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". A preview of Armchair was showcased earlier this year at BEAM2023 at Oxford Playhouse, the UK’s largest showcase of new musicals.
Two songs from the show have received critical recognition; ‘Height Lines’ has recently been named a finalist for the Stiles and Drewe Best New Song Prize 2023, with the final to be held later in November, and in 2021, ‘Better Day’ was 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.
