Like every fairytale, it started ‘once upon a time’
read our story
If you dream a thing more than once, it's sure to come true
It starts with a True Believer…
Fairytale Encounters have been making enchanting memories since May 2019 when Owner, Founder, and Lead Performer April wanted to make her own dreams come true. April has always been a true believer when it came to all things Fairytale. She believes in wishing on a star, always watches the sea for mermaids, and knows that fairies are out there changing the seasons. She knew that one day her prince would come, dreams really are a wish your heart makes and her imagination and creativity run wild.
set off on her journey….
When growing up she was inspired by these beloved characters and knew them as her role models, even out of character she strives to have the same kindness and outlook on life as they do. In October 2018 she decided she wanted to be this person for other children, to portray the character how she thought they deserved to be portrayed, to make all the royals feel the same way she did and still does about the character. April thought there was a gap in the market for a high-quality, Elite and True Princess Impersonator in her area. So she set off on her journey.
Meet The Team
hover over and see the magic!
April
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April is passionate about Disney and performing, she has dedicated herself to each and every character.
April not only is the owner of the kingdom but the lead performer doing every party unless booked up herself. She also handles all admin as well as restyling wigs, party planning and prep and comes up with every activity, games, events and even creates new whimsical characters.
April began dancing at the age of 9, she competed locally winning awards such as Most Entertaining Dancer, she has completed exams in ballet, tap modern, Latin American and rock and roll. She was chosen to dance at The Royal Albert Hall and Disneyland Paris with her dance school.
At 13 she was accepted into English Youth Ballet for their performance of Sleeping Beauty performed at The Royal Opera House in York. She was also chosen to play the lead role Clara in their performance of The Nutcracker, performed at Royal Opera House York.
From the age of 14 April helped out being the teacher’s assistant up until 19 when she started her own teaching qualification passing her IDTA associate at 91%. April has been teaching dance and musical theatre over the last 7 years from the ages 2-18.
April DBS checked First Aid trained and safeguarding trained.
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I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to create this amazing kingdom which I treasure everyday. The smiles I get to see when I turn up at Events/Parties are priceless and melts my heart every time! I love that I get the chance to make your shinning stars believe in all the magic and they truly think I am the real princess which means everything to me.
Nathan
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Nathan has been part of Fairytale Encounters since the very beginning when it was all just a dream of April’s. Nathan is April’s Prince Charming and he does a lot behind the scenes from admin, planning, creating activities with April, Tech, loading the carriage, lead character assistant and being characters himself. Nathan has been the biggest support of the kingdom and loves help out in every aspect.
Nathan works as an insurance broker through the week and if he’s not working with the Princesses he enjoy sports and is a big family man.
Nathan is DBS checked, First Aid trained
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“I love being a part of Fairytale Encounters, not just because I get to watch my amazing Fiancée do what she does best but because I get to feel and live the magic too. I love experiencing the joy that the team bring into the room, seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the children. I’m also extremely grateful that I get to be a fur character myself and when I put the costume on all my anxiousness goes away and I embody that character. I love being able to create memories for children and I cherish the memories I’ve made in the kingdom.”
Ashleigh
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Ashleigh currently works for her own care business. She enjoys theatre, music and all things disney of course. She has achieved a level 6 (A level equivalent) in singing and a grade 5 in drumming. She has always enjoyed performing, and used to partake in summer productions at the Grand Opera House York, as well as being hand picked from these auditions to play a part in a short film produced by York St John's. As a child Ashleigh spent 7 years doing dance, as well as specialising in ballet for a year.
Ashleigh has loved being a cast member and says 'honestly this job is a dream come true. When you know you have made a little princesses/prince's day. Seeing all of the children singing, dancing and playing games together is such a rewarding thing and I am very proud to be part of this wonderful and inspiring team. It really is a magical experience for all involved'.
When not working with those in need or twirling in princess ball gowns, Ashleigh enjoys fitness activities and travelling to new destinations around the globe.
Ashleigh is DBS checked, First Aid trained and safeguarding trained.
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“Working at the Kingdom is a dream come true, which little girl doesn’t grow up wishing they were a princess!? And now it’s my privilege to help make other children’s dreams come true at parties and events by meeting the beautiful princesses they love. Working for the Kingdom is the most fun I’ve had in years, it feels like a little magical family”.
Becky
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Becky is originally from the North East of England but has now lived in York for 8 years. Becky has loved helping people since She was a young girl and has worked in care and rehabilitation since the age of 18. Helping people of all ages reach their goals and dreams has always been important to her.
