Our Rehearsal Accompanist

Philip Cornwell

Phil Cornwell studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where he won the Postgraduate Accompanist Award.

Phil moved to Cromer in 2022, following a prolific career as a West End and touring theatre Musical Director. Shows he led in the West End include In The Heights at the Kings Cross Theatre (winner of the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music), The Scottsboro Boys at the Garrick Theatre and (nominated for the same award) and Heathers at the Other Palace. He was also Assistant MD for the 2012 Palace Theatre production of Singin’ In The Rain, which still tours the world to this day. 

Phil’s touring shows include Matilda the Musical (for which he is still Associate Conductor), Come From Away, Cabaret and the European tour of The Lion King.

On film and television, Phil has been piano consultant for Netflix’s Bridgerton and the Fox Searchlight biopic Tolkein, teaching piano to such actors as Phoebe Dynevor, Lily Collins and Adjoa Adoh, as well as working as MD for the Netflix musical Been So Long. 

Now settled in Norfolk, Phil teaches singing and piano at Beeston Hall School and Aylsham High School, while still deputising on keyboards for various West End shows. He is also a founding member and the bass player for renowned folk band Apple Of My Eye.

 Phil is delighted to have been so warmly welcomed by the SCCS.