
In the role of Musical Director and Keys, Oliver’s credits are extensive, with key productions such as Into The Woods at the Menier Chocolate Factory, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, and Hairspray and Dick Whittington at the Wyvern Theatre. He has also worked as a musical director for several other notable productions, including Sunday in the Park With George and Spelling Bee. His work with youth and community projects, including the Sondheim Youth Project, highlights his commitment to nurturing new talent and fostering musical excellence.
Oliver’s TV credits include serving as Piano Supervisor for the hit series Killing Eve.
He is a respected Musical Director at top institutions like Trinity Laban, Cardiff University, and The Royal CSSD, imparting his knowledge and experience to the next generation of musical theatre professionals.
Oliver’s impressive career continues to flourish, solidifying him as one of the most dynamic and multi-talented figures in the musical theatre world.
To learn more about Oliver and his projects, visit his website:
Katie Louise Dunkerley
Choir Founder and Director
A little introduction….
Starting in a small town in Deal, Kent to 3 years training professionally in Essex with Tiffany Theatre College and graduating in 2012.
With over 11 years of experience as a professional actress and singer, and over 7 years as a self-employed performing arts teacher, I am a versatile and passionate performer and instructor. I have danced in an array of shows choreographed by industry professionals, worked on various TV dramas, films, music videos, and performed in West End concerts. I have also taught modern dance, ballroom and latin, tap and performance skills to students of different ages and levels, using my ISTD qualification in dance instruction, professional performance training in singing and acting whilst utilising my certifications in mental health and first aid.
My main ambition is to continue teaching and inspiring others through musical theatre, acting and singing.
I am committed to bringing the joy of music and community to everyone. With a focus on holistic wellbeing, I believe in the transformative power of music and the importance of building a supportive and inclusive community. I ensure that my singers feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Our door is open for those wanting to leave their troubles behind and sing!
I’ve also got some super talented friends joining us on the way… so watch this space!
Dominic Veall
Musical Director
We’re excited to welcome Dominic Veall as the new leader of our Greenwich branch! Dominic is a London-based musician, composer, performer and arranger with a dynamic career spanning performance, teaching and composition.
His musical journey began as a chorister and songman at Leicester Cathedral, before going on to study composition at King’s College London, graduating with First-Class Honours, and later completing a Master’s degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. He has held prestigious choral scholarships at St Martin-in-the-Fields and All Saints Fulham—where he sang live on BBC One’s 2017 Christmas Day Eucharist broadcast.
Dominic’s work ranges from tonal and commercial writing to bold experimental styles, with compositions performed by ensembles including The Smith Quartet and soloists such as Heather Roche and Carla Rees. As an arranger, he has produced dozens of works for vocal and instrumental groups, with several published in Novello’s Easy Chorals series. His music has also been heard at prestigious events and he has been a finalist or winner in major competitions such as BBC Radio 3’s Breakfast Carol Competition.
Alongside his freelance career as a singer, pianist and cellist, Dominic is a tutor at Laine Theatre Arts, training the stars of tomorrow. With his creativity, energy and professionalism, we’re delighted to have him inspiring singers at The Stage Door Choir, Greenwich.
To learn more about Dominic and his projects, visit his website: www.dominicveallmusic.co.uk