Following last year’s philosophical exploration of the Bard’s canon, James has returned to the director’s chair once again. This time, however, rather than wrestling with the complexities of iambic pentameter, he has been tasked with bringing some sense to a rock musical packed with toilet gags and some of the greatest rock anthems of the 1980s.
Although James has previously directed musicals as part of his role within the education system — including Bugsy Malone, Return to the Forbidden Planet and Little Shop of Horrors — Rock of Ages marks his first time bringing a musical to the Talisman stage.
James has a background in drama teaching, having spent over sixteen years teaching at a number of secondary schools across Warwickshire. Alongside this, he has formal training in stage combat and has enjoyed opportunities working within the stunt and action departments of the film industry, helping to choreograph and perform fight sequences on screen. Look him up on IMDb — he has five credits, don’t you know!
A lover of comedy, James enjoys flexing his comic muscles — mainly because he’s never managed to develop any real muscles — through writing and the occasional stand-up appearance. Several of his original scripts, including The Profanity Department and Saving The Species, have been performed at the Talisman Fringe nights at the Holiday Inn and featured at the One Act Play Festival at The Bear Pit Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
James is also one of the founding members of the Made In 48 Hours theatre company, which has now been operating for over 20 years and has helped raise thousands of pounds for local charities. His involvement, he admits, is largely due to being enthusiastically swept along in the wake of his endlessly creative wife — albeit with only minimal moaning!
He is thoroughly enjoying bringing Rock of Ages to life alongside such a talented cast, incredible musicians, and a hugely supportive production team. He hopes audiences enjoy watching the show just as much as the company are enjoying putting it on stage.
Book your tickets for Rock of Ages here – show run is Monday 22nd June to Saturday 27th June 2026:
Talisman Theatre – Rock of Ages Tickets