James Shaw
Actor
James is a multi-hyphenate artist with over two and a half decades of experience in the entertainment industry that has taken him around the world from the USA to Asia and the Middle East. He is an actor, singer, director, writer and casting consultant who has collaborated on large long running musicals as well as innovative new works and creative developments.
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James is a Queensland born performer who trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and has performed, directed, written, and collaborated in the development of new works and long running shows.
Highlights including Chicago (NAMCO), Rent (QPAC/MWE), Little Shop of Horrors (Tivoli Theatre), Cabaret (HOTA), Spring Awakening (Underground Broadway), Bare (Woodward Productions), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (HRTC), the Australian premiere of Titanic at the Theatre Royal Sydney (Seabiscuit Productions), and one of his favourite shows, Jekyll and Hyde (IHP/Arts Centre Gold Coast) opposite the late Rob Guest.
James played The Wizard in Matt Ward Entertainments production of Wicked, and Dad in Billy Elliot. In 2020 James was set to appear opposite Anthony Warlow as Major Holmes in The Secret Garden (GFO/Opera Australia) before it's cancellation due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
He played the title role of David W. Young's new musical The Happy Prince, based on Oscar Wilde’s short story. A live recording of the performance at Metro Arts can be found on the shows website and all streaming platforms. He also appeared opposite Grammy and Tony nominated Broadway star Shoshana Bean in Secret Broadway at HOTA.
He directed the sell out season of Mamma Mia! at Toowoomba's Empire Theatre, and served as Associate Director for Priscilla Queen of the Dessert alongside Trevor Ashley, and Beautiful the Musical opposite Johanna Allen. He assisted Director Tim Hill on Ad Astras critically acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along in 2024. He has toured with Nickelodeon, The Wiggles, and Smurfs Live, as well as performing at Tokyo Disney, Universal Studios Japan, The Lord Mayors Christmas Carols Brisbane River Stage, and Cunard's Queen Victoria.
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As The Narrator, James Shaw’s presence anchors the production. Offering both guidance and wry commentary, he is an essential thread in the fabric of the show. Shaw’s deadpan delivery, laced with just the right hint of knowing irony, brings a subtle humour to the role.
Sarah Skubala - The Scoop | Read Full Review
James Shaw, doubling as the Narrator and Mysterious Man, is suave, grounded, and quietly ethereal. He bridges the story and the audience with ease; always observing just outside the unfolding action.
Stage Buzz Brisbane | Read full review
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Upcoming Ad Astra Productions
Past Ad Astra Productions
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Chicago (NAMCO)
Rent (QPAC/MWE)
Little Shop of Horrors (Tivoli Theatre)
Cabaret (HOTA)
Spring Awakening (Underground Broadway)
Bare (Woodward Productions)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (HRTC)
Titanic at the Theatre Royal Sydney - Australian Premiere (Seabiscuit Productions)
Jekyll and Hyde (IHP/Arts Centre Gold Coast)
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Queensland Conservatorium of Music
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