Our Finch Alumni
At Finch Stage School, we’re proud to have nurtured young performers who’ve gone on to shine in West End musicals, television, film, and national tours. Our alumni include talented actors, singers, and dancers who began their training with us and have turned their passion into professional success. From The Voice and Strictly Come Dancing to hit musicals like Six and Les Misérables, these stories are a testament to the quality of training, support, and inspiration that starts right here at Finch.
Our former students, forever part of the family
At Finch Stage School, we’re incredibly proud of the students who began their performing arts journey with us and have gone on to shine on some of the biggest stages and screens. From West End productions to television, film, and national tours, our alumni have turned their passion into professional success. Their achievements are a testament to their talent, hard work, and the solid foundation built here at Finch. Whether they’ve landed leading roles or built creative careers behind the scenes, they all started right here — and we couldn’t be prouder.
- Natalie Paris
Natalie Paris
An Inspiration to the Next Generation of Performers
Natalie Paris, a proud alumna of Finch Stage School, has carved an illustrious path in the performing arts. Best known for originating the role of Jane Seymour in the West End sensation Six, her performance earned her and the cast an Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical in 2019. Beyond the stage, Natalie has showcased her talents on television, including an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
Her diverse career also features roles in productions like Les Misérables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Billy Elliot, as well as performances with the musical group Sorella. Natalie's journey from our classrooms to international stages stands as an inspiration to all aspiring performers. Her success is a shining example of where hard work, passion, and a Finch foundation can lead.
Keira Laver Shines on The Voice Kids
We couldn’t be prouder of Finch alumna Keira Laver, who wowed the coaches and audiences with her powerful performance of Neverland from Finding Neverland during her blind audition on The Voice. Chosen by Jessie J, Keira is now part of Team Jessie — and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way. Well done from everyone at Finch — we absolutely loved watching you on the show!
Actress
Michelle Dockery
Michelle Dockery, best known for her role as Lady Mary Crawley in the internationally acclaimed series Downton Abbey, is one of Finch Stage School’s most celebrated former students. Her journey from local training to global recognition showcases the power of early performing arts education. Alongside her television success, Michelle has built a respected stage career, with performances at the National Theatre and appearances in major films such as Anna Karenina and The Gentlemen. Her versatility as both an actress and singer continues to inspire young performers following in her footsteps.
Actress
Amanda Coutts
Amanda Coutts is a dynamic performer whose impressive stage career includes starring roles in some of the UK’s biggest musicals. A standout highlight is her role as Scaramouche in We Will Rock You on the West End, where her powerful voice and commanding presence wowed audiences. Amanda’s credits also include national tours and appearances in productions such as Starlight Express, Fame, and Grease. Her journey from Finch Stage School to leading West End roles reflects her dedication, talent, and the strong foundation she built during her early training with us.
Actress and choreographer
Jo Dockery
Jo Dockery is a distinguished actress and choreographer whose career spans acclaimed stage productions and television appearances. She has performed in renowned West End shows, including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and has choreographed for various productions, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the arts. Beyond her on-stage accomplishments, Jo has contributed to the performing arts community through her work as a choreographer, enhancing the theatrical experience with her creative expertise. Her journey from Finch Stage School to the professional stage serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of early performing arts education.
Liz
My first dance class was at St Chads church hall at the age of three. Betty Finch, always elegantly
dressed with coiffed hair taught me how to point my toes and bend my knees in a plie, while
plonking out tunes on an upright piano. Little did I know how much that lesson would forge my
life.
I fell in love with dancing and Betty became a surrogate mother to me as I seemed to spend all
my spare time being coached by her for competitions ranging from the National Arts Awards to
Butlins talent contest.
I progressed through the BATD examinations in modern, tap and ballet, although the latter was
never my forte, I performed in The Finch Dance shows and pantomimes that Betty directed,
dance was my life.
