Denise De Marchi
Denise De Marchi has 20 years experience in music, performing, writing, recording and event production.
Denise began playing guitar and singing in bands and venues throughout Western Australia, which provided her with a grounding so wide-ranging, she soon became Perth’s busiest session singer and vocal coach teaching for over 15 years at various schools including the prestigious Sydney Theatrical School, Johnny Young Talent Schools, Performance Company and Popcorn.
Denise was also a vocalist for “The Kind” in 1986-1990, a band which also included Denise’s sister Suze (Baby Animals), guitarist Diesel and drummer, Yak. Whilst working on various recording projects for the renowned “Tracks Studios”, Denise had the opportunity to work alongside music legends such as Hank Marvin (The Shadows), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jeff Wayne (War of The Worlds) and Herbie Flowers(Lou Reed, David Bowie, T-Rex).
In 1990, Denise moved to Sydney and fronted Living Daylights. Distributed by EMI, they recorded their first single, a track entitled ‘Sliding’ which was produced by Iva Davies of Icehouse. Also released were two other singles entitled ‘Naturally’ followed by ‘Merry Go Round’, which reached the Top 10.
Living Daylights also journeyed to Japan in 1995 to promote their self-titled debut album recorded and mixed by Guy Gray (Cyndie Lauper, Rolling Stones, Divynals, and Midnight Oil). The Album was released there by Toshiba-EMI, reaching #1 in many prefectures.
Returning to her hometown of Perth in 1996, Denise immediately became involved in new music projects including the musical ‘The Bridge’ with the script written by Louise Helfgott (sister of David Helfgott). Denise co-produced a CD featuring songs from the musical, which opened to a sell out season in WA and won an Australia Day award for excellence.
Also ongoing is her exciting music production for Variety WA and the brilliant and unique Variety Youth Choir.
In May 2000, Denise was a recipient of Variety WA’s prestigious “Variety Heart of Show business Award” in recognition for her contribution to Variety and the youth of Western Australia, through the Choir.
While Musical Director for the Choir, Denise was commissioned to co-produce the popular Guilford Heritage Festival Concert, Mindarie and Whitford City Christmas seasons and the City of Perth Christmas Nativity Concert for several years.
The most recent venture for Denise has been the development of “Shine” which is made up of select ex and current senior members of the Choir. “Shine” is a made up of approx 10 members who perform classic songs acoustically with brilliant 4 part harmonies with outstanding results.
Choreographer: Christabel Ellis
Christabel Ellis has been involved in the entertainment industry in Perth for 29 years. She has performed in a number of shows as both an experienced dancer and singer. She is also a highly regarded choreographer and teacher. Her devotion to the industry over the years has been rewarded with wins in a number of major WA competitions in her youth to now being a sought after teacher and choreographer by leading Dance Schools.
Some of Christabel’s past experience includes dancing for:
- Max Kay Civic Theatre Restaurant;
- Disney/Hanna Barbara/Rug Rats;
- Sailor Moon (Character Work);
- Wildcats & Eagles as a Cheerleader;
- the Hopman Cup New Years Eve Ball; and
- other one off events including Cabaret shows, night club performances and hair shows.
Christabel is a well established recording artist having worked with top producers and musicians in Perth and Interstate. She has recorded both covers and originals and in her career she has had dealings with Mushroom Records, Transistor Music, Roadshow Sydney and Peter Carpin Management.
Christabel has worked in cover bands throughout the state, performing as a lead singer in front of large audiences at Melbourne Cup at Ascot, Perth Cup at Ascot and the Olympic Home Coming Ceremony. In addition, she has also performed on television and had a small part in the UK / Australian mini-series "Minty" in 1998.
Christabel is an established choreographer and has choreographed shows in Perth and overseas in a variety of themes. Her choreography includes 14 years experience as a choreographer for various dance schools in Perth and specific performances including lead choreographer for “Boppin at the Hop” at Burswood Theatre in 1997 and lead choreographer for a number of Cabaret shows in Singapore in 1998. Christabel also choreographed for television programs including the Johnny Young Talent Show on Access 31 in Perth from 2004-2008.
Christabel has extensive experience teaching at various dancing schools across Perth including: Castelle, Johnny Young Talent School, the Performance Company and Vogue Entertainment as a Senior Teacher and Choreographer.