I’m a composer, musical director, performer and sound designer. I work predominantly in theatre but I am also active as a copyist having worked with two leading BBC Orchestras, BBC Radio One and Mercury prize winning band, The XX. I studied at the University of Hull, finishing with a masters (MMus) in Conducting and Composition. Currently I am based between London and Hull, making work in both cities. Hull in particular is a city I have an immense affiliation with and am proud to be making so much work there with Middle Child Theatre and Hull Truck Theatre.

I think it is so important to have a full knowledge of theatre and music combined, and I’m a strong believer in the old school methods where a musician in theatre can do everything. I have often found myself doing a combination of performing, musical directing, arranging, composing, orchestrating and sound designing. As a performer I sing, play piano, guitar, bass guitar and even a tad of bassoon.

Often I have been involved in creating new work – both devising or new writing and this has led me to be really passionate about theatre being accessible to everyone. I enjoy working in all types of theatre, and have a real passion for it to be seen by the widest possible audience, and ultimately that everyone has a good night out.

James is represented by Dan Usztan at United Agents.