Mike Hamnett, a percussionist for the London production of The Lion King, also conducts and rehearses the dancers for the musical. He got this position by writing a letter to the musical director who had been in the same youth orchestra as him many years ago.

Mike studied contemporary and classical marimba playing, orchestra, drum kit, and Latin percussion at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. It is because of this diverse background that Mike considers himself a well-rounded musician.

In addition to his two years with the London production of the Lion King, Mike recently finished performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in the United States.

Listen to the interview I did with Mike while I was in London.