JAMES LEE

Director | Performer | Designer

James Lee Instagram
James Lee Facebook
James Lee LinkedIn

Born and raised in Geelong, James Lee discovered his passion for performance early, joining GSODA Juniors in 1979 for Concept ’79 and Dreamlover. What began on the local stage has grown into an extraordinary career spanning more than 35 years as a musical-theatre and cabaret performer, voice-over artist, director, and designer — and Lyric is proud to welcome him home.

After returning to Geelong, James made his Lyric directorial debut in 2025 with Mamma Mia!, which went on to become a record-breaking, sold-out season celebrated by both critics and audiences. Reviewers praised the production as “sparkling and effervescent… overflowing with colour and heart” (Entertainment Geelong), while The Prompt Side Podcast hailed it as “so, so, so good — maybe the best show ever.”

Next, James will direct Lyric’s 2026 season of Beauty and the Beast, continuing his long-standing commitment to creating theatre that captivates, inspires and delights.

James’ professional stage career spans Australia’s most celebrated productions. His mainstage credits include:

  • Les Misérables (Cameron Mackintosh) – Combeferre / Bamatabois

  • Miss Saigon (Cameron Mackintosh) – Schultz

  • The Phantom of the Opera (Cameron Mackintosh)

  • Fiddler on the Roof (TML Enterprises) – three years understudying Topol

  • The Wizard of Oz (VCA & Sue Farrelly)

  • 42nd Street (Helen Montague) – Mac / Doc / Thug

  • Eureka the Musical (Essgee)

  • Bye Bye Birdie & High Society (The Production Company)

  • Annie the Musical (Gordon Frost Organisation)

  • Privates on Parade (New Theatre) – Captain Terri Dennis

  • Jerry Springer the Opera (Sydney Opera House) – premiere Australian concert version

In 2010, James received a Sydney Theatre Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical for his acclaimed portrayal of Molina in Kiss of the Spiderwoman (Gaiety Theatre / Darlinghurst Theatre Company).

In 2014–15, he created the role of Captain Woodenhead in Andy Griffith’s The 26-Storey Treehouse (CDP), touring to 55 cities around Australia.

James went on to play Harry in the acclaimed My Fair Lady (Opera Australia / GFO) 60th Anniversary production directed by Dame Julie Andrews.

Further stage highlights include The Producers (Altitude Theatre Company) as Roger De Bris, The Great Gatsby (Viral Ventures Global) as Meyer Wolfsheim, two seasons of La Cage aux Folles (Showtune Productions) understudying Albin, George, Deputy Dindon, and Jacob, Parade (Soundworks Productions) as Old Soldier / Judge Roan, and Into the Woods (Geelong Lyric Theatre Society) as Narrator / Mysterious Man.

A Career on the Stage and Beyond

Creative Direction and Design

As a director and designer, James is known for his clarity of vision, strong storytelling, and ability to bring out the best in performers. His directing credits include:

  • The World Goes Round (TKS)

  • Rats & Bielke (Short, Sweet and Song)

  • Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Queensland Conservatorium of Music)

  • Numerous national charity concerts and corporate productions.

In 1999, James created Hats Off! with Oz Showbiz Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, directing and co-producing the first two and final concerts with Margi de Ferranti, later joined by Trevor Ashley for the final concert in 2019.

He also worked as a segment director alongside choreographer Ian Knowles for the Sydney 2002 Gay Games Opening Ceremony.

Cabaret, Corporate & Television Work

In cabaret, James has enjoyed two successful seasons of Being James Lee at Chapel Off Chapel in Melbourne and appeared at Showqueen Sunday Sydney.

He is also a regular performer with corporate acts including The Three Waiters, Hypnotwist, Tenors Undercover, and The Leading Men.

Television appearances include numerous commercials and a recurring role as Constable McLean in Rafferty’s Rules (Channel 7).

James also served on the National Judging Panel for Wakakirri, supporting creative storytelling and performance development in schools nationwide.

Returning Home to Geelong

Returning to his hometown has allowed James to reconnect with the community that first nurtured his love of theatre. His work with Geelong Lyric Theatre Society — both as a performer and director — has been described as transformative, combining professional excellence with genuine mentorship and generosity of spirit.

Following the success of Mamma Mia!, anticipation is already building for his next Lyric production, Beauty and the Beast (2026) — a story of love, transformation, and the enduring magic of theatre.

In the media