Leon Parris

Leon Parris is a British composer, writer, and performer whose boundless creativity and flair have made him a distinctive figure in musical theatre. Born in Bedford, England, Parris has crafted a career filled with enchanting works such as “The Famous Five,” "Monte Cristo" and the beloved "Bananaman." His talent for blending compelling narratives with vibrant musical compositions was noticed at a young age, earning him the prestigious Vivian Ellis Prize in 2000 as the youngest ever winner. He has also won the Warner Chappell Award and the Mercury Workshops Award, among others.

His early work, including "Going Once," showcased Leon’s ability to weave intricate stories with memorable music in dark and often challenging storylines, and his first commissioned musical “The Fallen” was performed when he was just 17. He has continued to captivate audiences ever since, with pieces like "Wolfboy," "Epic Musical," "Stig of the Dump,” “Scary Musical," "Shakespeare's Secret," "Mid-Summer Nightmare," and "Naughty Pour Homme," each reflecting his unique style and innovative approach.

Parris’s work is characterized by a seamless integration of music and storytelling, creating immersive experiences that resonate with audiences. His dedication to his craft and his ability to create new worlds through music and narrative have solidified his reputation as a visionary in the arts, always looking to push boundaries and shake the foundations of musical theatre.

His versatility extends to acting, where he has brought various characters to life on stage and screen, with notable roles in "Desmond’s" and "Casualty." His voice work includes notable projects such as "Earthsearch: Mindwarp," "Doctor Who," "Star Cops," "The Alpha Wolf," and "The Legacy of the Alpha King." Additionally, Parris is an accomplished sound designer with credits including "Doctor Who," "Gallifrey," "OCAS (Obsessive Capital Accumulation Syndrome)," "Call Me Master," and "Duncan’s Inferno." Leon was the youngest member of the Royal Academy of Dancing and is also a trained singer.

Beyond his professional achievements, Leon Parris is a tired but dedicated family man. He is the proud father of three children, and the primary carer to two French Bulldogs and two former stray cats. He attributes his slow but steady descent into madness to fitting in too many jobs into too little time, but he writes songs about it to make him feel better. In his spare time, Leon likes to sleep so he has enough energy to do it all again tomorrow.

Inspired by diverse influences like Five Finger Death Punch, Metallica, and his mother, Leon holds the creators of the original He-Man and Thundercats theme tunes in the highest esteem, and his work reflects a unique blend of his passions and inspirations from the 80s and 90s in particular.

Parris continues to push the boundaries of musical theatre, enchanting audiences with his wild imagination and creative genius. He is currently collaborating on several projects, including a subversive musical pantomime farce that showcases his lighter side and his ability to create anarchic, family-friendly comedy.