Recently
Amélie
Musical Director & Arranger — Mountview actor-musician production, June–July 2026
01Now & Next
Now
Christine Bovill: Piaf
Musical Director & Pianist — UK venues, September–October 2026
Next
Aladdin
Musical Director & Arranger — UK Productions at Bournemouth Pavilion, December 2026
02Selected Work
Four productions, in depth.
Not a list of everything — but some of my favourite projects.
№ 01
Yank! — European premiere to West End transfer
Musical direction of the Zellnik brothers' wartime love story from its critically acclaimed European premiere at Hope Mill into its London transfer — rehearsing two casts, leading the band nightly, maintaining the show across both runs, and working with director James Baker and producer Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment.
★★★★★ Attitude ★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★ The Stage
"James Cleeve's smoothly accomplished musical supervision hits advanced standards."
The Guardian
№ 02
Amélie — actor-musician storytelling
The final show for the graduating third year. I MD'd both casts, wrote additional vocal arrangements, created new orchestrations for the cohort's specific needs, and coached performers playing a wide variety of instruments.
"Thanks for all the brilliant work on such a beautiful show. It was a pleasure to work with you."
Steven Grihault, Director
№ 03
Pinocchio — an original score at the Orange Tree
As well as musical supervision during the run, I wrote the songs and score for the Orange Tree's Christmas production, and created and mastered the performance tracks. Directed by Liam Shea.
"The songs work astonishingly well — a rare feat in fringe musical theatre."
Time & Leisure
№ 04
Abbey Road — conducting on the record
An incredible day preparing and conducting a large choral session to record-release standard. Editing and retakes, working with click tracks, and keeping 450 singers expressive on take twelve! The EP is now up on streaming platforms.
"Recording at Abbey Road was already so special, but working with you made it truly unforgettable."
Charlie Morrison - Founder, West End Musical Choir
03Composition
Writing for the stage.
Alongside writing three original musicals, I've been commissioned to create scores and stand-alone pieces, and won the Iris Theatre Xmas Factor Award.
Premiered 2023 · Musical Bites at The Other Palace
Concert performance 2024 · JW3
Bette & Joan & Baby Jane
Music by James Cleeve, book by Tracy-Ann Oberman & Shaun McKenna, and lyrics by Nikki Racklin. A deep delve into the world of Hollywood grande dames Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, as they grapple with their deep-seated rivalry in the twilight of their careers.
Listen on SoundCloud →
Premiered 2022 · King's Head Theatre
★★★★★ Broadway Baby & Musical Theatre Review
Oh Yes I Am!
Music by James Cleeve, lyrics by Mike Stocks. Premiered at the King's Head Theatre, transferred to the Bread & Roses Theatre. A celebration of the great panto dames, and an exploration of ageing and legacy.
Listen on SoundCloud →
Produced 2021 · Orange Tree Theatre
Pinocchio
Original songs and score for the Orange Tree's Christmas production — "catchy and memorable for kids and adults alike" (Time & Leisure).
Read more →
Published · Nick Hern Books
Emilia — the songs
Compositions written for Mountview's 2019 production of Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's Emilia, now licensed by Nick Hern Books to every company performing the play.
Licensing via Nick Hern Books →
04Education & Young Companies
Training the next company.
I offer musical direction, coaching and workshops across the UK's leading conservatoires and community outreach departments — plus a music therapist's understanding of music's importance in promoting well-being and development.
Institutions
- Mountview
- LAMDA
- Trinity Laban
- Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
- Rose Bruford College
- Italia Conti
- Urdang
- Associated Studios
- Shakespeare's Globe
- ENO Engage
- Glyndebourne Learning & Engagement
- Southbank Centre
- Young Vic Taking Part
- Spitalfields Music
05Collaborators
The room's verdict.
I've worked with a number of exceptional musical directors, and even in an exemplary group James stands out.
Brandon James Gwinn Composer & record producer, New York
James brings a wealth of experience to the table, along with a calm, clear and reassuring approach. Working with him always gives me confidence that everything will run smoothly within our Music Department. He leads his department with care, enthusiasm and a vast amount of talent.
Anthony Williams Executive Pantomime Director, UK Productions
James has a great musical skill in composing, arranging and performing, as well as a wonderful calmness. I wouldn't have trusted anyone else with my cabaret music.
Wendi Peters Actress & singer
06Selected Credits
At a glance.
A curated selection. For the complete record — including cabaret, pantomime and session work — please get in touch for my CV.
2026AmélieMusical Director & ArrangerMountview (actor-musician production)
2026Christine Bovill: Paris RevisitedMusical Director & PianistWilton's Music Hall · Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, Belfast
2025Showtime — 10th-anniversary EPConductorWest End Musical Choir · Studio One, Abbey Road
2025Midnight at the PalaceMusical DirectorGilded Balloon, Edinburgh · ★★★★★ The Scotsman
2024Into the WoodsMusical DirectorLAMDA at the Edinburgh Festival · ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
2024LongitudeMusical DirectorUpstairs at the Gatehouse, London
2023OnceMusical Director & Additional ArrangementsMountview (actor-musician production)
2022Oh Yes I Am!Composer & Musical DirectorKing's Head Theatre · ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
2021PinocchioComposer & Musical DirectorOrange Tree Theatre, Richmond
2019Alice in SunderlandArranger & Musical DirectorNational Theatre Studio
2019EmiliaComposer & Musical DirectorMountview · songs licensed by Nick Hern Books
2018–19Liza Pulman Sings StreisandCover Musical DirectorNational tour
2017Yank!Musical DirectorHope Mill Theatre → Charing Cross Theatre
2016The Sound of MusicAssociate Musical DirectorUK national tour (MD: David Steadman)
2015Ushers: The Front of House MusicalMusical DirectorArts Theatre, West End · ★★★★★ The Scotsman
2012–15Top HatKeyboards & AccordionAldwych Theatre & national tour
07Contact
Let's build the next production together.
- Emailmail@jamescleeve.co.uk
- Phone07841 475286
- AgentGuy James · Access Artiste Management
- ListenSoundCloud
- FollowInstagram · X
