James read English at Cambridge University before completing an MPhil in American Literature. Recent directing includes La Rondine (Factory 7), Noye’s Fludde (Blackheath Halls), Aida (Epsom Playhouse), The Mikado (Cambridge Arts Theatre), and Semele (Upstairs at the Gatehouse). He has worked on the directing staff at the RNT, ENO, Glyndebourne, and ON, assisting Deborah Warner, Tom Cairns, David Alden, Jonathan Kent, and Tim Albery. In 2012-13 James was the creative director of Opera di Peroni – a unique site-specific performance programme aimed at bringing opera to new audiences. Future directing includes The Little Sweep (Blackheath), Gianni Schicci (Edinburgh), Lo Spedale (Wilton’s).