IT'S A MUSICALS THING
CODA - Who are we?
CODA is a dynamic, award-winning musical theatre duo bringing a proper touch of West End magic to stages across the UK. Featuring the soaring soprano vocals of Carley Dawson alongside the rich baritone of Mark “The Man in the Hat” James, the pair have built a reputation for performances that are as stirring as they are unforgettable.
The roots of CODA trace back to 2017, when Mark first crossed paths with fellow performer Gemma Ashley while judging on the BBC One primetime show All Together Now. Although the spark of collaboration was there, it wasn’t until 2022 that their shared love of musical theatre—and a genuine passion for connecting with audiences—led to the creation of CODA.
Their debut touring show, Songs from Stage and Screen, opened in 2023 to a sold-out crowd at the Shaftesbury Fringe in Dorset, setting the tone for what was to come. Since then, CODA has gone from strength to strength, delighting audiences nationwide, appearing as guest performers at prestigious venues including Warner Hotels, and headlining their own theatrical productions with growing acclaim.
In 2024, they returned triumphantly to the Shaftesbury Fringe, earning runner-up for Best Show as voted by audiences—no small feat in a festival brimming with talent. Impressively, they repeated this success again in 2025, firmly cementing their place as audience favourites.
After three successful years touring together, Gemma took her final bow as part of CODA in December 2025, ending on a high with yet another sold-out performance. She passed the torch to the exceptionally talented Carley Dawson, who has since made the role entirely her own. With her warm, engaging presence and beautifully pure vocals, Carley has continued to elevate the CODA experience, winning over audiences wherever she performs.
Today, CODA continues to enchant theatre lovers across the country with their signature blend of powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of theatrical flair. With an ever-growing fanbase and a packed touring schedule, each performance promises an evening that leaves audiences thoroughly entertained—and always wanting just one more song.
Join CODA on their journey and experience the magic of musical theatre like never before!
Carley Dawson
Carley Dawson is a classical crossover singer with over 15 years experience as a musician. Carley trained in singing with Justin Lavender, head of music at Royal Academy of Music, London, and completed her advanced performers certificate in Singing with Guildhall, London. She obtained her Masters Degree in Theatre in 2019 and her BA Hons Degree in Performing Arts and Music in 2014. Alongside her training Carley has performed with some of the top professionals in the industry including Jon Andrews, Jonathan Prentice, and David Habbin (from Amici Forever), and has performed in many acting productions both nationally and internationally.
Carley went on to sing for events whilst running a theatre company in the field of mental health and wellbeing; producing and directing touring work across schools, theatres, and to the West End. Carley obtained her Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, and worked as a qualified Performing Arts Lecturer across BTEC and A-Level Performing Arts and Music, and taught as a vocal and drama teacher for over 15 years across stage schools.
Carley now proudly continues her performance career and is founder of The Performing Arts Institute.
Mark #ManInTheHat James
Mark “The Man in the Hat” James is a dynamic and multi-talented performer, vocal coach, and creative whose career spans performance, education, modelling, voice work, and writing. Best known as the baritone half of the award-winning musical theatre duo CODA, Mark has become a recognisable and much-loved figure on stages across the UK, celebrated for both his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence.
Based in the South West, Mark began his career as a vocalist and teacher, starting with lessons from home before opening his own music school in 2014. Fully qualified as both a musical theatre performer and singing teacher, he quickly established himself as a leading vocal coach. In 2015, he was nominated for the prestigious PJ Proby Student of the Year award during his studies at Voice College, where he achieved an Upper Merit for his Diploma in CCM Singing Teaching.
Mark’s reputation as a vocal expert has taken him across the UK and internationally, working with students throughout Europe and the USA. He has served as Master Vocal Coach for River Studio in Southampton and is the preferred vocal coach for Evolved Artist Management. His students range from complete beginners to gold record-selling artists, reflecting both his versatility and the trust placed in his expertise.
In 2018, Mark founded ROK!T, one of the South West’s fastest-growing choirs. Built on his belief that music should be accessible to everyone, ROK!T places emphasis on enjoyment and community while maintaining high musical standards.
That same year, Mark rose to national prominence as a regular judge on the BBC One primetime show All Together Now. Instantly recognisable for the hat he wore in every episode, he quickly became a fan favourite. Following a wave of attention on social media asking about “the man in the hat,” his now-signature persona—and hashtag—#ManInTheHat was born.
Alongside his work on stage and in education, Mark has also featured as a model in campaigns including Tesco Mobile, further showcasing his on-screen presence. His talents extend into voice acting, where his distinctive tone and delivery have lent themselves to a variety of projects.
Mark is also an accomplished playwright. His deeply moving and multi award-winning play Dear Mother, published by Stage Scripts, has earned critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth, highlighting yet another dimension of his creative ability.
Committed to continual growth, Mark continues his vocal training with the London Singing School, ensuring his performance work remains at the highest level.
With a career defined by passion, versatility, and a genuine connection with audiences, Mark James continues to inspire both on and off the stage—whether performing, teaching, or creating new work.