Composer, orchestrator, arranger, and musical director Benjamin Kwasi Burrell brings a wealth of experience from the jazz world and boasts a distinguished theatrical background. Benjamin’s musical prowess is evident in his compositions and arrangements, showcased prominently in productions such as Shelagh Delaney’s A TASTE OF HONEY at the National Theatre in London and the acclaimed play SMALL ISLAND, adapted from Andrea Levy’s novel, where he served as composer and musical director.

Benjamin holds the position of musical director for The House and Garage Orchestra and has lent his talents to the biographical production GET UP, STAND UP! THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL at the Lyric Theatre, which chronicles the legendary reggae singer’s journey from Jamaica to international acclaim. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, Benjamin was honored with the Musical Director Recognition Award at the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards in 2019.

Recently, Benjamin crafted an evocative score for director Sam Mendes for the National Theatre / Neal Street Productions play THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE.

With his finely honed craftsmanship and versatile stylistic range, Benjamin is now making a significant impact in the realm of film and television. His exceptional talent shines through in the creation of a uniquely superb original score for the Douglas Road Productions / ITV six-part drama series THREE LITTLE BIRDS, written by Lenny Henry. The series portrays the experiences of his mother Winifred as part of the Windrush generation arriving in Britain from Jamaica.

Composer, orchestrator, arranger, and musical director Benjamin Kwasi Burrell brings a wealth of experience from the jazz world and boasts a distinguished theatrical background. Benjamin’s musical prowess is evident in his compositions and arrangements, showcased prominently in productions such as Shelagh Delaney’s A TASTE OF HONEY at the National Theatre in London and the acclaimed play SMALL ISLAND, adapted from Andrea Levy’s novel, where he served as composer and musical director.

Benjamin holds the position of musical director for The House and Garage Orchestra and has lent his talents to the biographical production GET UP, STAND UP! THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL at the Lyric Theatre, which chronicles the legendary reggae singer’s journey from Jamaica to international acclaim. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, Benjamin was honored with the Musical Director Recognition Award at the inaugural Black British Theatre Awards in 2019.

Recently, Benjamin crafted an evocative score for director Sam Mendes for the National Theatre / Neal Street Productions play THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE.

With his finely honed craftsmanship and versatile stylistic range, Benjamin is now making a significant impact in the realm of film and television. His exceptional talent shines through in the creation of a uniquely superb original score for the Douglas Road Productions / ITV six-part drama series THREE LITTLE BIRDS, written by Lenny Henry. The series portrays the experiences of his mother Winifred as part of the Windrush generation arriving in Britain from Jamaica.

Film

2021 – Mikes House [short]
Directed by Jack Ryder
Arts Ed Films

2021 – Saving Connor [short]
Directed by Jack Ryder
Arts Ed Films

2020 – Shortcut
Directed by Alessio Liguori
Play Entertainment

2020 – Shiney [short film]
Directed by Paul Holbrook
Shunk Films /BFI

2019 – Inheritance [short film]
Directed by Gabriella Blumberg
Met Film School

2018 – Lipstick
Directed by Sydney Van Gelder
Met Film School

TV

2023 – Three Little Birds
Directed by Darcia Martin, Charles McDougall, Yero Timi-Biu
Douglas Road Productions / Tiger Aspect Productions / ITV

2017 – Guerilla [additional music]
Directed by John Ridley
ABC Signature / Fifty Fathoms Productions

 

Theatre

2023 – The Motive and the Cue [Composer]
Directed by Sam Mendes
National Theatre

2021 – Get Up, Stand Up [Co-Musical Director]
The Lyric Theatre

2021 – Coventry Moves [Composer / Musical Director]
Coventry City of Culture

2020 – Dick Wittington [Musical Director / Additional Composition / Arranger]
Directed by Ned Bennett
National Theatre

2019 – Small Island [Composer / Musical Director]
Directed by Rufus Norris
National Theatre

2019 – A Taste of Honey [Composer / Musical Director]
Directed by Bijan Sheibani
The Lowry

2017 – Lady Day [Assistant Musical Director]
Directed by Lonny Price
Wyndham’s Theatre

2017- One Love [Assistant Musical Director]
Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah
Birmingham Rep

2015 – Memphis The Musical [Assistant Musical Director]
Shaftesbury Theatre

2011 – A Clockwork Orange [Assistant Musical Director]
Directed by Dawn Reid
Theatre Royal Stratford East

 

Awards

2019 – Music Director Recognition Award
Black British Theatre Awards