Meet the Team

Steve Brice - Producer

Steve has had experience working in theatre over many years, including the overseeing of building three: The Sandpit (St. Albans), The Auditorium (Burnley) and Academy Theatre (Manchester). Starting as a 'techie', he subsequently became a drama teacher and director. 

Steve is a musician, composer and musical director too. He still enjoys designing and rigging lights and devising and operating sound. 

Steve joined the Co-op Academies Trust in 2014 as Manchester's Principal and then became an Executive Head. He successfully co-ordinated the first Co-op Trust Production in 2023 and Young Musician of the Year in 2024. These are each now hosted on a biennial basis alternating each year.

In September 2024, Steve was appointed as Regional Director for Merseyside and Salford for the Co-op Academies Trust.  Passionate about theatre, Steve is excited to see this project bring the Manchester, Oldham & Salford academies together once more in a large scale production.

Contact Steve:
steve.brice@coopacademies.co.uk

Philip J. Hindle - Director

Starting as actor, Philip ('Pip') took on his first directing role in 1996 with the Burnley Youth Theatre - an organisation he still works for to this day. 

Since then, he has designed, written, adapted and directed many plays, musicals and even a pantomime. 

Philip has stage-managed, designed and operated sound and lights for a number of shows, plus has been a costume designer and make-up artist. 

From teaching Theatre at Burnley College, he became Actor / Dramatist in Residence at Unity College and was Resident Senior Director for BASICS Junior Theatre School.

In 2018 Philip was appointed Community Arts Officer at Co-op Academy Manchester  and Academy Theatre Manager.

In September 2026, Philip took on the additional responsibility as Production Lead for the Co-op Trust (working mainly at Failsworth, Manchester, North Manchester and Walkden.)

Contact Philip:
philip.hindle@coopacademies.co.uk

Matt Asher - Musical Director

Matthew has a wide range of musical experience. He started his musical journey in the brass band community, spending 10 years as principle percussion with the world famous Brighouse & Rastrick Band playing at top venues across England and Europe. Alongside this he has played with the Fairey’s, Hepworth, Yorkshire Imperial, Yorkshire Youth and Sellers International Brass Bands beginning his brass band career at Grange Moor.

He has a vast experience playing in professional and amateur orchestras, function bands and musicals as a session musician. As a conductor Matthew spent 2 years leading Grange Moor Brass Band.  Matthew studied Music at Huddersfield University and The Royal Northern College of Music and is currently Head of Music & Performing Arts Co-op Academy North Manchester and worked with Steve to create the successful Co-op Trust Young Musician of the Year in 2024. 

In September 2026 Matthew was appointed the Co-op Trust Director of Music.

Contact Matt:
matthew.asher@coopacademies.co.uk