GLYN BAILEY
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Glyn was born and raised in Nottingham, England. He was offered places at the Royal Academy of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama – three of the UK’s top conservatories. Accepting the offer from the Guildhall, he pursued classical studies in Voice, Piano, Music Theory, Opera and Vocal Teaching. He gained the AGSM diploma in Singing Teaching in 1972 after a three-year full-time course at the Guildhall. He also holds an MMus in Songwriting (with distinction) from Bath Spa University in England, and diplomas in singing and composition from the London College of Music, the Victoria College of Music (London) and the National College of Music and Arts (London) - all passed with honours. Glyn also holds the Diploma of Advanced Studies in Music (with upper distinction) from ICMA (Independent Contemporary Music Awards, UK) and he has taken Music Business classes at the Juilliard School of Music in New York and pursued doctoral studies in Creative Arts at the University of Winchester in England.

Glyn’s first professional engagement after leaving college in 1972 was in the Cyril Fletcher production of CINDERELLA at the Cheltenham Everyman theatre – starring the well-known ‘Carry-On’ comedian, Kenneth Connor. This was followed by two seasons with The Mike Yarwood Show; Olde Tyme Musical Hall with such legendary performers as Arthur Askey and Beryl Reid; a summer season with the great Welsh baritone, Ivor Emmanuel; lead roles in pantomimes alongside such stars as Basil Brush and Bert Weedon as well as many other variety and stage productions. He subsequently branched out into cabaret as one half of two vocal duos - namely, BAILEY & THOMAS and then LOVELIGHT.  This was followed by many engagements as a solo act.

Returning to musical theatre, Glyn was cast in the London production of EVITA at the Prince Edward Theatre, working with legendary Broadway director, Hal Prince. During this time, he also played the role of Elphinstone on the concept album of the musical, MUTINY– working with David Essex, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the prolific composer and arranger, John Cameron. Other projects during this period include the pop single LOVE ON ICE written by Glyn and Ross McFarlane and inspired by international skating stars Torvill and Dean. Looking back, these inspirational days helped sow the seeds of Glyn’s future aspirations as a composer and songwriter.

After three years in EVITA, Glyn accepted a six-month contract on a world cruise – thinking this would provide a pleasant but temporary break from musical theatre. In actuality, this turned into a successful 17-year career as a headline act, piano vocal entertainer and cruise director on some of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines – such as Royal Viking,  Seabourn and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (now Regent Seven Seas Cruises). This was followed by shore-side entertainment management positions at Silversea Cruises and Delta Queen Steamboat Company (now American Queen Voyages).

It was while living and performing in New York City (as the headline cabaret artiste for World Yacht) that Glyn founded Cruise Artistes International. CAI is now a leading cruise ship talent agency and production company specializing in entertainment for high-end cruise lines. Please click here for the website of Cruise Artistes International, LLC.

Although Glyn still performs, much of his creative energy is focused on composition and music is flowing from his pen more than ever before. Being able to pursue his true passion later on in life has been a source of great joy and satisfaction. He is a very talented songwriter and instrumental composer who has a real gift for creating an emotional and memorable melody. He is equally at home in popular, classical and cross-over genres.

Glyn is the composer and lyricist of CENSORED, the award-winning musical based on the life of the notorious English novelist and poet, D.H. Lawrence. He is also the show’s co-bookwriter, along with Keith Thomas, Theasa Tuohy and Wesley Payne. CENSORED has been successfully produced seven times to date – five times in the UK and twice in the US. It received its US premiere in 2009 – winning the Marquee Theatre Award for Best New Musical – and in October 2013, the show received its London premiere at The Bridewell Theatre, to huge critical acclaim. In July 2017, a concert version of the musical was presented at two venues in London as part of the 14th International D.H. Lawrence Conference. Please click here for more details about the musical.
 
Glyn is proud to be Composer-in-Residence for Jefferson Performing Arts Society in New Orleans. His musical, HOW TO KILL A DIVA, received its US premiere in May of 2019. Glyn wrote the music and lyrics for this hilarious show and along with collaborators, Wes Payne and Ricki Holmes, he also co-wrote the book.
 
Glyn’s latest musical, EVEREST – MOUNTAIN OF DREAMS, is due to receive its World Premiere in April 2025 at the magnificent Jefferson Performing Arts Center in New Orleans. It tells the heroic story of the English mountaineer George Mallory and his quest to be the first man to step foot on the top of the world. Please click here for more details about the show.

Glyn is a member of British and American Actors Equity, the Dramatists Guild of America and the Songwriters Guild of America. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Independent Society of Musicians, and a member
of PRS for Music.