About Di
Di is an experienced Director and Choreographer who brings original ideas to her audiences and can blend unexpected matches between traditional and contemporary. She has created, directed and choreographed a plethora of shows across the mediums of Theatre, TV and Corporate events. Having enjoyed a successful career as a versatile & passionate performer, she has a strong empathy with the artists she works with and the wonderful ability to inspire and motivate.
Her strengths as a choreographer come from her extensive range in many forms of dance - Jazz, Tap, Classical and Contemporary Ballet, Pop, Salsa and even Flamenco.
Di's career began at the London Palladium dancing with Wayne Sleep. She became a sought after dancer performing with The English National Opera, on four Royal Variety performances and numerous TV series with Freddie Star, Kenny Everett, Lenny Henry and many more. She also danced with Tina Turner, Rick Astley, Kylie Minogue, Cliff Richard and Shirley Bassey.
Her first break into choreography was the TV show Night Fever, followed by Man O Man and Beach Fever after which Di was established as a leading choreographer in the entertainment business.
With a wealth of experience behind her and a diversity of show credits to her name Di was asked to direct the Theatre show Santa Claus The Musical. The show had rave reviews and she has been directing ever since.
With her artistry and knowledge she has the ability to breath new life into old narratives and her artistic skills and dependable work ethic have made her highly sought after.
Di is dedicated to her work and is equally happy working with actors and performers of all ages and levels, on a one to one basis or with a company of thousands as in the Commonwealth Games.
She has worked with numerous performers, actors & comedians - Julian Clarey, Michael Ball, Ronnie Corbett, Frank Skinner, Samanth Womak,
Peter Davison & Julie Graham to name just a few.
With her open and versatile approach Di has the ability to draw the best out of her performers.
' If only director Di Cooke was given the chance to put this on the telly I'd buy a licence and a TV once more.'
The Stage
by Douglas McPherson
Stage
Tonight at the Musicals | UK Theatre Tour | Paul Burton Productions
Director
The Night Before Christmas | Harlequin Theatre,Redhill | PHA
Director/Choreographer
Seaside Special | Pavilion Theatre, Cromer | Openwide Coastal
Devisor/Director/Choreographer
Sunday at the Musicals | Phoenix Artists Club | Paul Burton Productions
Director
Santa Claus The Musical | New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth | PHA
Director
Television & Commercials
Pantomime
Cruise Lines
Corporate Events
Fashion
High School Mania | UK Theatre Tour | Openwide Coastal
Director/Choreographer
Christmas Spectacular | Pavilion Theatre, Cromer | Openwide Coastal
Devisor/Director/Choreographer
Solid Gold | Ibiza Marquee, Ibiza |Openwide International
Director/Choreographer
Let's Make a Musical | Children's Theatre Production | LMAM Productions
Choreographer
Man O Man Series |Pearson TV
Choreographer
MTV Select Titles | MTV Networks
Choreographer
Night Fever|5 series | Channel 5
Choreographer
At Home With The Braithwaites | ITV
Choreographer
Cinderella| ITV
Choreographer
Lenor Commercial | W.O.W Films
Choreographer
Trocadero Commercial | W.O.W Films
Choreographer
A Song for Europe | BBC TV
Choreographer
Eurovision Song Contest | BBC TV
Choreographer
Cinderella | Marina Theatre, Lowestoft | PHA
Director
Aladdin | Harlequin Theatre, Redhill | PHA
Director
Peter Pan | Marina Theatre, Lowestoft | PHA
Director
Jack and the Beanstalk | Harlequin Theatre, Redhill | PHA
Director
Peter Pan | Harlequin Theatre, Redhill | PHA
Director
Dick Whittington| Alhambra Theatre Bradford | Qdos Entertainment
Choreographer
Cinderella | Alhambra Theatre Bradford | Qdos Entertainment
Choreographer
Jack and the Beanstalk | Oxford Playhouse| In House
Choreographer
Aladdin | Theatre Royal Bath | UK Productions
Choreographer
Cinderella | Grand Theatre Blackpool | UK Productions
Choreographer
Snow White | Theatre Royal | UK Productions
Choreographer
P&O Cruises | Oceana | Headliners Theatre Company
Director/Choreographer
Silversea Cruises | Silver Cloud | AH
Stage Director
Elysian Cruises | Flamenco Liner | Ravenscroft International
Choreographer
Coca Cola | Olympic Park Velodrome | Rocket Science Group
Stage Director/Choreographer
HSBC Conference | NEC Birmingham | Rocket Science Group
Stage Director/Choreographer
EMI Christmas Show | The Hurlingham Club, London | Universal Records Group UK
Choreographer
Mercedes Benz | Marbella Hotel | PCI
Stage Director/Choreographer
Daihatsu Press Show | NEC Birmingham | PCI
Choreographer
CPMG Conference | NEC Birmingham | GM Productions
Choreographer
TNT Conference | Amsterdam RAI | ESP
Choreographer
McColls Retail Group | Telford International Centre | The 4th Wave
Choreographer
British Bridal Exhibition | Harrogate Convention Centre | Claire Barker Associates
Choreographer
Designer Bridal Preview Show | The Royal Hall Harrogate | Claire Barker Associates
Choreographer
Marks and Spencer | Coutaulds Megapitch, London | Claire Barker Associates
Choreographer
Ann Summers | Harrogate International Centre | Ann Summers
Choreographer
Wedding Journal Show | Penton Exhibitions, Dublin | Claire Barker Associates
Choreographer
Reviews
The Cromer Show
If Only Di Cooke was given the chance to put this on the telly I'd buy a licence and a TV once more.
The Stage - Douglas McPherson
Christmas Spectacular
But it is the magic wand that Di Cooke waves over the Show that makes it what it is -pacey, innovative and increasingly contemporary in it's style whilst keeping it's traditional roots.
EDP24 - Richard Watson
Seaside Special
The mastermind behind the show is Di Cooke who devises and directs. She is constantly inventive and gives the Seaside Special such pace it never flags for a second.
BBC Norfolk