James graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a degree in Set and Costume Design before attending the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in Art Direction. He is a designer working across theatre, film and events.
James has designed set and costumes for stage productions of THINGS I COULD NEVER TELL STEVEN, PETE THE SHEEP, BEACHED, CERTIFIED MALE, SIDE BY SIDE, DAVID CAMPBELL’S – LET’S GO and FAT SWAN, TRUTH, BEAUTY AND A PICTURE OF YOU, SWEENEY TODD, NEW BREED and TURNS – REG LIVERMORE (nominated, 2012 Green Room Award).
James has also designed for many corporate clients including NETFLIX Australia, OPTUS and Socceroos World Cup 2015. He has also done large scale events including 2016 QPAC Snow White Launch the LOVE COOKING FESTIVAL in London as well as JAMIE OLIVER’S live stadium show and RICK STEIN’S show in New Zealand. James also designed the set and costumes for PACHA Sydney at The IVY (nominated, 2014 APDG Award). His most recent role was creative director of BABYLON for AEG Events.
Some of James’ notable work includes VELVET starring Marcia Hines which has had sell-out seasons worldwide, including the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, and the Sydney Opera House, circus show BLANC DE BLANC at the Sydney Opera House, LADIES DAY (Griffin Theatre), a national tour of MR STINK, BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (The Hayes Theatre) CIRQUE STRATOSPHERE (Sydney Opera House) CABARET (Hayes Theatre) LIMBO – UNHINGED, LOVE RIOT (Strut n Fret) DIVING FOR PEARLS (Griffin) GUARDS AT THE TAJ (National Theatre of Parramatta), CRUEL INTENTIONS THE MUSICAL (DVE) and THE SELFISH GIANT for the Victorian Opera.
Recent designs include MIDNIGHT THE MUSICAL (Aspect Entertainment), THE PARTY (Strut & Fret) both sets and costumes for GREASE THE MUSICAL Main Stage national tour in 2024 and THE 39 STEPS tour in 2025.
