Andrew MacBean

Theatre is my life. For many years I was Associate Director to Trevor Nunn in London’s West End. Above, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love (Ann Crumb and Michael Ball) — my first professional contract as a director, in both London and New York.

Music and rhythm brings emotion and energy to our lives and dreams. Here, UK superstar Emili Sandé performs within the narrative of the launch of the Jaguar XE. Songs elegantly create the emotional context to brand values, as powerfully as any West End musical.

I had the pleasure of directing Patti Lupone in the original Sydmonton production of Sunset Boulevard, as well as subsequent West End world premiere, with Trevor Nunn. With Sunset, I had the honor to direct Elaine Paige, Betty Buckley, Petula Clark and Glenn Close- London, Los Angeles and New York.

A lifetime creating, show-doctoring and directing. Drama and music degree: Queen’s University, Canada. Trained at Playwrights Horizons and New Dramatists in New York City. Senior member of BMI musical theatre workshop. Directed countless plays, but love the complexity and thrill of musical theatre. Above, associate director of ANYTHING GOES at the Royal National Theatre, London.

Every play and musical we see started with a vision to breath life into an idea. Currently, I have two projects that put fire in my life: FRESA Y CHOCOLATE, based on the award winning Cuban Film, and RAINDOGS, inspired by Lanford Wilson’s Balm in Gilead set in 1969.

Whether Brands or Broadway, my expertise is to create and direct story-driven events: Thrilling experiences, stage-shows, and corporate communications – brought to life with emotion, actors, live music, dance, technology and media.

Example challenge: One-night event at Carnegie Hall, to benefit children with disabilities. Tribute to legendary Chita Rivera, Broadway stars, hosted by Seth Rudetsky. Needed: Story, concept and structure. Solution: Talented performers coping with disabilities- their truth, real stories and lives bonding and inspiring an evening of standing ovations.

It’s a joy to create unique, extraordinary presentations. In one particular challenge, we transformed a boardroom into a family living room. I created a story with characters gathering to watch a Premiership football game. No Powerpoint …but the pitch won the client the £6 million deal! And music, always a great inspiration.

There is so much joy in teaching, particularly when younger talents are passionate about theatre. I created the original framework and syllabus for the Central School of Speech and Drama’s Musical Theatre programme and have taught, directed and given masterclasses from London to Los Angeles.

Some projects are small, but some require execution on a massive scale with many pieces to the puzzle. This requires skills, expertise, diplomacy and experience. In this photo (Madison Square Garden) I creative-directed a show for Coca-Cola’s shareholders and employees, broadcast worldwide, hosted by Donald Sutherland, Dave Chapelle with a cast of over 100.

A time-traveling drama to launch a new Jaguar? This introduced the new XE, positioning the Jaguar brand for the future and honoring its incredible legacy. The live audience of 4,500 were moved to tears, and the event was #1 Twitter Trend globally in those 24 hrs. Who doesn’t love a bit of romance? Theatre or […]