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.

Through his work, 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)


“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)


“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 & 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)


“Jonny is an extraordinary musician who never fails to bring his A-game. He’s a creative, virtuosic, completely humane collaborator; I think any company can consider themselves blessed to be associated with him.”

– Lloyd Coleman (Composer, Clarinettist & Associate Music Director of Paraorchestra)


“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)