Phil Gallagher

I feel really blessed to have met and worked with James Harrison. He is the ultimate professional and incredibly talented! James is clever at working within budget but always delivers an amazing end product. He’s an enthusiastic, creative, positive spirit and equally impressive on stage or from his studio. The variety, depth and quality of his work is outstanding…and I would highly recommend him to anyone.

The Curtain Theatre Reviewers

I was completely blown away by James Harrison, the musical director. He brought incredible energy to the show, engaging with the audience throughout the show in a way I have never seen before. From the moment we took our seats, he and his band led a warm-up that instantly made you feel festive and ready for the magic to begin. Watching him play whilst directing the band and moving with the music was phenomenal. He truly got into every beat, creating a joyful atmosphere. The band created a vibrant, musical heartbeat for the entire show.

The Stage

The not-so-secret ingredient, however, might just be James Harrison, the happiest musical director in the land, who leads a fantastically energetic band from three of the theatre’s boxes in relentlessly upbeat and enlivening songs.

Paul Hendy

I want to say a heartfelt thank you for all your hard work on our shows. You did an incredible job and it was a genuine pleasure collaborating with you. Your professionalism, enthusiasm, energy and dedication is astonishing. Seriously brilliant work, I think you’ve outdone yourself! I’m very proud of the shows, and I will never forget the experience. Thank you!

Phillip Schofield

When I first met James, I hadn’t sung for 17 years, in public, on stage, so I was absolutely terrified. His calm and great nature gently eased me back into the process, and then on stage we had such fun playing about, doing a bit of ‘Jazzy Joseph’. I’ve watched him in control of an incredible band as our musical director, and thought we’re all in very safe hands. He’s made it a really enjoyable experience!

Forge Press

It’s worth highlighting the music in particular – I believe the orchestra can turn good shows into great ones, or potentially average ones. This show was no different, directed by the evidently excellent James Harrison, who was doing just as good a job as a hype man for the kids in the crowd both before and during the show as he did orchestrating the music. This telling of the beloved Aladdin certainly didn’t disappoint. 5* Show.

Northern Arts Review

Musical Director James Harrison gets everyone in the mood, as per usual, with his unmatched energy and enthusiasm! Never have you seen a musical director quite like Harrison before. He always ends up on the stage at some point, and his acting skills are as good as the rest. Many in the audience can be heard celebrating the fact he is back again for another year.

Adele Silva

What can I say about Mr. James Harrison!? He’s extremely, actually quite stupidly talented… he’s very funny, quite a character! Somebody you’ll never forget. I feel quite privileged to have worked with him.

Touker Suleyman

James, I’m so happy that you could be part of the journey with Matchstick Monkey and share in this success together. Amazing work!

CelebrityRadio

5* Show. Musical Director and stunning pianist James Harrison arguably steals the show. He offers remarkable arrangements and seamless mixes which drive this pacey and perfectly produced production.

The Knights Of Music, starring Phillip Schofield

Samantha Barks

Your band were AMAZING! It was such a pleasure singing with you guys!! X

John Altman

James Harrison is one of the best Musical Directors I’ve ever worked with. Not only is he very talented, he’s such great fun to work with, and just a great guy… I even got to jam with him in a club after the show one night!

The Grumbleweeds

Simply put, James is just the best. We enjoy every moment of working with him – From discussing the initial concept to the last note of the finished product – Nothing is left to chance. He is without doubt the very best at what he does. He is the professional’s professional. His insight into music is second to none and his ability is unrivalled anywhere in the industry. For us, he is the first and only choice.

Joanne Clifton

I’ve had such a wonderful fun time with our MD James Harrison. He’s been fantastic! We’ve had fun warm-ups including pilau rice and all blumin’ sorts! We’ve changed up all the fairy rhyming couplets… instead of just saying them, we’ve made them into all the Strictly dance styles! I can’t wait to work with him again.