IT'S A MUSICALS THING
CODA - Who are we?
CODA is the award-winning musical theatre duo of soprano Gemma Ashley and baritone Mark "The Man in the Hat" James, who have been captivating audiences across the UK with their electrifying performances. Their story began in 2017 when they met as judges on the BBC One primetime show All Together Now. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that their shared passion for musical theatre and love for connecting with audiences brought them together as CODA.
Their debut touring production, Songs from Stage and Screen, launched in 2023 with a sold-out performance at the Shaftesbury Fringe in Dorset. Since then, CODA has enchanted audiences nationwide, performing as guest acts for prestigious venues like Warner Hotels and headlining their own theatrical productions.
In 2024, CODA returned to the Shaftesbury Fringe, where their show was honored with the runner-up award for Best Show, as voted by audiences—an impressive achievement among hundreds of talented acts.
With performances praised by critics and fans alike, CODA continues to bring their unique blend of soaring vocals, heartfelt emotion, and theatrical flair to venues across the UK. Touring dates extend into 2025, with each show leaving audiences wanting more.
Join CODA on their journey and experience the magic of musical theatre like never before!
Gemma Ashley
Originally from Merseyside Gemma trained as a singer, dancer & actor and has been one of the UK's most requested event and wedding soloists for over 10 years. She has sung at many stunning venues over the years including the Historic Roman Baths, Holkham Hall and The Savoy, London.
Previous to her solo career Gemma had the opportunity to work as a Guest Artist for various cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Holland America wherein she performed in a classical vocal trio. She has also served as the onboard Showteam vocalist for some of the leading and most popular cruise lines.
As well as performing live Gemma has been a session singer for over 15 years and is a popular choice for metal and symphonic rock projects.
Gemma’s contribution in the field of crossover music is simply phenomenal and worth acknowledging. She has been lucky enough to sing the National Anthem at Wembley Stadium twice and has performed all over the world at major concert halls including The Royal Albert Hall.
In December 2016 Gemma released her first Solo album entitled “ Vera Voce”.
Mark #ManInTheHat James
Based in the South West, Mark began his career as a vocalist teaching, working his way up from lessons at home, to opening his own music school in 2014. Mark is qualified as both a musical theatre performer and singing teacher. In 2015 Mark was nominated for the PJ Proby Student of the Year award for his studies at the Voice College where he gained an Upper Merit for his Diploma in CCM Singing teaching.
Mark has gone on to teach all over the UK and even had students across Europe and the USA. He has been the master vocal coach for River Studio, Southampton, and is the preferred Vocal and singing coach of Evolved Artist Management. Students have included all ages and ranges of experience from new starters through to gold record-selling artists.
Mark runs one of the southwest's fastest-growing choirs, ROK!T. Founded in 2018, ROK!T is an extension of Mark's ethos that music should be accessible for everyone, putting more emphasis on fun while making music.
In 2018 Mark appeared on BBC Ones All Together Now as a regular judge on the Saturday night prime time show. Quickly becoming a fan favorite he was easily picked out by the hat he wore in every episode. And after people asked on social media who the man in the hat was, his new persona was born #ManInTheHat.
