ABOUT US

Martha Philbey aka Betty May Chard

Betty established the agency with her daughter Verona initially to support the careers of her family members. Sadly Betty died unexpectedly in December 2019 and in her memory, Verona has taken the reins as Verona Martha Betty (VMB) / Martha Verona for short! From its inception in 2013 it has grown into a well regarded organisation within the industry and aims to continue that trend.

Verona Chard-Fettes

Verona (Martha) has taken over as Managing Director at MP and is the ‘face’ of Martha Philbey attending meetings, performances and liaising with industry professionals. She has worked for a number of agencies and a well known co-op as an agent’s assistant and her specialisms are variety, musical theatre, theatre, production and entertainment.

In 2018-19 she was appointed as Head of Singing at BRICTT in Brighton; a wonderful institution now rebranded as the Institute of Contemporary Theatre (ICTheatre).

Verona was a visiting freelance singing tutor on the BA (Hons) Acting MT course at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with Professor Wendy Gadian for 13 years until November 2022. She is the co-writer/producer of the Jungle Monkeyz Adventure with owner Nicolas Dasgupta MD and co-producer with owner Phil Childs and Andrew Fettes of shows at the Olde Watermill Experience and Artistic Director / Casting Director for Santa’s Grotto UK.

Verona has a passion for singing jazz and is a jazz/classical crossover artist. Prior to lockdown she ran a regular jazz night with visiting guests at the Wimbledon Theatre called ‘Jazz in a Broad Way’ and leads her bands Musical Balloon Band and STReampunkJazz3, a new experimental classical/jazz crossover band. Verona was one of the creatives as Artistic Associate for community events at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon until the pandemic hit in 2020.

Verona combines her many skills as an agent, performer, writer, producer and educator to full effect and has an insatiable energy and self-motivation. She is married to actor, director, writer and producer Andrew Fettes.

Ray Lee

Ray is a consultant at MP and he specialises in stage, television and film. Ray has over 35 years experience in the industry.

Keith Hopkins M.M.L.J, L.T.C.L, L.C.C.M.D

Our long term friend and consultant celebrates 57 years in the industry in 2023. After training at what is now the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, then based in the Castle at Cardiff he performed in Repertory Theatre, Summer Seasons, Musicals, Music Halls, and Pantomimes.

Keith has produced, written and directed many shows over the years. In 2000 he became a full time agent with partner Barrie Stacy at Blue Star Associates whilst continuing to perform and produce. We warmly welcome Keith to MPM!

JT

JT is our font of knowledge in all things administration and IT. We are delighted to welcome her to the MP team. JT has been working in the industry alongside production companies and performers for a number of years as a PA and also in hospitality and FOH. She regularly attends theatre shows and loves international travel.