Originally from Northern Ireland, James read music at St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Not only a lecturer at MGA James is also Musical Director for a number of MGA productions.

James was musical supervisor for the UK number one tour of Legally Blonde for UK Productions and his recent credits as a musical director include a production of Pippin at the Guildford School of Acting, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats for Royal Caribbean International, Rufus Norris’s acclaimed production of Cabaret starring Will Young, and the long running tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for Bill Kenwright Ltd.

James has a wealth of Musical director credits including the UK premiere of John Bucchino’s Its Only Life (Against the Tide Theatre Company/Brighton Fringe), Disneys Beauty and the Beast (UK Productions), Rockin Horses, headlined by Michael Ball (Playhouse Theatre, London – MD and arranger) and Fings Aint Wot They Used tBe, Treasure Island (Westcliff Palace Theatre).

James Pantomime credits include Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk, Snow White, Aladdin and Cinderella (Bradford Alhambra) for Crossroads Pantomimes, Peter Pan (Sunderland Empire) and Snow White (Blackpool Grand) for UK Productions, Aladdin and Snow White (Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl), Snow White and Sleeping Beauty (Oakengates Theatre, Telford) and Cinderella (Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare) for Paul Holman Associates. He also spent two seasons as musical director of Scandinavia’s largest circus, Cirkus Arena, including royal command performances for the Danish royal family, television broadcasts and a top ten album.

James has also extensive work on cruise ships around the world.

Since joining MGA James has been Musical Director for productions including Thoroughly Modern Millie and Sweet Charity.

Music Lecturer

Bio coming soon!

Senior Singing Lecturer

Gerard taught at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and also worked as Vocal Consultant for Paul Spyker Management. Over the years he has employed his services as a Vocal Coach for several Leading West End Artists including, Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman, Matthew Rawle, Rufus Hound, Samantha Bond and Dean Collinson.

He has effectively instructed and mentored through the rehabilitation of voice problems.

Music Lecturer

Linda is a freelance Musical Director, Pianist, Vocal Coach and Arranger based in Edinburgh. She also
teaches voice and piano for Edinburgh City Council schools, and on a freelance basis in Edinburgh.

Credits include: Music Director / Vocal Coach for Imagine Theatre; Deputy Keys on Wicked (National Tour); Music Director / Conductor Mamma Mia! (Royal Caribbean International); Music Director / Vocal Coach Howden Theatre; Ginger Monologues (Edinburgh Fringe); MGA Sumer School ‘Mary Poppins’; Carnegie, A Star-Spangled Scotchman (Edinburgh Fringe World Premier); The Producers (Churchill Theatre); Box Office Diva (Byre Theatre); Bard on Broadway (Oran Mor); Avenue Q (Assembly at the Fringe); RTÉ Tops of the Town (Gaiety Theatre, Dublin)

Linda trained at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Edinburgh University, and Trinity College of Music,
London, and is currently completing training with Estill Voice International.

Published 30/11/23   12:34PM

Graduates turn dreams into reality with new theatre company

MGA alumni in the spotlight after creating new theatre company ALUMNI from one of Scotland’s top performing arts academies have started their own theatre company following their recent graduation this summer. David Gardner and Will Robertson had dreams of starting their own theatre company since meeting during their BA (Hons)… » Read more

Published 22/11/23   1:32PM

Applications for September 2024 Now Open!

Apply for a course at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts and be part of something extraordinary! Our first auditions for our 2024 intake will be held in Livingston on Monday 15th January 2024! See below for information about all our course levels and apply today! Read More

Published 24/5/23   3:40PM

'Strictly' stars inspire next generation!

Our lucky Musical Theatre and Dance students were treated to an unforgettable experience as performers from Strictly Ballroom: The Musical took a break from touring and brought the glitz and glamour of ballroom dancing to life The MGA Academy of Performing Arts last week! Kevin Clifton, BBC Strictly Come Dancing… » Read more

Get in touch

Phone: 0330 058 0656

General enquiries/student information: info@themgaacademy.com

Office address:  Barbara Ritchie House, Livingston, West Lothian, United Kingdom
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