Hilary James became a professional singer after completing a degree in fine art at Reading University. She has recorded five solo albums and various collaborations with her partner Simon Mayor. With Mayor, she developed a keen interest in writing and performing music for children and has written for children's programmes on BBC radio and television (see "Greenclaws") and for her own "Musical Mystery Tour" series of albums for children. In 2011 she co-wrote (with Mayor) and illustrated two children's rhyming story books for Top That! publishing. Richard Collins is a multi-instrumentalist primarily known for his skill on the 5 string banjo. He won the UK banjo championship three years in succession and has played with many British Bluegrass bands and touring American artists. He has appeared as both actor and musician with The Royal Shakespeare Company and is a trained piano tuner and restorer.