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Nigel Lilley

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BIO

Nigel Lilley is a British musical director, arranger, and conductor who has worked extensively in the West End and on Broadway. He was born in London and began his career as a pianist and musical director in regional theaters across the UK.


Lilley's West End credits include serving as musical director and conductor for productions such as "Les Misérables," "Miss Saigon," "The Phantom of the Opera," "Mary Poppins," and "Billy Elliot." His work on "Les Misérables" earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Best Musical Director. He also served as the musical supervisor for the West End production of "The Bodyguard," which starred Heather Headley and was based on the popular Whitney Houston film.
Lilley has also worked extensively on Broadway, serving as the musical director for productions such as "Monty Python's Spamalot," "A Little Night Music," and "Matilda the Musical." He earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Orchestrations for his work on "A Little Night Music." Lilley also served as the musical supervisor for the Broadway production of "The Secret Garden" and the Off-Broadway production of "Giant."
In addition to his work in theater, Lilley has also worked as a musical director for several recording artists. He served as the musical director for the UK tour of "Elaine Paige and Friends" and for the album "Elaine Paige and Friends Celebrate Christmas." Lilley also worked with the Spice Girls as their musical director for their reunion tour in 2007.
Lilley's most recent work includes serving as the musical supervisor for the West End production of "The Prince of Egypt," which premiered in February 2020. He also served as the musical supervisor for the UK tour of "The Addams Family" in 2017 and the West End production of "The Girls" in 2017.
Throughout his career, Lilley has established himself as a highly respected musical director and arranger in the theater industry.

Productions

 
[West End, 2024]
Musical Supervisor
 
[West End, 2022]
Musical Supervision, Dance Arrangements & Musical Direction
 
[West End, 2022]
Musical Supervisor
 
[Broadway, 2021]
Music Supervision
 
[West End, 2019] [Replacement]
Music Director[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2018]
Musical Director
 
[West End, 2017]
Musical Director
 
[West End, 2017]
UK Musical Director
 
[West End, 2016]
Musical Director
 
[West End, 2012]
Musical Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Musical Supervisor
Musical Director

Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Achievement In Music

Nigel Lilley, Follies

News


Sondheim's HERE WE ARE Will Make UK Premiere Next Year

Stephen Sondheim's final musical, Here We Are will make its UK premiere at the National Theatre next year. The musical features a score by Sondheim, a book by David Ives, and direction by Joe Mantello.
Full Cast Set For West End Transfer of NEXT TO NORMAL

The Donmar Warehouse production of the Broadway musical Next To Normal has announce its full company ahead of its transfer to the West End’s Wyndham’s Theatre this summer. Learn more about the cast here!
Finalists Revealed For The 2024 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year

The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition – affectionately known as SSSSPOTY – was inaugurated in 2007, and in 2024 returns for its 16th year.
OPENING NIGHT Starring Sheridan Smith Will End its West End Run Early

The new musical John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT will now end its run at the Gielgud Theatre on Saturday 18 May 2024.
Jack Wolfe and Richard Southgate Join SPRING AWAKENING Concert

Final casting has been announced and additional tickets have been released for the 15th Anniversary reunion concert of the original West End production of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING, based on the play by Frank Wedekind.  
Review Roundup: Ivo Van Hove, Rufus Wainwright Musical OPENING NIGHT Opens In London

Read reviews for the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT a new musical with book by Ivo Van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith.
Photos: First Look At Sheridan Smith And More In John Cassavetes' OPENING NIGHT

See photos of the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT a new musical with book by Ivo Van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith.
Photos: First Look at OPENING NIGHT Starring Sheridan Smith

All new photos have been released from the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ OPENING NIGHT, a new musical with book by Ivo Van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith. Check out the photos here!
Listen: Sheridan Smith Performs 'Magic' From New Musical OPENING NIGHT

Performances begin next week for the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night, a new musical with book by Ivo van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright, starring Sheridan Smith. Smith recently appeared on the Front Row podcast from BBC, where she performed the song 'Magic' from the musical. Listen here!
Charlotte Wakefield, Jamie Muscato & More to Star in SPRING AWAKENING 15th Anniversary Reunion Concert in the UK

Initial cast members have been revealed for the 15th Anniversary concert of the original West End production of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING.
SPRING AWAKENING Concert Will Celebrate 15th Anniversary of the Show's Original West End Production

A 15th Anniversary Concert will take place for the original West End production of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning musical SPRING AWAKENING, based on the play by Frank Wedekind.
Benjamin Walker, Rebecca Thornhill, and More Join the Cast of the World Premiere of OPENING NIGHT

Full casting has been announced for the World Premiere of John Cassavetes' OPENING NIGHT, a new musical with book by Ivo van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright.
Shira Haas, Hadley Fraser, Amy Lennox and More Join OPENING NIGHT at the Gielgud Theatre

Further casting has been announced for the World Premiere of John Cassavetes' OPENING NIGHT, a new musical with book by Ivo van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright. Find out who is starring in the show here!
Donmar Warehouse Production of NEXT TO NORMAL Will Transfer to the West End in 2024

The critically acclaimed Donmar Warehouse production of the Broadway musical Next to Normal – which sold every seat at every performance across its season at Donmar Warehouse, where the production made its long-awaited UK Premiere – is to transfer to London's West End.
Sheridan Smith to Star in Ivo van Hove's OPENING NIGHT in 2024

Sheridan Smith is to star in the World Premiere of John Cassavetes’ Opening Night, a new musical with book by Ivo van Hove and music and lyrics by Rufus Wainwright.
Cove Park and Dundee Rep Launch New Musical Theatre Writing Residency and Call For Applications

Cove Park and Dundee Rep Theatre have announced a new residency for musical theatre writers to take place 4-17 March 2024. Learn more about the residency and how to apply here!
Video: Caissie Levy Performs 'I Miss the Mountains' From NEXT TO NORMAL

Michael Longhurst will direct Grammy Award nominee Caissie Levy, Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Jamie Parker, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Jack Ofrecio, Jack Wolfe, and Olivier Award winner and BAFTA nominee Eleanor Worthington-Cox in Next to Normal at the Donmar Warehouse. Check out all new video footage of Caissie Levy performing 'I Miss the Mountains' here!
Photos: First Look at Caissie Levy, Jamie Parker and More in Rehearsal for NEXT TO NORMAL at Donmar Warehouse

Michael Longhurst will direct Grammy Award nominee Caissie Levy, Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Jamie Parker, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Jack Ofrecio, Jack Wolfe, and Olivier Award winner and BAFTA nominee Eleanor Worthington-Cox. The production opens on 22 August, with previews from 12 August, and runs until 7 October. Check out rehearsal photos here!
Milly Willows Wins The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer Of The Year 2023 Competition

Milly Willows from Swansea, in her third year at Italia Conti, beat off stiff competition to be named the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year.
Finalists Revealed for the 15th Annual STEPHEN SONDHEIM SOCIETY Student Performer of the Year 2023 Competition

The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition – affectionately known as SSSSPOTY – was inaugurated in 2007, and in 2023 returns for its 15th year. The gala final will be held, fittingly, in the Sondheim Theatre, on the afternoon of 11 June 2023.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Nigel Lilley been nominated for?

Nigel Lilley has been nominated for the Outstanding Achievement in Music at the Olivier Awards for his work on Follies.

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