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Welcome to CATS a Class Act Theatre School
Meet our Principals
Gareth Mitchell | Swansea
BA (Hons) Arts Ed, London
Gareth returned to Swansea and to his family at Class Act Theatre School in 2019 to take on the running of our Swansea Schools in Cockett and West Cross.
Gareth has been a part of the CATS family since the year 2000 when he joined as a student in the original Morriston class. As he grew up in Swansea his creative and performance skills blossomed, seeing him take on many leading roles in the company. These include Japeth (Children of Eden) Artful Dodger (Oliver!) Joseph (Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat) Marius (Welsh Premiere of Les Miserables School Edition) and Ryan (High School Musical). At this time Gareth was also part of many local choirs, West Glamorgan Youth Orchestra, County Youth Dance Company and National Youth Dance Company of Wales.
In 2007 Gareth was shortlisted for the Andrew Lloyd Webber Scholarship at the world-renowned Arts Educational School, London. Here he received his BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre and played Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats, working alongside Chrissie Cartwright and the late Dame Gillian Lynne and originated the role of Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, A Rock Opera.
Gareth graduated in 2010 and began working as a professional Actor and Performer. Credits include: Ensemble U/study Prince (Sleeping Beauty, Rhyl Pavilion) Ernst (Spring Awakening, English Theatre Frankfurt) Mowgli (The Jungle Book, UK Tour) Gangster (Bugsy Malone, Secret Cinema) Pirate/Policeman (Pirates of Penzance (Tabard Theatre, London) Priest U/study Bob (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Norwegian Cruise Lines) Featured Vocalist (Burn the Floor, Norwegian Cruise lines) Gareth has also worked as a featured singer onboard multiple cruise ships for Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Holland America Line. Gareth can regularly be seen in Pantomime as an Ugly Sister for Polkadot Pantomimes and was nominated, alongside his “sister” in 2023 for a UK Pantomime Association Award.
Gareth has always been passionate about teaching and between contracts has made many links in Swansea and London. Gareth taught for Perform, a London based theatre school for 3 years and has taught workshops and classes at Gower and Neath Port Talbot College as well as regularly returning to CATS to run workshops and teach choreography. Gareth is also a member of the teaching and creative team on the Level 4 UAL course at Gower College.
Gareth is thrilled to be moving back to Swansea to take over as Principal from his friend and mentor Jill Williams and is excited to nurture the next generation of performers!
Latest News from CATS
Cats Pontardawe
CATS students set to attend prestigious Drama Schools
We are so proud of Caitlin and Naomi, who will be leaving us this year to begin their formal training. Caitlin will be studying a BA (Hons) in...
Cats Swansea
CATS Swansea show announcement
CATS Swansea are thrilled to be returning to Swansea Grand Theatre for their 2024 show, Disney's High School Musical
The Cats Alumni
CATS Alumus wins Stephen Sondheim Competition
CATS Alumus, Milly Willows is crowned as the winner of the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2023. This highly acclaimed...
I am forever in awe of how mindful and down-to-earth everyone is and I am proud to say my children have thrived by attending. The confidence they have gained in themselves is priceless, the friends they have made are life-long and I will be eternally grateful for the unbiased advise, encouragement and support they continue to receive.
Ffiona Owen
Sara and Elin | Swansea
It is not only talent CATS has been nurturing but compassion, support and a positive attitude in their students. And for that, I cannot thank them enough. CATS has truly been the most amazing thing to happen to Mabli but us as a family and the community of Pontardawe.