Described as a ‘triple threat theatre artist’, who worked on high-profile productions including The Lion King, Aladdin, Chicago and the Melbourne Theatre Company’s (MTC) recent production of My Brilliant Career, James Simpson died unexpectedly in the week before Christmas. The musical director, arranger and orchestrator was 37.
Simpson was a talented musician and orchestrator who studied at Yarra Valley Grammar School in the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Ringwood, joining the school in Grade 5 and swiftly having his abilities recognised by the music and drama teachers.
