Dave's love affair with musical theatre began at a young age when he became involved with 'Orbit Theatre', a Cardiff based company, producing musicals regularly at Cardiff's New Theatre. He performed in countless of shows with 'Orbit' including Guys & Dolls, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Follies, Gypsy, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, The King & I, Me & My Girl, Fame, to name a few. David was also seen directing the company & orchestra from his drum chair during a highly acclaimed production of Cabaret - just at the age of 17!
An Invitation from American conductor Robert Mandell soon followed to record with the legendary (George) Melachrino Strings & Orchestra. Subsequently, this led to Dave being appointed Principal Drum Kit/Percussionist with the orchestra, performing and recording music from the world of the stage & screen throughout the U.K. It was his work with the Melachrino Orchestra that was to greatly influence David's interest and desire to work in Musical Theatre.
'...One of my very favourite Timpanists that I have worked with'
David was then asked to join the original orchestrator & musical supervisor of the hit West End musical, Les Misιrables, John Cameron, to play with his orchestra in a series of concerts & recordings performing with stars from the West End.
Anthony Inglis, Musical Supervisor (Phantom of the Opera, London -'92) & International Conductor
Whilst still being a student at London's Royal Academy of Music, David began working with the Really Useful Group's touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice's Joseph & His Technicolor Dreamcoat. This lead to invitations to play with the West End & touring production of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, London.
an absolute delight to work with who can also draw the very best sounds out of a set of timpani.
Richard Balcombe, Musical Director, Phantom of the Opera, London (1991 93)
Following his graduation from the Academy and a short spell back in Cardiff working with the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra, Dave moved abroad to join the European tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical, Cats.
'...David's contribution to the show (Cats) was quite startling! Never before have I encountered a percussionist who plays with such a sense of occasion, wit, musicality and style.'
Roger Ward, Musical Supervisor & Conductor, 'CATS'
Upon David's return to the U.K he began working on a number of musicals, including tours of Crazy For You (original touring production), Fame (original touring production), South Pacific, West Side Story, Annie as well as returning to work with the London production's of Les Mis and Phantom.
In April 2005, David joined the hugely successful U.K tour of Disney's/UK Productions' hit musical, Beauty and the Beast, where he remained for 3 years before joining the musical, Dr Dolittle, starring the legendary Tommy Steele, which toured the UK from Sept '07 to August '08.
David is a Roland Musical Instruments Artist
