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.
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.
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.
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.
James is without a doubt the most talented musician, composer, performer and creative mind I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He has taken the quality of our music and production to a whole new level. This is certainly the start of a beautifully creative relationship.
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!
5* show. Best Pantomime in the country! James Harrison is a musical genius. He’s brought a 3 dimensional sound to this show. He’s an incredible musician. There are many levels to his talents. Of course he can play the piano to the level of a concert pianist, the best in the world, stunning. But most cleverly of all, he underscores this entire production with the most beautiful piano, giving it an extra edge that I’ve truly never seen before. His band are constantly showcased, what a great idea to have the band in the boxes, to be able to see them, not just hear them! He even gets to show off at the end on stage! This guy truly is a genius.
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.
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.
Wow. This track is EPIC! Epic I say! I wanted a different arrangement of a popular song made from scratch for a new comedy routine I had in mind. James listened to the vague concept I had for the music, expanded on it and worked his magic. I ended up with an original orchestration so much better than I could have ever imagined. His work is meticulous and faultless. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. Terrific.