David James founded BOOK, Music and Lyrics (BML) in 2010, creating a unique professional development programme dedicated to nurturing the next generation of British musical theatre writers.

David enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than 50 years in professional theatre across New York, Los Angeles and London. His work encompassed writing, costume design, performance and arts advocacy.

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He worked as Assistant Costume Designer on numerous Broadway productions, including Promises, Promises, the original production of Grease, 70, Girls, 70, Bob Fosse's Dancin' and The Rothschilds. He designed costumes for more than 30 New York productions, including the long-running Off-Broadway production of Vanities, as well as work for Playwrights Horizons, the Joffrey Ballet and Alvin Ailey.

 

An accomplished playwright, David's award-winning work was broadcast by BBC Radio 4, the BBC World Service and the South African Broadcasting Corporation. He also served on the boards of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, where he chaired the Theatre Committee for 11 years, Mercury Musical Developments and United Scenic Artists Local 829. He was a judge for numerous prestigious awards, including the Tony Awards.

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Having spent seven years as a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop in New York, David recognised the importance of structured, collaborative training for musical theatre writers. He brought that vision to the UK with the founding of BML, creating a space where composers, lyricists and librettists could develop their craft, learn from industry professionals and form lasting creative partnerships.

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Under his leadership, BML became an established part of the British musical theatre landscape, supporting hundreds of emerging writers, many of whom have gone on to create award-winning work in the West End, on Broadway and beyond.

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David remained passionate about BML and its participants throughout his life. His belief in the importance of craft, collaboration and community continues to shape the organisation today.

 

David died in October 2026, leaving a remarkable legacy through the work he created, the writers he championed and the organisation he founded.

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