Vanessa Butler

Vanessa Butler is a classically trained singer from Malahide, Co. Dublin.

Her passion for the performing arts began at an early age. Vanessa started studying Speech and Drama at the age of five, and by ten she had begun piano and vocal training, later studying voice under the direction of Dr. Veronica Dunne in the Royal Irish Academy of Music. 

Her love of performance and success in national competitions led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree at NUI Maynooth, where she graduated with First Class Honours in Performance.

Vanessa went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Music Education at the University of Limerick and has worked as a secondary school teacher since 2005.

She has over 20 years’ experience directing Transition Year school shows, developing students’ confidence, performance skills, and appreciation for the arts.

James Patrice

James Patrice is a graduate of Drama and Theatre Studies and French from Trinity College, Dublin, where he majored in Drama, specifically comedy and advanced acting. 

James is a presenter and performer, best known for his roving reports on RTÉ’s flagship daytime television show 'Today' and his shimmering behind the scenes antics as 'Dancing With The Stars’ digital presenter. 

When he’s not popping up on our screens, you can find him entertaining the masses online with his witty observations on Irish daily life under the glittering guise of his drag alter ego - the ultimate Irish Mammy - Malahide Woman. 

James has spent the last 8 years as one of the leads in The 3Olympia Theatre’s iconic Christmas pantomime, most recently playing the magical role of ‘Glinda Martin’.