Craig Adams is a British composer, lyricist, and musical director whose work has become a vital part of the modern UK musical theatre landscape. Known for emotionally charged, musically inventive storytelling, Craig brings a rare depth of character and humanity to the stage.
A former Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer at the Finborough Theatre—through a scheme supported by Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network UK—Craig first gained attention with LIFT, developed with Perfect Pitch. The show premiered at Soho Theatre in 2013, earned a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Best Original Score, and transferred Off-Broadway later that year. His follow-up musical, Thérèse Raquin, adapted from the Émile Zola novel, opened to rave reviews at the Finborough Theatre before transferring to the Park Theatre, accompanied by an Original Cast Album released in 2015.
Craig’s work spans a diverse and ambitious body of original musicals and commissions, including: Soul Music for Youth Music Theatre UK - an adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s beloved novel that premiered at the Rose Theatre, Kingston; Defect, ArtsEd in 2015; The Guinea Pig Club, Pinocchio and a lively adaptation of 101 Dalmatians for Castle Theatre Wellingborough, all with Andrew Doyle. Other writing credits also include: Pack & Hindle Wakes, both at the Finborough Theatre, Alice in Wonderland, The Frog Prince, Let Them Have Justice, The Watchers, Ghosts of the Past, Battlement, Ballet People, and Spell.
Alongside his writing, Craig has worked extensively as an arranger and musical director, most notably recording and touring with West End star Kerry Ellis on her self-titled album. His commitment to collaboration and socially conscious storytelling has led to numerous commissions, including Sinking Water, co-written with Daniel York Loh for Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Craig continues to be a leading voice in developing new British musicals. He is currently composing Holding On with writer/director Clare Prenton, based on real stories from Andy’s Man Club, the men's mental health charity; The Town End, a new musical commissioned by IE Productions, with writer LA Whitelock; and Clockwork Christmas, inspired by a Heinrich Böll short story with Anton Mouzykantskii and Daria Askenova.
His work champions connection, community, and compassion—creating musical theatre that moves, challenges, and stays with audiences long after the final note.