Betty’s two children Roger and Linda had gone into the profession but were regular visiting
teachers. Their expertise passed down to the Finch pupils was invaluable. It gave me the
confidence to audition for dance troupes and in September 1970 I became a Showgirl in a cabaret
at the Savoy Hotel. Summer season in Great Yarmouth was followed by BBC’s The Young
Generation where I stayed for three years.
I left TV dancing for West End musicals; Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’ and ‘Side By Side By
Sondheim’ playing a small role and understudying. But the winter of 76/77 saw me playing Eliza
Doolittle in ‘My Fair Lady’ for a short season in Liverpool. I was then booked for the Sondheim
revue, not as an understudy this time, and then I landed my first lead role in ‘I Love My Wife’ at
the Prince of Wales theatre alongside Richard Beckinsale and Ben Cross.
A national tour of My Fair Lady where I played Eliza again transferred to The Adelphi Theatre in
1979.
Since then I have appeared on Broadway twice, toured the USA in ‘The King and I’ playing Anna
opposite the greatest male ballet dancer, Rudolph Nureyev. Performed in 3 Royal Commands and
sung for President and Mrs Reagan at The Kennedy Center in Washington.
I have also enjoyed the roles of Maria in ‘The Sound Of Music’, ‘Madam Giry in ‘Phantom of The
Opera’ and ‘Love Never Dies’ along with Velma Von Tussle in ‘Hairspray’, Mavis in ‘Stepping Out’
and Marian Paroo in ‘Music Man’ opposite Brian Cox
One of my favourite shows was ‘Song And Dance’. I was the ‘Song’ part performing the song
cycle ‘Tell Me On A Sunday’ but Eliza holds a very special place in my heart, so it was a huge
privilege to play her again in Cameron Mackintosh’s ‘Hey Mr Producer’
None of the above would have happened without The Finch Stage School. I owe everything to
Betty, Linda and Roger. What a trio. Now Nanci carries the torch and the school will continue to
flourish under her leadership.
I would like to say Thank You For The Dancing.
Kage Douglas – Finch Stage School Alumni Making His Mark in Theatre, TV & Film
From Finch Stage School to the Professional Stage
Finch Stage School is proud to celebrate the success of its former students, and one standout example is professional performer Kage Douglas, who began his training right here before going on to build an impressive international career across stage, screen, and live performance.
From Finch Stage School to the Professional Stage
Kage Douglas trained at Finch Stage School in his early years, where he developed core performance skills in dance, acting, and musical theatre. This foundation helped shape his career path into professional performance and opened the door to further advanced training at leading institutions.
After Finch, Kage went on to study at Bird College in London and quickly established himself as a versatile and in-demand performer.
A Career Across West End, UK Tours & Screen
Kage has built a long and varied career in the entertainment industry, working extensively in musical theatre, television, and film.
His theatre credits include major UK and international productions such as:
We Will Rock You
Ghost The Musical
Saturday Night Fever
Dirty Dancing (UK and international tours)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Hair (European Tour)
The Pirates of Penzance
On screen, Kage has also appeared in major productions including the global hit film Mamma Mia! and contributed as a dancer during the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
His work reflects the versatility required of modern performers—spanning dance captain roles, ensemble work, acting, and featured performance roles across multiple countries and productions.
Beyond the Stage: Movement, Fitness & Teaching
Alongside his performance career, Kage has developed a strong presence in the fitness and wellbeing space. With training in yoga, barre, and high-intensity movement, he continues to share his expertise through teaching and coaching, helping others develop strength, confidence, and performance technique.
A Finch Success Story
Kage Douglas is a great example of how early training at Finch Stage School can lead to a long-term career in the performing arts industry. His journey from Finch student to international performer highlights the importance of strong technical training, discipline, and passion for performance.
Inspiring the Next Generation
At Finch Stage School, we are proud to see our alumni thrive in professional theatre and beyond. Success stories like Kage’s continue to inspire current students who are working towards careers in the arts.
Whether on stage in the West End, on international tour, or working in screen and fitness, Finch graduates like Kage Douglas show what is possible with dedication and training.
Get in Touch
Ready to start your child’s Finch journey? We’d love to hear from you.