It was late in 2002 when Cate received a call from her friend Katie, whom she knew worked for a Performing Arts company on Saturday mornings, asking for a favour — could Cate cover three hours of Singing?
“Why not?” thought Cate.
She remembers that morning vividly: leading the older group in a spirited three-part rendition of Just Arrived from Copacabana, the middle group with The Vaults of Heaven from Whistle Down The Wind and the little group through The Candyman from Willy Wonka. A few days afterwards Sue, the Company Director, got in touch and offered Cate the role of Director of Music. Surprised but delighted, she accepted — and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I wasn’t at all motivated by the money, and it was never part of my plan — it just happened,” Cate reflects. “I kept thinking of one of my favourite quotes which has become a bit of a mantra for me – When a chance comes your way, grab it with both hands and you’ll never be sorry for a might’ve been.”
It was during the Beatles Show in 2004 that Cate and Katie realised the profound impact they were having on their young students. When the opportunity arose to join the Theatretrain Franchise, they seized it enthusiastically — and Theatretrain Coventry as we now know it, was born.
Now, 20 year later, the landscape of Children’s Performing Arts has transformed enormously. Through all the changes, Cate has remained steadfast in one belief: that the Performing Arts are vital for young people.
While navigating an ever-evolving industry, at times very challenging, Cate has witnessed significant progress.
“Today, access to the Performing Arts is much broader and more inclusive than ever before, opening doors for young people from all walks of life.”
One particular shift she has noticed is the considerable rise in boys participating in Performing Arts classes — a welcome change that reflects growing confidence and evolving attitudes towards creativity and self-expression.
Cate has never been daunted by local competition. She has always embraced the mantra, “If you build it, they will come,” focusing not on simply chasing numbers but on delivering the highest-quality Theatretrain Classes — a philosophy that has served her well over the years.
After many successful years of Partnership Cate and Katie amicably parted ways at the end of 2018 and Cate took on full ownership of the Franchise. Cate and Katie remain great friends to this day and Katie returned to Theatretrain Coventry to support their 20th Anniversary Local Show celebrations on Sunday 6th July. They even made a special appearance on stage together!
Like many businesses, Theatretrain Coventry had to close its doors during the Covid-19 lockdowns which was heartbreaking for Cate. Reopening brought fresh challenges, with strict guidelines in place to keep everyone safe. Yet with resilience and care, Cate and her amazing team navigated these uncertain times and emerged stronger.
Over the past two decades, Cate and her brilliant Creative Team have produced or participated in more than 22 shows. When asked to name a favourite, she is understandably reluctant — each production holds a special place in her heart, making it impossible to choose just one.
One standout moment, however, was Cate’s leadership on a truly special project: the creation of a song that united Theatretrain Companies across the country. The result was Somewhere — a beautiful, poignant piece written by her great friend, Tim Spencer and produced by Ginger Dog Records.
The project required immense dedication and coordination. It’s no exaggeration to say the recording would never have happened without Cate’s unwavering commitment and ever-enthusiastic input.
All profits from the single were donated to Theodora Children’s Charity — a shining example of how Cate brings people together to make a meaningful impact through the Arts.
A deeply personal highlight for Cate has been witnessing the transformative power of the Performing Arts on a young girl who was initially reluctant to engage.
“There was only one occasion when a student really struggled at the beginning. After a few weeks, I found myself having to speak with her mum. The little girl wouldn’t participate in the warm-ups and was reluctant to get involved at all. She would simply sit with me at the front while Katie led the warm-up, but she remained disengaged and very shy.
I was honest with her mum and said, ‘I’m not sure this is going to work. We don’t want to take your money if she’s not benefiting from the classes.’ She was only about six years old at the time. Her mother’s response was simply, ‘I’d really like you to continue and see how we go.’
Over time, the girl blossomed in confidence and has now been with us for ten years. It’s moments like these that fill me with immense pride!”
A mother of two, Cate fully appreciates how fundamental the Performing Arts are to young people. This insight shines through in her advice to her pupils:
“Don’t settle for second best. Give everything in life your best shot and you’ll never be regret it.”
Great advice all round!
We wish Cate and Theatretrain Coventry every success for the next 20 years, and we eagerly await what Theatretrain Coventry will achieve next…
Happy 20 years, Theatretrain Coventry!
