WRITER & COMPOSER
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Writing
Hailing from Wrexham, North Wales, Jordan Li-Smith recently made his debut as a writer and composer with The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair, adapted from the novel by Lara Williamson.
Armchair's first public showing was recently seen at Leicester Curve in August 2023, produced by the National Youth Music Theatre, where it was noted that his "vision and ability cements himself as one to watch for future new musicals". This production is currently nominated for 12 BroadwayWorld UK Awards. A preview of Armchair was showcased at BEAM2023 at Oxford Playhouse, the UK’s largest showcase of new musicals.
Two songs from the show have received critical recognition, with "Height Lines" being a finalist for the Stiles and Drewe Best New Song Prize 2023, and "Better Day" being chosen as a winner of The New York Drama League’s Anthems for the Future of Theater. The song was performed by Tony-award-winning star of Broadway’s Kimberly Akimbo, Bonnie Milligan, in Light the Lights! A Drama League Celebration in New York, a benefit in honour of Broadway actor Wayne Brady. Jordan is a proud member of Mercury Musical Developments and is a member of its Advanced Lab II.
Whilst working towards the professional premiere production of Armchair in 2025, Jordan is working on his second musical, entitled 73 Seconds, the development of which is being supported by the new musical theatre department of Birmingham Hippodrome.
