Your go-to gang for Musical Theatre therapy
We create and present uplifting musical theatre cabarets with our signature combination of witty parodies, gorgeous harmonies and using show tunes as self help. Our shows are performed by a 5 part upper voice ensemble (our "Juliez") and accompanied by a live pianist. Each show has a new, varied programme of solos and ensemble numbers guaranteed to entertain; always guided by our (hypothetical/only available in cardboard cut out form) guru, Dame Julie Andrews.
Rosie Williamson
Host/Writer/Performer (She/Her)
Rosie's solo show Eliza von Poppins presents...A Practically Perfect Guide to Living was developed as part of the John Thaw Initiative Mental Health Awareness Season in 2018. The full production debuted at Brighton Fringe in May 2019 and Mountview's Catalyst Festival.
Performing credits include: Camelot (London Palladium), Vigilant (Short film),
Antic Disposition's A Christmas Carol (Cast recording).
Rosie teaches singing at Arts Ed, Italia Conti, The Sing Space and privately. She holds a M.A. in Music Performance from the University of York and trained in Musical Theatre at Associated Studios.
Matt Samer
Musical Director/Composer (He/Him)
Matt’s recent credits include Associate M.D. for Trevor Nunn’s Olivier award winning revival of Fiddler on the Roof & Assistant M.D. for The Pirate Queen (London Coliseum).
Other credits include: Guest M.D. for Spamilton (Menier Chocolate Factory) Assistant M.D. for Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Ruthless! The Musical (Arts Theatre), Barnum (Menier Chocolate Factory), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour).
Matt holds a M.Mus. in Vocal Pedagogy from Queensland Conservatorium and trained as a classical pianist at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney.
Meet the Team
Rosie Williamson & Matt Samer
- Joint Artistic Directors
Rosie & Matt met performing a Stiles & Drewe number in an Acting through Song class in 2015 and since then have bonded over their love of show tunes, singing geekery, Wagamama and, of course, Julie Andrews!
Rosie founded "What Would Julie Do?" in 2016 and Matt joined the company officially in 2018. Rosie hosts the shows, writes all the scripts and new lyrics and deals with the administrative aspects of the company. Matt is the Musical Director and arranger and takes the lead on casting. They share the company's creative vision: a commitment to using musical theatre to make the world better!
As a writing duo, they specialise in witty parodies and comedy songs and are available for commissions.
Cabarets
What we offer
SHOWS
Is your venue or festival looking for a fresh, female-led cabaret act?
We can offer full 90 minute, 2 act shows or 1 hour shows complete with a wide variety of show tunes old and new, uplifting self help tips and our signature parodies and 5 part harmony arrangements.
Our 50 minute solo show/life coaching session with practically perfect life-coach, Eliza von Poppins is also available for bookings.
CHARITY & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Promoting good mental health and well-being is at the heart of What Would Julie Do?'s mission.
Our shows have raised awareness and funds for ten different charities to date including Beat Eating Disorders, Mind UK, Papyrus UK and Domestic Violence Intervention Project.
If your charity or well-being brand is interested in partnering with us for a future event, please get in touch.
In the Press
MUSCIAL THEATRE REVIEW
"A wonderfully pleasant evening…No two shows are the same, performing different material each time with reworked lyrics for topical or comedic value…the audience was in stitches.”
WEST END WILMA
“If you’re looking for some self-help and positivity in your life, look no further than to this cabaret gem”
LONDON THEATRE 1
"The harmonies were beautiful...a real pleasure and delight to listen to ."
