“The music was the other star of the show, with orchestrations, direction AND supervision by Kennedy Aitchison. The arrangements of the musical numbers were fantastic and made to sound even better by Richard Brooker, the Sound Designer.”
Music Theatre
Kennedy's involvement in shows at school, and a recording of the original Jesus Christ Superstar (supplied free from Dixons on four-track cassette!) instilled an early interest in Musical Theatre.
In 1986 he composed, arranged and conducted "Knifer', a full length musical with book and lyrics by Steven Moffat (Dr Who, Tin Tin, Sherlock).
An opportunity arose in 1995 to join the national tour of "Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" (Really Useful Theatre Company), which lead to joining the staff of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at London's Lyceum Theatre.
SInce then he has looked after all musical areas from rehearsal/audition pianist through to Musical Supervision, conducting, arranging and orchestrating.
Credits
School Of Rock (New London Theatre/RUG)
Elf! The Musical (Dominion Theatre)
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.)
White Christmas (2013)(Michael Rose Ltd.)
I Dreamed A Dream, The Susan Boyle Musical. (Michael Harrison Entertainment Ltd.)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Ljubljana Festival)
Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert (O2-Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.)
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (UK tour- RUG)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyceum Theatre, London, Colloseum Essen, & UK tours- RUG)
Saturday Night Fever (Palladium- Robert Stigwood/David Ian)
Cats (New London Theatre- Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.)
The Beautiful Game (Cambridge Theatre- RUG)
Sunset Boulevard (UK tour- RUG)
Grease (Jersey Opera House-Ian Stephens)
Little Shop Of Horrors (Jersey Opera House- Ian Stephens)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Palladium, Michael Rose)
Evita (Adelphi- RUG)
White Christmas (Michael Rose)
The Music Of Dirty Dancing
In 2012 Kennedy orchestrated and supervised 'I Dreamed A Dream, the Susan Boyle musical', starring Elaine C. Smith, and produced by Michael Harrison Entertainment Ltd. The hit show was a critical success, earning many four and five star reviews from the quality press.
The show completed a successful sixteen week UK tour, and is due to open in Melbourne in May 2013, transferring to Sydney later in the year.
“Cunning arrangements by Kennedy Aitchison”
“Merging How Great Thou Art with The Prayer (and Scarlet Ribbons) in one of the musical’s most touching moments is a work of genius.”