Becky developed her love and obsession with Disney from her mother, as a young girl Becky watched all the movies and the music was always playing around the house.
When Beckys not working or spending time at the kingdom She loves spending time with her nieces, nephews and friends, along with being pampered and exploring nature. Becky is DBS checked, First Aid trained and safeguarding trained.
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“Working at the Kingdom is a dream come true, which little girl doesn’t grow up wishing they were a princess!? And now it’s my privilege to help make other children’s dreams come true at parties and events by meeting the beautiful princesses they love. Working for the Kingdom is the most fun I’ve had in years, it feels like a little magical family”.
Amy
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Amy, 23, has been a freelance actor for the past 4 years and specialises in Street and Family Theatre. She has multiple qualifications in Acting and has worked all over the country, she even worked for Father Christmas himself all the way in Lapland, Finland.
Amy has run her own entertainment teams at a variety of venues from theme parks to Leeds City Councils recent events. Amy has always had a huge passion for theatre and performing, from 4 years old she was telling all her teachers she wanted to be on the stage!
In recent years Amy has begun writing her own events and shows, from pantomimes to dance shows and even ghost walks. She plans to one day own her own immersive theatre company.
Amy has a huge love for Disney and the art of making dreams come true. Her favourite princess in a certain fiery Scottish red head, Merida, I wonder if you can guess why?
Amy is DBS checked and has an abundance of experience working with school groups and scouts in both educational and entertainment settings.
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“Everyone wants a little bit of magic in their lives and I adore having the chance to be the one to bring some! There’s nothing like seeing people light up when their favourite princess walks into their events or parties, it’s magical to see and it’s why I love doing what I do!”
Jess
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I'm a full time student at the University of York studying environmental science and I have worked as a character performer for nearly 3 years before joining Fairytale Encounters. I love reading, sustainability and hiking, and of course I love disney and musical theatre! I play netball and am involved in many societies at university, including dog society, my college netball club and environment society. I have previous work experience as a classroom assistant for Razzmatazz Theatre Schools Newcastle and as a babysitter. I am a former head student from my time at school and often get involved with many charity events, including being team captain for my team twice in Cancer Research's Relay for Life in Jarrow. I have performed since the age of 3 in competitive dancing and have trained in musical theatre until I was 17. I am a razzmatazz scholarship winner for the Stage magazine, being awarded both first and second place in different years. Some of my previous roles in shows have been Annie in Annie, Elle Woods in legally blonde, Rumpleteazer in Cats and Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act. I have performed in many venues across the UK, including the 02 arena in London and Her Majesty's Theatre in London. I have also starred in short film roles working on set professionally. I also enjoy to play piano and have taken lessons for four.
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“It's so rewarding to live out every girls little dream which is to be a princess and with this job I am able to live out my childhood dream. I love this job as I have the ability to bring joy to children's faces and to spread magic. Being a character performer has allowed me to make magical and cherished memories for the little ones that will last a lifetime. I am really looking forward to continue my work in a job I love. “
Helen
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Helen does a lot of work behind the scenes working on alterations and the upkeep of costumes and anything else with a needle. Helen is known for making our wonderful winter wear for our Characters and improving our mascots making them one of a kind.
Helen always had a love for Disney and got all the films for April to watch growing up, like mother like daughter Helen was also a dancer and was so pleased to pass on her passion to April. Helen passed all her IDTA Ballet and tap exams as well as performing in many dance shows.
Helen is DBS checked, safe guided and first aid trained
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“It has been so lovely watching Fairytale Encounters grow over the years and it brings me great pleasure seeing April make dreams come true knowing it’s also making her dreams come true. I love being part of the team and being a character myself so I can also make the magic”
Claire
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Claire’s journey at Fairytale Encounters started at the very beginning when April started the company. Claire has always been there to provide support and advice in all aspects of the business. Claire was honoured when April asked her to become part of the kingdom as a character assistant.
Claire is a massive Disney lover herself and going to the parties with the princesses makes her feel the magic just like she feels in the theme park.
When Claire isn’t working or helping out at the kingdom she is a very proud mum to Cameron who is 7 years old and is step mum to April along with Connor April’s brother. Claire Loves animals and owns her own bird of prey center with Andrew, April’s dad, with over 100 birds of prey, goats, parrots, guinea pigs, and a dog!
Claire is first aid trained.
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“For me (being a mum myself) it’s about seeing the children’s faces light up and the absolute magic and joy April and her cast brings to them.”
