Jonny Leitch
Bio

Jonny Leitch is a UK based Drummer, Aerialist and Sound Designer, mainly working in Music and Theatre. Working with incredible inclusive companies such as Extraordinary Bodies, Paraorchestra and Graeae Theatre Company. Performing/Recording at Glastonbury Festival, Abbey Road studios & Bristol Old Vic Theatre. He has just finished a critically acclaimed national tour of Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror, in which he performed as an Aerialist and Drummer. He is always looking to create innovative, chaotic ideas that push art forward and incorporate disability in new ways- changing the perspective on disability, and inspiring the next generation of disabled people. From Exploring Wheelchair Aerial rigs in his next circus show Anchored in Air, to doing handstands on drums at Southbank Centre or playing synthesised Barry White hits at Glastonbury festival. As a musician, Jonny’s intention is to create a new world for each show. Experimenting with the relationship between organic and digital sound, via his hybrid kit, love of tv & film sound design and his search for Metamodern sounds.
“Jonny has been a wonderfully satisfying member of Paraorchestra these last few years. His sonic imagination, his musical sensitivity, his accuracy, his thinking-outside-the-box, make him an invaluable member of the group. We are exceptionally lucky to have him”
– Charles Hazlewood (Artistic Director of Paraorchestra)





“Still, theatre memories are made up of set pieces, and the aerial duet of Jonny Leitch and Lee-Kronick towards the end of act one is one of the scenes of the year. The beauty, grace, and technique on display are virtuosic – a beautiful, heart-rending three minutes”
– Kris Hallett (WhatsOnStage)


“Jonny is is an important artist in both the theatre and music ecology…
He is a team player with wit and wisdom. As a director I love working with him and I know musical directors enjoy challenging him and being challenged by him. Jonny has a big career ahead of him”
– Jenny Sealey (Artistic Director of Graeae)
Skills
| Music & Dance: | Drums, Percussion, Contemporary Dance (in-chair & walking on hands) |
|---|---|
| Other Skills: | Composer, Sound Designer, Sound |
| Performance: | Acrobatics, Actor-Musician, Circus Aerial Work, Circus Skills |
| Sports: | Basketball (Wheelchair) |

“Exceptional musicians like Jonny who push the boundaries of music and physicality, bring with them a unique style and creative approach that is unrivalled.”
– Hannah Peel (Composer, Musician & BBC Radio 3 presenter)
Highlights
- 2023
Extraordinary Bodies – Waldos Circus of Magic & Terror
Drummer/Aerialist/Actor (Bristol Old Vic & National tour)
(Theatre/circus)
- 2022 onwards
Paraorchestra – Smoosh
Drummer/Dancer
(Outdoor musical parade)
- 2021
Sky Arts – Reinventing the Orchestra
Percussion/foley artist (Recorded at Abbey Road)
(TV Series)
- 2021 to 2022
Hannah Peel & Paraorchestra- The Unfolding
Hybrid Drummer (no 1 classical album charts 14/04/22)
(Album/Tour)
- 2020 to 2021
Paraorchestra & Sky Arts – Musician in Residency
Drummer/Composer
(Residency)
- 2019 to Present
Dancing on wheels… AND LEGS! with Tilly Lee Kronick
Dancer/Aerialist
(Double Trapeze duet)
- 2019 & 2022
Paraorchestra – The Love Unlimited Synth Orchestra
Hybrid Percussion (Glastonbury Festival & Royal Festival Hall)
(Live Music)
- 2018
Extraordinary Bodies – What am I worth?
Drummer/Actor/Aerialist (Performed at the National Theatre)
(Outdoor Theatre/Circus)
- 2020 & 2022
Delicate podcast
Composer/Sound Designer/Co-host
(Podcast)
- 2019
Circumference – Staged
Sound Designer (Won Best Circus Show at Edinburgh Fringe 2019)
(Circus)
“Circus skills add to the emotional heft. aerial work by Jonny Leitch (Renee) and Tilly Lee-Kronnick is a particular marvel, defying gravity while subtly demonstrating their characters’ deep affection for one another.”
– Sky Light Rain
“Jonny is a strong role model for young disabled people, as both an international aerialist and drummer at the highest standard. Jonny is a rising star and I know he will have a really bright amazing future”
– Claire Hodgeson (Co-Artistic Director of Extraordinary Bodies)